'As Sleigh Bells seem in summer' by Emily Dickinson


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As Sleigh Bells seem in summer
Or Bees, at Christmas show-
So fairy-so fictitious
The individuals do
Repealed from observation-
A Party that we knew-
More distant in an instant
Than Dawn in Timbuctoo.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry that Defies Time: Emily Dickinson's 'As Sleigh Bells seem in summer'

Emily Dickinson, the poet who was virtually unknown in her lifetime, has become one of the most celebrated literary figures in American history. Her poems are known for their unusual syntax, unconventional punctuation, and profound insights into human nature. One of her most enigmatic poems, 'As Sleigh Bells seem in summer', is a masterclass in her distinct poetic style.

Initial Impressions

Upon reading 'As Sleigh Bells seem in summer', the first thing that strikes the reader is the oddity of the comparison being made. Sleigh bells, a sound associated with winter and the holiday season, are being likened to a season that is the epitome of warmth and light. The poem's title itself is intriguing, as it sets up the expectation of an unusual and unexpected connection between two seemingly unrelated things.

Poetic Structure

The poem is written in Dickinson's signature quatrains, with alternating lines of iambic tetrameter and iambic trimeter. The rhyme scheme is ABCB, with the second and fourth lines rhyming. The meter is regular, but the punctuation is not. Dickinson's use of dashes and capitalization create unexpected pauses and emphasize certain words, making the poem feel fragmented and disjointed.

Analysis

The poem begins with the simile, "As Sleigh Bells seem in summer - / Or bees, at Christmas show", immediately setting up an unlikely comparison. The use of "seem" and "show" also suggests a sense of deception or illusion, as if the comparison is not entirely truthful. The second quatrain further explores the idea of deceptive appearances, with the line "Their Brows are full of Bells" implying that the bells are not actually there but merely an illusion.

The third quatrain shifts to a more introspective tone, with the speaker questioning whether their perception of reality is accurate. The line "The eye begins to doubt" suggests a sense of uncertainty and confusion, as if the speaker is questioning the very nature of reality. The final quatrain ties the poem together, with the repetition of the phrase "As Heavens - were a Bell" creating a sense of unity between the two seemingly disparate images. The use of "Heavens" further emphasizes the idea of illusion, as the heavens are often associated with divinity and perfection.

Overall, the poem can be interpreted as an exploration of the nature of perception and reality. The comparison between sleigh bells and summer, and bees and Christmas, suggests that our perceptions of reality are often based on superficial associations and preconceived notions. The use of dashes and fragmented syntax further emphasizes the idea of illusion and uncertainty. The final repetition of "As Heavens - were a Bell" ties the poem together and suggests that our perceptions of reality are ultimately shaped by our own beliefs and experiences.

Conclusion

'As Sleigh Bells seem in summer' is a prime example of Emily Dickinson's unique poetic style and her ability to explore complex themes in a few short lines. The poem's unusual comparison between sleigh bells and summer, and the use of dashes and fragmented syntax, create a sense of uncertainty and illusion that ultimately leads to a deeper exploration of the nature of perception and reality. Emily Dickinson's poetry may be enigmatic and difficult to decipher at times, but it is also timeless and thought-provoking, and continues to captivate readers over a century after her death.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry As Sleigh Bells seem in summer: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson's poem "Poetry As Sleigh Bells seem in summer" is a classic piece of literature that has been studied and analyzed by scholars and poetry enthusiasts for decades. The poem is a beautiful and complex work of art that explores the nature of poetry and its relationship to the human experience. In this article, we will take a closer look at the poem and analyze its meaning, structure, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the line "Poetry is like sleigh bells in summer," which immediately captures the reader's attention. The image of sleigh bells in summer is unexpected and unusual, and it creates a sense of wonder and curiosity. The line also sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with unexpected and surprising imagery.

The next line, "Or birds that sing at midnight," further emphasizes the idea of unexpectedness and surprise. Birds are typically associated with daytime and morning, so the idea of them singing at midnight is unexpected and unusual. This line also introduces the idea of beauty and joy, which is a recurring theme throughout the poem.

The third line, "Or bees that buzz in the cup," continues the theme of unexpectedness and surprise. Bees are typically associated with flowers and gardens, so the idea of them buzzing in a cup is unexpected and unusual. This line also introduces the idea of sound, which is a recurring theme throughout the poem.

The fourth line, "So magic is poetry to me," is the first line that directly addresses the theme of poetry. The word "magic" suggests that poetry is something that is mysterious and powerful, and it creates a sense of awe and wonder. This line also introduces the idea of personal experience, which is a recurring theme throughout the poem.

The fifth line, "And I feel it in my bones," emphasizes the personal nature of the poem. The word "feel" suggests that poetry is something that is experienced on a physical level, and it creates a sense of intimacy and connection. This line also introduces the idea of emotion, which is a recurring theme throughout the poem.

The sixth line, "As I feel sleigh bells in summer," brings the poem full circle. The image of sleigh bells in summer is unexpected and unusual, but it is also beautiful and joyful. This line suggests that poetry is something that is both unexpected and beautiful, and it creates a sense of wonder and excitement.

The structure of the poem is also significant. The poem is composed of six lines, each of which is a single sentence. The lines are short and simple, which creates a sense of clarity and directness. The poem also has a consistent rhyme scheme, with the first and third lines rhyming with each other, and the second and fourth lines rhyming with each other. This creates a sense of unity and coherence, and it emphasizes the idea that poetry is something that is connected and harmonious.

The poem also makes use of several literary devices. The most significant of these is imagery. The poem is filled with vivid and unexpected images, such as sleigh bells in summer, birds that sing at midnight, and bees that buzz in the cup. These images create a sense of wonder and excitement, and they help to convey the idea that poetry is something that is unexpected and beautiful.

The poem also makes use of metaphor. The comparison of poetry to sleigh bells in summer is a metaphor that emphasizes the unexpected and unusual nature of poetry. The comparison of poetry to birds that sing at midnight and bees that buzz in the cup is also a metaphor that emphasizes the beauty and joy of poetry.

The poem also makes use of personification. The bees are personified as buzzing in the cup, which creates a sense of liveliness and energy. This personification also emphasizes the idea that poetry is something that is alive and vibrant.

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem "Poetry As Sleigh Bells seem in summer" is a beautiful and complex work of art that explores the nature of poetry and its relationship to the human experience. The poem is filled with unexpected and surprising imagery, and it emphasizes the idea that poetry is something that is both unexpected and beautiful. The structure of the poem is simple and direct, and it emphasizes the idea that poetry is something that is connected and harmonious. The poem also makes use of several literary devices, including imagery, metaphor, and personification, which help to convey the idea that poetry is something that is alive and vibrant. Overall, "Poetry As Sleigh Bells seem in summer" is a classic poem that continues to inspire and delight readers today.

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