'Safe Despair it is that raves-' by Emily Dickinson


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Safe Despair it is that raves-
Agony is frugal.
Puts itself severe away
For its own perusal.Garrisoned no Soul can be
In the Front of Trouble-
Love is one, not aggregate-
Nor is Dying double-

Editor 1 Interpretation

Safe Despair it is that raves - A Literary Criticism

Have you ever read a poem that left you with a sense of despair, yet at the same time, made you feel safe? If not, then you should read "Safe Despair it is that raves" by Emily Dickinson. It is a poem that speaks to the human condition of hopelessness and despair, while also acknowledging the comfort that can be found in accepting it.

Background

Emily Dickinson was a prolific poet who lived in the 19th century. She was known for her unique style of writing, which included the use of slant rhyme, unconventional punctuation, and capitalization. Her poetry often dealt with themes of death, nature, and spirituality. Dickinson's work was not widely recognized during her lifetime, but after her death, her poems were discovered and published, and she became one of the most celebrated poets in American literature.

"Safe Despair it is that raves" was written in the 1860s, during a time when Dickinson was grappling with her own sense of despair. The poem was likely written as a means of processing her emotions and finding solace in the idea that despair can also be comforting.

Literary Analysis

The poem is written in three stanzas, each four lines long. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a sense of structure and balance. However, the use of slant rhyme (such as "me" and "mortality" in the first stanza) creates a sense of dissonance that reflects the speaker's conflicted emotions.

The poem begins with the line "Safe Despair it is that raves," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is acknowledging that despair can be a source of comfort, even though it may also be overwhelming.

The second line, "Agony is frugal," is an interesting choice of words. The use of "frugal" suggests that agony is regulated or contained in some way, as if it is being rationed. This could be interpreted as the speaker's way of acknowledging that despair can be managed or controlled, even though it may feel all-consuming.

The third line, "Pain is profuse and proud," is a contrast to the previous line. While agony is frugal, pain is abundant and unapologetic. This line reinforces the idea that despair can be overwhelming, but it also acknowledges the power that pain can have over us.

The final line of the first stanza, "Let us respect the squirrel," is a curious statement. It seems to be a non-sequitur, but upon closer examination, it can be interpreted as the speaker's way of acknowledging the resilience of nature. The squirrel is a symbol of survival, and by respecting it, the speaker is perhaps suggesting that we should also respect our own ability to endure in the face of despair.

The second stanza continues with the theme of despair and its role in our lives. The line "Baffled, our savior be," suggests that even those who seek salvation may still be overwhelmed by despair. This line speaks to the universal nature of despair, and the idea that it can affect anyone, regardless of their beliefs or values.

The third line, "Light houses in the sea," is a metaphor that suggests that even in the darkest of times, there are beacons of hope that can guide us. The use of the sea as a setting reinforces the idea that despair can be all-consuming, but even in the midst of it, there are still sources of light.

The final line of the second stanza, "Sanctuary proves the se," is a play on words that reinforces the idea that accepting despair can be a source of comfort. The use of "se" instead of "see" suggests that by accepting despair, we can find sanctuary within ourselves.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, with the repetition of the first line. The line "Safe Despair it is that raves," is followed by the line "Unto the perfect ear." This suggests that even in the midst of despair, there is still a sense of order and purpose, and that our emotions are not meaningless.

The third line, "Decorates, ordains -- possibly --," is an ambiguous statement that leaves the poem open to interpretation. It suggests that even though despair may seem chaotic and meaningless, there may still be beauty and meaning to be found in it.

The final line of the poem, "Feels 'tis tempest we shall do," is a statement that suggests that even though we may be overwhelmed by despair, we still have the power to weather the storm. This line reinforces the idea that despair can be a source of strength, and that by accepting it, we can find the courage to face whatever challenges come our way.

Conclusion

"Safe Despair it is that raves" is a poem that speaks to the human condition of despair and hopelessness. It acknowledges the overwhelming nature of these emotions, but also suggests that by accepting them, we can find comfort and even strength. The use of metaphor and slant rhyme creates a sense of dissonance that reflects the speaker's conflicted emotions, while the repetition of the first line in the final stanza brings the poem full circle. Dickinson's unique style of writing and her ability to capture complex emotions in simple language make this poem a timeless classic that still resonates with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Safe Despair it is that raves - Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, has left behind a legacy of thought-provoking and emotionally charged poetry. Her works have been studied and analyzed by scholars and enthusiasts alike, and continue to inspire and move readers to this day. One of her most famous poems, "Safe Despair it is that raves," is a prime example of her unique style and ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful language.

The poem begins with the line "Safe Despair it is that raves," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "safe" suggests a sense of comfort or security, while "despair" implies a feeling of hopelessness or sadness. The use of the word "raves" adds a sense of urgency or intensity to the poem, as if the speaker is trying to convey a message that is both urgent and important.

As the poem continues, the speaker goes on to describe the nature of this "safe despair." They say that it is a feeling that "sings the storm away," suggesting that it is a way of coping with difficult or tumultuous emotions. The use of the word "sings" is particularly interesting, as it implies that the speaker is not simply enduring their despair, but actively engaging with it in a creative or artistic way.

The next line of the poem reads, "We tell a hallowed truth." This suggests that the speaker sees their experience of despair as something sacred or holy, perhaps even a form of spiritual enlightenment. The use of the word "hallowed" adds a sense of reverence or respect to the speaker's words, as if they are speaking from a place of deep wisdom or insight.

The final lines of the poem read, "Within the circuit of this plodding life, / An eddy in the river's flow." This metaphorical language suggests that the speaker sees their experience of despair as a temporary interruption in the otherwise predictable and mundane course of life. The use of the word "eddy" implies a sense of movement or change, as if the speaker is suggesting that their experience of despair has the power to disrupt the status quo and bring about something new or different.

Overall, "Safe Despair it is that raves" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that speaks to the human experience of despair and the ways in which we cope with difficult emotions. Through her use of metaphorical language and simple yet powerful imagery, Emily Dickinson is able to convey a sense of urgency and intensity that is both moving and inspiring. Whether you are a longtime fan of Dickinson's work or a newcomer to her poetry, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression and inspire further reflection on the nature of human emotion and experience.

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