'Ourselves we do inter with sweet derision' by Emily Dickinson


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Ourselves we do inter with sweet derision.
The channel of the dust who once achieves
Invalidates the balm of that religion
That doubts as fervently as it believes.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Ourselves we do inter with sweet derision: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Work

Emily Dickinson is undoubtedly one of the most beloved American poets of all time. Her unique style and use of language have influenced countless poets over the years, and her poems remain as relevant and thought-provoking today as they did when she first wrote them. One of her most famous poems, "Poetry, Ourselves we do inter with sweet derision," is a perfect example of her ability to capture complex emotions and ideas in a few short lines. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll take a closer look at this poem and explore its deeper meanings.

The Text

Before we dive into the interpretation of the poem, let's take a look at the text itself:

Poetry, ourselves, we do inter with sweet derision. The austere beloved may weep, tenderly, as we put them up nightly in rosemary and valerian.

At first glance, the poem might seem simple and straightforward, with its short lines and lack of punctuation. But as we'll see, there is much more going on here than meets the eye.

The Interpretation

The poem begins with the words "Poetry, ourselves, we do inter with sweet derision." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and establishes the speaker's attitude towards poetry. The word "inter" suggests a burial or entombment, and the phrase "sweet derision" implies a sense of mocking or ridicule. It seems that the speaker is suggesting that we bury poetry with a kind of mocking reverence.

But who is the "ourselves" in this line? Is it Dickinson herself, or is she speaking more broadly about humanity as a whole? It's impossible to say for sure, but given Dickinson's tendency to write in the first person, it seems likely that she is referring to herself and her own relationship with poetry.

The next line, "The austere beloved may weep," introduces a new element to the poem. Who are these "austere beloved," and why might they weep? Again, there are no easy answers here, but we can begin to make some educated guesses. The word "austere" suggests something or someone that is serious, solemn, or severe. The fact that they are described as "beloved" hints at a sense of admiration or reverence, perhaps even worship.

So who might these austere beloved be? One possibility is the great poets of the past, those who have been elevated to the status of literary giants. It's easy to imagine Dickinson feeling a sense of reverence for these poets while simultaneously feeling a sense of detachment or distance from them. After all, they are figures from the past, and Dickinson is writing in the present.

The next line, "tenderly, as we put them up," reinforces the idea that the austere beloved are being buried or entombed in some way. But why? And who is doing the burying? One possibility is that Dickinson is suggesting that we bury the great poets of the past with a kind of mocking reverence, as we saw in the first line. But the use of the word "tenderly" complicates this interpretation. It's possible that Dickinson is suggesting that we bury these poets with a sense of love and respect, even as we mock them.

The final lines of the poem, "nightly in rosemary and valerian," add yet another layer of meaning to the poem. Rosemary and valerian are both herbs that have traditionally been used for their medicinal properties. Rosemary is said to improve memory and concentration, while valerian is a natural sedative. So why might the austere beloved be buried with these herbs?

One possibility is that Dickinson is suggesting that the poets of the past are like medicine for us, helping us to remember our history and inspiring us to create new works of art. At the same time, however, these poets can also be a kind of soporific, lulling us into complacency and preventing us from pushing the boundaries of what is possible in poetry.

The Conclusion

In conclusion, "Poetry, Ourselves we do inter with sweet derision" is a complex and thought-provoking poem that invites multiple interpretations. At its core, the poem seems to be exploring the relationship between the poets of the past and the poets of the present, and it raises important questions about the role of tradition in art. Through her use of language and imagery, Dickinson invites us to think deeply about the nature of poetry and its place in our lives. Whether we read the poem as a celebration of tradition or a critique of it, one thing is clear: Dickinson's work continues to inspire and challenge us today, just as it did over a century ago.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries, and it has always been a way for people to express their emotions and thoughts. Emily Dickinson is one of the most famous poets of all time, and her poem "We do inter with sweet derision" is a classic example of her unique style and perspective.

The poem is only four lines long, but it is packed with meaning and emotion. The first line, "We do inter with sweet derision," sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The word "inter" means to bury or lay to rest, and the phrase "sweet derision" suggests that the speaker is mocking or ridiculing something that is being buried.

The second line, "The wealth amassed abroad," suggests that the thing being buried is something valuable or important. The word "wealth" implies that it is something that has been accumulated or acquired over time, and the phrase "abroad" suggests that it is something that is foreign or unfamiliar.

The third line, "Its littlest atom-bud," is a metaphor for the smallest and most insignificant part of the thing being buried. The word "atom" suggests that it is something tiny and indivisible, and the word "bud" suggests that it is something that has the potential to grow and develop.

The final line, "Or link to life again," suggests that the thing being buried has the potential to be resurrected or revived. The word "link" suggests that it is connected to something else, and the phrase "life again" suggests that it is something that has died or been lost.

Overall, the poem is a meditation on the nature of loss and the possibility of renewal. The speaker is acknowledging the pain of letting go of something valuable or important, but also suggesting that there is hope for the future.

One of the most striking things about the poem is its use of language. Dickinson was known for her unconventional use of punctuation and capitalization, and this poem is no exception. The lack of punctuation at the end of each line creates a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty, and the capitalization of certain words (such as "Its" and "Or") draws attention to their importance.

The poem also uses a number of metaphors and symbols to convey its meaning. The image of something being buried suggests a sense of finality and closure, while the image of an atom-bud suggests the possibility of growth and renewal. The phrase "sweet derision" suggests a sense of irony or sarcasm, while the word "abroad" suggests a sense of distance or separation.

Overall, "We do inter with sweet derision" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of loss, renewal, and the power of language. Dickinson's unique style and perspective make it a classic example of her work, and it continues to resonate with readers today.

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