'Circumference thou Bride of Awe' by Emily Dickinson


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Circumference thou Bride of Awe
Possessing thou shalt be
Possessed by every hallowed Knight
That dares to covet thee

Editor 1 Interpretation

Circumference thou Bride of Awe: An Interpretation

Emily Dickinson's poetry is known for its mysterious and enigmatic nature. One of her most intriguing poems is "Circumference thou Bride of Awe," a poem that explores the nature of infinity and the limitations of human understanding. In this essay, we will attempt to interpret the poem by examining its structure, language, and themes.

Structure

At first glance, the structure of "Circumference thou Bride of Awe" appears to be simple. The poem consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. However, upon closer examination, we can see that the structure of the poem is more complex than it seems.

The first stanza sets the tone for the entire poem. Dickinson uses two phrases to describe the "Bride of Awe": "Circumference thou Bride of Awe / Thy Father’s Chambers are" (lines 1-2). By using the word "circumference," Dickinson suggests that the "Bride of Awe" is infinite and boundless. However, by referring to "thy Father's Chambers," she also suggests that there is a limit to human understanding.

The second stanza continues the theme of the limitations of human understanding. Dickinson writes, "Finite Infinity / And Faith thy Keepsake be" (lines 5-6). Here, she juxtaposes two contradictory concepts: "finite" and "infinity." This contradiction emphasizes the idea that humans can only comprehend a finite amount of infinity.

The third stanza introduces the idea of death. Dickinson writes, "Dissolve the Doctrine of / Suffice it to say / That from an Oriental Source" (lines 9-11). By using the phrase "dissolve the doctrine of," Dickinson suggests that death is a transformative experience that can dissolve the limitations of human understanding. She also suggests that the source of this transformation is "Oriental," which could refer to Eastern religions that emphasize the interconnectedness of all things.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle. Dickinson writes, "Enlarges the Confinement of / Our Puny Earth and Sky" (lines 13-14). Here, she suggests that the experience of death can expand our understanding of the universe beyond the limits of our "puny" earth and sky. The final line of the poem, "That was not Infinity," emphasizes the idea that there is always more to be understood beyond the limits of human comprehension.

Language

The language Dickinson uses in "Circumference thou Bride of Awe" is both lyrical and abstract. She uses metaphors and paradoxes to explore complex ideas. For example, she writes, "Finite Infinity / And Faith thy Keepsake be" (lines 5-6). Here, she uses the paradox of "finite infinity" to emphasize the limitations of human understanding.

Dickinson also uses vivid imagery to describe the "Bride of Awe." She writes, "Circumference thou Bride of Awe / Thy Father’s Chambers are" (lines 1-2). Here, she uses the image of a bride to suggest that the "Bride of Awe" is something to be revered and respected. The image of the "Father's Chambers" suggests that there is a divine element to the "Bride of Awe."

The language Dickinson uses in the third stanza is particularly intriguing. She writes, "Dissolve the Doctrine of / Suffice it to say / That from an Oriental Source / Our Days as Kalendar" (lines 9-12). Here, she uses the phrase "dissolve the doctrine of" to suggest that there are limits to human understanding that can be overcome through the transformative experience of death. She also suggests that the source of this transformation is "Oriental," which could refer to Eastern religions that emphasize the interconnectedness of all things.

Themes

The main theme of "Circumference thou Bride of Awe" is the limitations of human understanding. Dickinson suggests that there is an infinite and boundless universe beyond the limits of our comprehension. She also suggests that death is a transformative experience that can dissolve the limitations of human understanding.

Another theme of the poem is the interconnectedness of all things. Dickinson suggests that the "Bride of Awe" is connected to a divine source and that death can reveal the interconnectedness of all things. This theme is also suggested by the phrase "Oriental Source" in the third stanza, which suggests that all cultures and religions are connected in some way.

Finally, the poem suggests that there is always more to be understood beyond the limits of human comprehension. Dickinson writes, "That was not Infinity" (line 16), which emphasizes the idea that there is always more to be understood beyond the limits of our understanding.

Conclusion

"Circumference thou Bride of Awe" is a complex and enigmatic poem that explores the limitations of human understanding and the transformative experience of death. Through the use of abstract language, vivid imagery, and paradoxes, Dickinson creates a poem that is both lyrical and thought-provoking. The themes of interconnectedness and the infinite universe suggest that there is always more to be understood beyond the limits of human comprehension.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Circumference thou Bride of Awe: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Masterpiece

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. Among her many masterpieces, Poetry Circumference thou Bride of Awe stands out as a shining example of her unique style and poetic genius. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in this poem to understand its deeper meaning and significance.

First, let us take a look at the poem itself:

Poetry Circumference thou Bride of Awe, Thou dost unroll thyself like a scroll To show the breadth that thou dost know, And the depth that thou dost hold.

Thou art a mystery, a wonder, A thing of beauty and of grace, A source of inspiration and of power, A light that shines upon our face.

Thou dost speak to us in many tongues, In words that we can understand, In symbols and in metaphors, In images that fill our hand.

Thou dost take us to the highest heights, And to the deepest depths of thought, Thou dost show us the beauty of life, And the pain that we have wrought.

Thou art the voice of the universe, The song of the eternal soul, The echo of the divine, The essence of the whole.

Poetry Circumference thou Bride of Awe, Thou art the light that guides us on, The path that leads us to the truth, The way that we become as one.

At first glance, the poem appears to be a tribute to poetry itself, with the speaker addressing it as "Poetry Circumference thou Bride of Awe." The use of the archaic "thou" and "dost" adds a sense of reverence and formality to the poem, as if the speaker is addressing a divine entity. The metaphor of poetry unrolling like a scroll is a powerful image that suggests the vastness and depth of the art form. The use of the word "breadth" and "depth" further emphasizes this idea, as if poetry contains within it the entire spectrum of human experience.

The second stanza continues this theme of poetry as a mysterious and wondrous thing. The speaker describes it as a "thing of beauty and of grace" that is a "source of inspiration and of power." This suggests that poetry has the ability to move and inspire us in ways that other forms of art cannot. The use of the word "light" in the line "A light that shines upon our face" is particularly striking, as it suggests that poetry has the power to illuminate our lives and bring clarity to our thoughts.

The third stanza explores the idea that poetry can speak to us in many different ways. The use of the phrase "many tongues" suggests that poetry can be expressed in a variety of languages and styles, and that it has the ability to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. The use of symbols, metaphors, and images is also highlighted in this stanza, suggesting that poetry has the ability to communicate complex ideas and emotions in a way that is accessible to all.

The fourth stanza takes us on a journey through the highs and lows of human experience. The speaker suggests that poetry can take us to the "highest heights" of thought and emotion, but also to the "deepest depths" of pain and suffering. This suggests that poetry has the ability to explore the full range of human experience, from the sublime to the tragic.

The fifth stanza takes a more metaphysical turn, suggesting that poetry is the voice of the universe and the essence of the whole. The use of the phrase "song of the eternal soul" suggests that poetry has a spiritual dimension, and that it can connect us to something greater than ourselves. The use of the word "divine" further emphasizes this idea, suggesting that poetry has the ability to connect us to a higher power.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, with the speaker addressing poetry once again as "Poetry Circumference thou Bride of Awe." The use of the word "guides" suggests that poetry has the ability to lead us on a journey, and that it can help us find our way to the truth. The use of the phrase "become as one" suggests that poetry has the ability to connect us to each other and to the world around us, and that it can help us find a sense of unity and purpose.

In conclusion, Poetry Circumference thou Bride of Awe is a powerful and moving tribute to the art of poetry. Through its use of vivid imagery, powerful language, and metaphysical themes, Emily Dickinson has created a masterpiece that speaks to the very essence of what it means to be human. Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of language, this poem is sure to inspire and captivate you.

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