'Who is the East?' by Emily Dickinson


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Who is the East?
The Yellow Man
Who may be Purple if He can
That carries in the Sun.Who is the West?
The Purple Man
Who may be Yellow if He can
That lets Him out again.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Who is the East? - An Exploration of Emily Dickinson's Poetry

Emily Dickinson was a prolific American poet, known for her unique style and powerful imagery. In her poem "Who is the East?", Dickinson explores the concept of identity and its relation to the natural world. This poem is a prime example of her talent as a poet and her ability to use language to convey complex emotions and ideas.

Summary of the Poem

"Who is the East?" is a short poem consisting of only four stanzas, each with two lines. The poem begins with the question "Who is the East?" and proceeds to explore the answer to this question through a series of metaphors and images.

The first stanza describes the East as "a ruby on the finger of dawn". This metaphor suggests that the East is a precious jewel, a symbol of beauty and value. The second stanza compares the East to "a bird that soars on high". This metaphor conveys a sense of freedom and movement, suggesting that the East is unencumbered by earthly constraints.

The third stanza compares the East to "the happy bloom that breathes the air of paradise". This metaphor suggests that the East is a source of joy and happiness, a place where life is abundant and thriving. The final stanza concludes the poem with the image of the East as a "veil that hides the brilliant sun". This metaphor suggests that the East is both mysterious and powerful, a force to be reckoned with.

Interpretation of the Poem

At its core, "Who is the East?" is a poem about identity and the search for meaning. The poem uses the East as a metaphor for the self, suggesting that our sense of self is constantly evolving and changing, just as the East changes with the rising and setting of the sun.

The first stanza suggests that our sense of self is precious and valuable, just like a ruby on the finger of dawn. This metaphor suggests that our sense of self is something to be cherished and protected, a source of beauty and wonder in the world.

The second stanza suggests that our sense of self is also free and unencumbered, like a bird that soars on high. This metaphor suggests that our sense of self is not limited by earthly constraints, but rather can transcend the physical world and achieve a sense of spiritual freedom.

The third stanza suggests that our sense of self is also a source of joy and happiness, like a happy bloom that breathes the air of paradise. This metaphor suggests that our sense of self is a source of life and vitality, a place where we can thrive and grow.

The final stanza suggests that our sense of self is both mysterious and powerful, like a veil that hides the brilliant sun. This metaphor suggests that our sense of self is something that is both hidden and revealed, a force that can be both uplifting and overwhelming.

Overall, "Who is the East?" is a powerful exploration of identity and the search for meaning in the world. The poem suggests that our sense of self is constantly evolving and changing, just as the East changes with the rising and setting of the sun. It is a beautiful and thought-provoking work of poetry that continues to inspire readers today.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "Who is the East?" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the concept of identity and its relation to the natural world. Through a series of powerful metaphors and images, Dickinson suggests that our sense of self is constantly evolving and changing, just like the East changes with the rising and setting of the sun. It is a poem that continues to inspire readers today and is a testament to Dickinson's talent as a poet.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Who is the East? A question that has been asked by many, but answered by few. Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned poets of all time, attempts to answer this question in her classic poem "Who is the East?" In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve deep into the poem and explore its meaning, themes, and literary devices.

Firstly, let's take a look at the poem itself:

Who is the East? The Yellow Man? Or is he the Red? Like Us? His own report Who gave for this?

The Saxon Who When he bore his life away A Patriot-sword Gave for his own Hemisphere

In the first stanza, Dickinson poses the question "Who is the East?" and offers two possible answers - the Yellow Man or the Red. The Yellow Man refers to people of Asian descent, while the Red refers to Native Americans. Dickinson then questions who gave this answer, implying that it may not be accurate or fair.

In the second stanza, Dickinson introduces the Saxon, a term used to refer to people of European descent. She mentions that the Saxon gave his life for his own hemisphere, implying that he fought for his own interests rather than for the greater good.

Now that we have a basic understanding of the poem, let's dive deeper into its meaning and themes.

One of the main themes of the poem is the idea of cultural identity and the perception of different races. Dickinson questions the validity of the labels given to different races and suggests that they may not accurately represent who they are. She challenges the notion that one race is superior to another and implies that we should not judge people based on their race or ethnicity.

Another theme of the poem is the idea of patriotism and nationalism. Dickinson suggests that the Saxon fought for his own interests rather than for the greater good, implying that patriotism can sometimes be misguided. She questions the idea of fighting for one's own hemisphere and suggests that we should work towards a more global sense of community.

The poem also contains several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. One of these devices is the use of rhetorical questions. Dickinson poses several questions throughout the poem, challenging the reader to think deeply about the issues she raises. This technique encourages the reader to engage with the poem and consider its themes and ideas.

Another literary device used in the poem is symbolism. The Yellow Man and the Red are both symbolic of different races and cultures, while the Saxon represents European culture and imperialism. By using these symbols, Dickinson is able to explore complex ideas and themes in a concise and powerful way.

The poem also contains a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty. Dickinson does not provide a clear answer to the question "Who is the East?" and instead leaves it open to interpretation. This ambiguity encourages the reader to think deeply about the poem and consider its themes and ideas from different perspectives.

In conclusion, "Who is the East?" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores complex themes of cultural identity, patriotism, and nationalism. Through the use of rhetorical questions, symbolism, and ambiguity, Emily Dickinson challenges the reader to think deeply about these issues and consider them from different perspectives. The poem remains relevant today, as we continue to grapple with issues of race, culture, and identity in our increasingly globalized world.

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