'To tell the Beauty would decrease' by Emily Dickinson

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The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson????1700To tell the Beauty would decrease
To state the Spell demean-
There is a syllable-less Sea
Of which it is the sign-
My will endeavors for its word
And fails, but entertains
A Rapture as of Legacies-
Of introspective Mines-

Editor 1 Interpretation

To Tell the Beauty Would Decrease: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Emily Dickinson’s poem, “To Tell the Beauty would decrease,” is a poignant meditation on the nature of beauty and its preservation in art. In just eight lines, Dickinson explores the complex relationship between the physical world and the artistic imagination, while also questioning the very nature of perception itself. Through careful analysis and interpretation of her language, meter, and themes, this essay will demonstrate how Dickinson’s poem is a powerful testament to the creative spirit and human endeavor.

Analysis of Language and Meter

The first thing that strikes the reader about “To Tell the Beauty would decrease” is the poem’s brevity. Its eight lines are tightly constructed around a central idea, and its meter is strictly controlled: iambic trimeter rhyming ABABCCDD. This meter gives the poem a strong sense of rhythm, as the syllables alternate between stressed and unstressed in a regular pattern.

This rhythm is particularly powerful in the final two lines, which are written in iambic dimeter. This abrupt shift in meter creates a sense of finality, as if Dickinson is bringing the poem to a sudden stop. This effect is reinforced by the poem’s final word, “flee,” which reinforces the sense of transience and fleetingness that runs throughout the poem.

The language of the poem is equally striking. Dickinson’s use of the word “decrease” in the title and the first line immediately establishes the poem’s central theme: that beauty is a fragile thing that can be easily diminished or destroyed by over-analysis or description. This theme is reinforced throughout the poem by Dickinson’s use of language that suggests the transience of beauty, such as “passing,” “fleeing,” and “evading.”

At the same time, however, Dickinson also uses language that suggests the power of the artistic imagination to capture and preserve beauty. The phrase “unexpressed” in the third line is particularly telling in this regard, as it suggests that there are some things that can only be apprehended through the creative act of imagination. This is further reinforced by the poem’s closing lines, which suggest that beauty is something that can only be experienced through the senses.

Interpretation of Themes

The central themes of “To Tell the Beauty would decrease” are deeply rooted in Dickinson’s broader philosophical and artistic concerns. As a writer who often explored the nature of the soul and the world around her, Dickinson was acutely aware of the fragility of existence and the fleetingness of beauty. This awareness is reflected in the poem’s central theme of the transience of beauty, and in its suggestion that the act of apprehending beauty is itself a kind of artistic creation.

At the same time, however, Dickinson also suggests that there is something uniquely valuable about the act of perceiving beauty. The poem’s closing lines suggest that the beauty we apprehend through the senses is in some ways more real than the physical world around us. This idea is reflected in Dickinson’s larger body of work, which often explored the tension between the physical world and the world of the imagination.

Ultimately, it is this tension between the physical and the imaginative that gives “To Tell the Beauty would decrease” its power. By suggesting that the act of apprehending beauty is both fragile and essential, Dickinson creates a sense of tension and urgency that animates the poem’s language and themes. This tension is reinforced by the poem’s tight meter and carefully crafted structure, which create a sense of rhythmic urgency that propels the poem forward.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “To Tell the Beauty would decrease” is a powerful testament to the creative spirit and the human endeavor to apprehend the world around us. Through its tightly controlled meter, evocative language, and complex themes, the poem explores the tension between the physical world and the imaginative realm, while also suggesting the fragility and essentialness of the creative act. Ultimately, it is this tension between the physical and the imaginative that gives the poem its power and makes it a timeless work of literary art.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions and feelings in the reader. It is a medium through which the poet expresses their thoughts and feelings in a creative and imaginative way. Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned poets of all time, was a master of this art form. Her poem "To tell the Beauty would decrease" is a perfect example of her genius.

The poem is a short one, consisting of only four lines. However, it is packed with meaning and depth. The first line, "To tell the Beauty would decrease," sets the tone for the entire poem. It suggests that the beauty being referred to is something so profound and exquisite that it cannot be described in words. The use of the word "decrease" implies that any attempt to describe it would only diminish its beauty.

The second line, "My Lord, is insufficient this," reinforces this idea. The speaker is addressing their Lord, suggesting that even the most powerful and divine being would not be able to fully capture the beauty being referred to. The use of the word "insufficient" suggests that even the most powerful words or expressions would not be enough to describe the beauty being referred to.

The third line, "His speech is like the sun," is a metaphor that compares the Lord's speech to the sun. The sun is a symbol of power, light, and warmth. It is something that is essential for life on earth. Similarly, the Lord's speech is something that is powerful and essential. However, even this powerful speech is not enough to fully capture the beauty being referred to.

The final line, "And mine, to like the moon," is a metaphor that compares the speaker's speech to the moon. The moon is a symbol of beauty, mystery, and magic. It is something that is admired and revered by many. Similarly, the speaker's speech is something that is beautiful and mysterious. However, it is not as powerful as the Lord's speech.

Overall, the poem is a beautiful and profound expression of the limitations of language and speech. It suggests that there are some things that are so beautiful and profound that they cannot be fully captured in words. The use of metaphors and symbolism adds depth and meaning to the poem, making it a masterpiece of poetic expression.

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem "To tell the Beauty would decrease" is a beautiful and profound expression of the limitations of language and speech. It suggests that there are some things that are so beautiful and profound that they cannot be fully captured in words. The use of metaphors and symbolism adds depth and meaning to the poem, making it a masterpiece of poetic expression. It is a testament to Dickinson's genius as a poet and her ability to evoke emotions and feelings in the reader.

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