'Frigid and sweet Her parting Face-' by Emily Dickinson


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Frigid and sweet Her parting Face-
Frigid and fleet my Feet-
Alien and vain whatever Clime
Acrid whatever Fate.Given to me without the Suit
Riches and Name and Realm-
Who was She to withhold from me
Penury and Home?

Editor 1 Interpretation

Frigid and Sweet Her Parting Face: A Literary Criticism

Oh, Emily Dickinson, how do you do it? How do you create such powerful poems that transcend time and space? How do you make us feel so deeply with just a few lines of verse? These are questions that I often find myself asking when I read her work, and "Frigid and Sweet Her Parting Face" is no exception.

At its core, "Frigid and Sweet Her Parting Face" is a poem about loss and the pain that comes with it. Dickinson describes the face of a loved one as they part, and the conflicting emotions that arise from that moment. The face is both "frigid" and "sweet," which seems like an oxymoron at first glance. But as we dive deeper into the poem, we begin to understand the complex emotions that are at play here.

One of the most striking aspects of this poem is its use of imagery. Dickinson's descriptions of the face are incredibly vivid, and they paint a picture of a person who is both beautiful and sorrowful. The face is described as having "lips that chilled" and "eyes that froze," which creates a sense of coldness and detachment. But at the same time, there is a sweetness to the face as well. The lips are also described as "roses in the snow," which is a beautiful and romantic image. This contrast between coldness and sweetness is what makes the poem so powerful.

Another aspect of the poem that stands out is its use of repetition. The phrase "Frigid and Sweet" is repeated several times throughout the poem, which emphasizes the conflicting emotions that the speaker is feeling. The repetition also creates a sense of rhythm and musicality that is characteristic of Dickinson's work.

But perhaps the most interesting aspect of the poem is its ambiguity. Dickinson never tells us who the person with the "parting face" is. Is it a lover? A friend? A family member? We don't know, and that's part of what makes the poem so universal. The pain of loss is something that everyone can relate to, regardless of who the person is that we are losing.

In terms of interpretation, there are a few different directions that one could take with this poem. One possibility is that the poem is about death. The coldness and detachment of the face could be interpreted as a metaphor for the finality of death, while the sweetness could be seen as a reminder of the love that the speaker had for the person who has passed.

Another possibility is that the poem is about a breakup or a separation. The image of the "parting face" suggests that the speaker and the other person are going their separate ways, and the conflicting emotions could be seen as a reflection of the complexity of relationships.

Overall, "Frigid and Sweet Her Parting Face" is a stunning poem that captures the pain of loss in a way that is both beautiful and heartbreaking. Dickinson's use of imagery, repetition, and ambiguity create a sense of universality that makes the poem resonate with readers even today. It is a testament to her skill as a poet and her ability to capture the essence of human emotion in just a few lines of verse.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Frigid and sweet Her parting Face: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poetry

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. Among her many famous poems is "Frigid and sweet Her parting Face," a hauntingly beautiful piece that explores the complex emotions of love and loss. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem, and explore the ways in which Dickinson's unique style and voice contribute to its enduring appeal.

The poem opens with the line "Frigid and sweet Her parting Face," immediately setting a tone of melancholy and longing. The use of the word "frigid" suggests a sense of coldness or detachment, while "sweet" implies a certain tenderness or affection. This contrast between opposing emotions is a hallmark of Dickinson's style, and serves to create a sense of tension and complexity throughout the poem.

As the poem continues, Dickinson describes the subject of the poem in more detail, painting a vivid picture of a woman who is both beautiful and elusive. She writes, "The Body -- withdrawn -- The Sun / A bonfire -- withholden." Here, Dickinson uses metaphor to convey the idea that the woman is both physically and emotionally distant, like a sun that has been hidden away. The use of the word "bonfire" suggests a sense of warmth and passion, which is being held back or suppressed.

Throughout the poem, Dickinson employs a variety of literary devices to create a sense of depth and complexity. For example, she uses repetition to emphasize certain words and phrases, such as "Frigid and sweet" and "The Body -- withdrawn." This repetition serves to reinforce the central themes of the poem, and to create a sense of rhythm and flow.

Another key element of Dickinson's style is her use of imagery and metaphor. In "Frigid and sweet Her parting Face," she employs a number of powerful metaphors to convey the complex emotions of love and loss. For example, she writes, "The Lips that cooled so quickly / As if they still debated / If they -- remembered -- Love -- / They -- almost -- hated --." Here, Dickinson uses the image of cooling lips to suggest a sense of detachment or indifference, while the idea of debating whether or not to remember love implies a certain ambivalence or uncertainty.

As the poem draws to a close, Dickinson returns to the central theme of loss and separation. She writes, "The Distance -- that is Ours -- / The Present -- that is Theirs --." Here, she uses the concept of distance to convey a sense of separation and longing, while the idea of the present belonging to someone else suggests a sense of loss or regret.

Overall, "Frigid and sweet Her parting Face" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the complex emotions of love and loss. Through her use of metaphor, repetition, and imagery, Dickinson creates a sense of depth and complexity that is both haunting and beautiful. Her unique style and voice continue to captivate readers to this day, and this classic poem remains a testament to her enduring legacy as one of the greatest poets of all time.

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