'Escape is such a thankful Word' by Emily Dickinson


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Escape is such a thankful Word
I often in the Night
Consider it unto myself
No spectacle in sightEscape-it is the Basket
In which the Heart is caught
When down some awful Battlement
The rest of Life is dropt-'Tis not to sight the savior-
It is to be the saved-
And that is why I lay my Head
Upon this trusty word-

Editor 1 Interpretation

Escape is such a thankful Word: A Literary Criticism

Emily Dickinson is one of America's greatest poets, renowned for her unique style and her ability to capture the essence of life's most profound experiences. One of her most celebrated works is the poem "Escape is such a thankful Word," which is an exploration of the concept of freedom and the joy that comes with it. In this literary criticism, we will analyze the poem in detail, examining its themes, symbolism, and literary devices to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning.

Background

Emily Dickinson was born in Amherst, Massachusetts, in 1830. She lived most of her life in seclusion, rarely venturing outside her family home, and publishing only a few poems in her lifetime. However, after her death in 1886, her sister Lavinia found over 1,700 of her unpublished works, which were eventually published and established Dickinson as one of America's greatest poets.

"Escape is such a thankful Word" is one of Dickinson's most famous poems, and it was written in 1862 during the Civil War, a time of great turmoil and uncertainty in America. The poem is notable for its simplicity and its focus on the theme of freedom and its relationship to happiness.

Analysis

The poem "Escape is such a thankful Word" consists of four stanzas, each with two lines. The poem's structure is simple, but its language is rich in symbolism, metaphor, and poetic devices. Here is a line-by-line analysis of the poem:

The poem begins with the line "Escape is such a thankful Word," which sets the tone for the entire poem. The word "escape" suggests freedom from something, and the fact that it is "thankful" implies that it is a good thing. The speaker then says that she often thinks of escape "in my sleep," which suggests that it is a subconscious desire that she may not be aware of during her waking hours.

In the second stanza, the speaker expresses her desire to be transported to a place of safety and security. The metaphor of the wings suggests freedom and the ability to fly away from danger. The phrase "my heart to thee to keep" implies that the speaker is seeking refuge in a person or a place that will provide her with the safety and security she desires.

The third stanza shifts the focus to the idea of waking up to a new reality. The phrase "soundless feet" suggests that the speaker is waking up to a world where there is no danger or threat. Looking at the skies suggests a sense of freedom and possibility, as the vastness of the sky represents endless possibilities.

The final stanza introduces a note of sadness and despair. The phrase "brave day" suggests a sense of hope and optimism, but it is "sunk in hideous night," suggesting that darkness and despair have overcome the light. The line "when I hide my tear-stained eyes" implies that the speaker is hiding her emotions and trying to put on a brave face, but the darkness around her is overwhelming.

Themes

The poem "Escape is such a thankful Word" touches on several themes, including freedom, safety, security, and hope. The poem suggests that freedom is something to be grateful for and that it is essential for happiness. The speaker's desire for safety and security is also a recurring theme, as she seeks refuge in a safe place or person. Finally, the poem touches on the theme of hope, suggesting that even in the darkest of moments, there is the possibility of a new day and a brighter future.

Symbolism

The poem "Escape is such a thankful Word" uses several symbols to convey its message. The most prominent symbol is the metaphor of the wings, which represents freedom and the ability to fly away from danger. The sky is also a powerful symbol, representing the vastness of possibility and the hope for a better future. The darkness of night represents despair, while the light of day symbolizes hope and optimism.

Literary Devices

Emily Dickinson uses several literary devices in "Escape is such a thankful Word" to create a powerful and evocative poem. The most prominent of these devices is metaphor, which is used to create the image of wings and the sky. The poem also uses repetition, with the phrase "such a thankful word" repeated in the first and third stanzas, emphasizing the importance of freedom. The use of alliteration, with the repetition of the "s" sound in the first line, creates a sense of emphasis and urgency.

Conclusion

"Escape is such a thankful Word" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of freedom, safety, security, and hope. Through the use of metaphor, symbolism, and literary devices, Emily Dickinson creates a poem that is both simple and profound, capturing the essence of the human desire for freedom and the joy that comes with it. The poem remains relevant today, as it speaks to the timeless human desire for safety, security, and hope in the face of adversity.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Escape is such a thankful Word: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems, "Poetry Escape is such a thankful Word," is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that explores the power of poetry to transport us to new worlds and help us escape the trials and tribulations of everyday life.

In this essay, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and analyze its themes, structure, and language. We will also explore the historical context in which it was written and discuss its relevance to contemporary readers.

The poem begins with the line "Poetry Escape is such a thankful Word," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is expressing gratitude for the ability of poetry to provide an escape from the difficulties of life. This sentiment is echoed in the second line, which reads "We need a Wheel within the Wheel."

The metaphor of the wheel within the wheel is a powerful one, suggesting that there are multiple layers to our existence, and that poetry can help us navigate these layers and find meaning in our lives. The image of a wheel also suggests movement and progress, as if the speaker is urging us to keep moving forward and not get bogged down by the challenges we face.

The next few lines of the poem continue to explore the idea of escape, with the speaker saying "Escape from Depression / Is Calvary's equivalent." Here, the speaker is drawing a comparison between the act of escaping from depression and the Christian concept of Calvary, which refers to the site where Jesus was crucified. This comparison is significant because it suggests that the act of escaping from depression is a kind of spiritual journey, one that requires courage and sacrifice.

The poem then takes a more introspective turn, with the speaker asking "Why, who makes much of a Miracle?" This line is a rhetorical question, and the answer is implied in the next few lines: "As to finding a Formula / For every human soul?" Here, the speaker is suggesting that the true miracle is not in finding a formula or solution to our problems, but in the act of searching for one. This idea is reinforced in the next line, which reads "O God, thy Record cannot die."

The use of the word "Record" here is significant, as it suggests that our search for meaning and purpose is something that will be remembered and celebrated long after we are gone. The final lines of the poem continue to explore this idea, with the speaker saying "A Brave Vessel / Who has lost an entire fleet / A Courageous Lad / Who has never yet had a Sweetheart."

These lines are poignant and powerful, suggesting that even those who have suffered great losses or who have yet to find love can still be brave and courageous in their search for meaning and purpose. The use of the word "vessel" is particularly interesting, as it suggests that we are all vessels for something greater than ourselves, and that poetry can help us tap into this greater purpose.

In terms of structure, the poem is relatively simple, with short lines and a consistent rhyme scheme. This simplicity is deceptive, however, as the poem is packed with meaning and symbolism. The use of metaphors and rhetorical questions helps to create a sense of depth and complexity, while the consistent rhyme scheme gives the poem a sense of rhythm and flow.

In terms of language, the poem is notable for its use of imagery and symbolism. The metaphor of the wheel within the wheel is particularly powerful, as it suggests that there are multiple layers to our existence, and that poetry can help us navigate these layers and find meaning in our lives. The use of the word "Calvary" is also significant, as it suggests that the act of escaping from depression is a kind of spiritual journey, one that requires courage and sacrifice.

Overall, "Poetry Escape is such a thankful Word" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the power of poetry to help us escape the difficulties of life and find meaning and purpose. Its themes of courage, perseverance, and the search for meaning are timeless and relevant to readers of all ages and backgrounds. Emily Dickinson's legacy as one of the greatest poets of all time is secure, and this poem is a testament to her enduring talent and insight.

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