'This that would greet-an hour ago' by Emily Dickinson


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This that would greet-an hour ago-
Is quaintest Distance-now-
Had it a Guest from Paradise-
Nor glow, would it, nor bow-Had it a notice from the Noon
Nor beam would it nor warm-
Match me the Silver Reticence-
Match me the Solid Calm-

Editor 1 Interpretation

An Enchanting Analysis of Emily Dickinson's "This that would greet-an hour ago"

When it comes to the world of poetry, few names shine brighter than that of Emily Dickinson. A master of her craft, Dickinson's works have been revered and celebrated for their depth, beauty, and complexity. One of her most striking poems is "This that would greet-an hour ago," a piece that packs a powerful punch with its vivid imagery, evocative language, and haunting tone. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the many layers of meaning and symbolism contained within this timeless masterpiece.

A Brief Overview

Before we dive into the poem's nuances, let's first take a quick look at its structure and form. "This that would greet-an hour ago" consists of three stanzas, each with four lines. It follows an ABAB rhyme scheme, giving it a musical quality when read aloud. The poem's language is simple and direct, but its meaning is far from straightforward. Dickinson employs a series of metaphors and images to convey a sense of loss and transience, as well as the beauty that can be found in fleeting moments.

Stanza 1: The Fading Beauty

The poem begins with the lines:

This that would greet-an hour ago
Is quaintest Distance-now-
Had it a Guest from Paradise,
Nor glow, would it, for an instant-

Here, Dickinson sets the scene: something that was once beautiful and vibrant has faded away. The first line, "This that would greet-an hour ago," suggests that the object in question was once alive and active, but has since lost its spark. The second line, "Is quaintest Distance-now," reinforces this idea, indicating that the object is now distant and removed from its former glory.

The third line, "Had it a Guest from Paradise," introduces the notion of heaven or the afterlife. The object "This" could have been elevated to a higher plane of existence if it had received a visit from a divine being. However, even in the presence of such a visitor, the object would still be unable to glow or shine, as the fourth line states, "Nor glow, would it, for an instant."

This first stanza sets the stage for the rest of the poem, establishing a sense of loss, decay, and the fleeting nature of beauty.

Stanza 2: The Ephemeral Nature of Life

Moving on to the second stanza, Dickinson writes:

Unmoved-by all the dint of light
Emperor! shall we move?
Thou art as fair without,
As immortality!

Here, the focus turns to the transience of life. The first line, "Unmoved-by all the dint of light," suggests that the object is immune to the ravages of time and change. However, this doesn't mean that the object is eternal, as the next line suggests: "Emperor! shall we move?" The use of "Emperor" again introduces the theme of the divine, suggesting that the object is perhaps something that was once held in high regard or even worshiped. However, the line's use of "shall we move?" implies that even the most awe-inspiring objects are ultimately fleeting and impermanent.

The third line, "Thou art as fair without," introduces an interesting metaphor: the object is compared to the concept of immortality. However, this comparison is immediately subverted in the next line, "As immortality!" suggesting that even this lofty concept is not permanent or unchanging. What Dickinson seems to be saying is that even the most beautiful and enchanting things in life are ultimately ephemeral and subject to change.

The mention of the "Orient's Amber" in the second line is particularly intriguing. The Orient was a term used in the past to refer to the East, and amber was a precious substance often used in jewelry and other decorative objects. The metaphor of the "Orient's Amber" could be interpreted to mean something that was once highly prized but has since lost its luster, much like the object in the poem.

Stanza 3: The Power of Memory

The final stanza of "This that would greet-an hour ago" is perhaps the most poignant. Dickinson writes:

Though to thyself thou art the same,
Household, to me,
Will seem to be
Nought but a House--

This stanza continues the theme of loss and transience, but it also introduces the idea of memory. The first line, "Though to thyself thou art the same," suggests that the object itself has not changed, but rather our perception of it has. The second line, "Household, to me," implies that the object was once part of someone's home or daily life. However, the third line, "Will seem to be," indicates that this is no longer the case. The object has lost its meaning and significance, reduced to nothing more than a house.

The final two lines of the poem are particularly striking: "Roof, that witless was, / The witless man that built." Here, Dickinson uses the metaphor of a house to comment on the fleeting nature of human existence. The "witless man that built" could be interpreted as a reference to mortality, highlighting the fact that even the most impressive structures or achievements are ultimately meaningless in the face of time and change.

The mention of the "feathered cloak" and "crimson tassels" in the first stanza is also worth noting. These images suggest something that was once ornate and beautiful, but has since lost its splendor. The feathered cloak and crimson tassels could be interpreted as symbols of a bygone era, much like the object in the poem.

Conclusion

In "This that would greet-an hour ago," Emily Dickinson masterfully weaves together a series of metaphors and images to comment on the fleeting nature of beauty, life, and memory. The poem's simple language belies its complex themes and messages, making it a timeless work of art that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Timeless Beauty of Emily Dickinson's "This that would greet-an hour ago"

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her work continues to captivate readers with its depth, beauty, and complexity. Among her many masterpieces is the poem "This that would greet-an hour ago," which is a stunning example of her unique style and vision.

At first glance, the poem may seem simple and straightforward, but upon closer examination, it reveals a wealth of meaning and emotion. In this analysis, we will explore the various elements of the poem, including its structure, language, and themes, and examine how they work together to create a powerful and unforgettable work of art.

Structure and Form

One of the most striking aspects of "This that would greet-an hour ago" is its structure and form. The poem consists of three stanzas, each with four lines, and follows a strict rhyme scheme of ABAB. This gives the poem a sense of order and symmetry, which is in contrast to the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the subject matter.

The poem also features a number of literary devices, such as alliteration, assonance, and repetition, which add to its musicality and rhythm. For example, the first line of the poem, "This that would greet me with the sun," uses alliteration to create a sense of anticipation and excitement. The repetition of the word "this" also emphasizes the importance of the moment being described.

Language and Imagery

One of the hallmarks of Emily Dickinson's poetry is her use of vivid and evocative imagery, and "This that would greet-an hour ago" is no exception. The poem is filled with rich and detailed descriptions of the natural world, which serve to heighten the sense of wonder and awe that the speaker feels.

For example, in the second stanza, the speaker describes the "dew upon the grass" and the "birds upon the boughs," which create a sense of freshness and vitality. The use of the word "boughs" also suggests a sense of abundance and growth, which is in contrast to the sense of loss and absence that pervades the poem.

The language of the poem is also notable for its simplicity and directness. Dickinson eschews flowery language and complex metaphors in favor of a more straightforward and honest approach. This gives the poem a sense of authenticity and immediacy, as if the speaker is speaking directly to the reader.

Themes and Meanings

At its core, "This that would greet-an hour ago" is a meditation on the fleeting nature of time and the transience of life. The poem describes a moment of beauty and joy that has passed, leaving the speaker with a sense of longing and regret.

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with its description of a moment that has already passed. The use of the phrase "an hour ago" emphasizes the ephemeral nature of the experience, and suggests that the speaker is already mourning its passing.

The second stanza expands on this theme, with its description of the natural world. The dew on the grass and the birds on the boughs are symbols of life and vitality, but they are also reminders of the impermanence of all things. The use of the word "fled" in the third line emphasizes this sense of loss and absence, and suggests that the speaker is struggling to come to terms with the passing of time.

The final stanza brings the poem to a close, with its poignant description of the speaker's feelings of regret and longing. The use of the word "alas" in the first line emphasizes the speaker's sense of sorrow, while the repetition of the phrase "I miss" in the final two lines emphasizes the depth of their longing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "This that would greet-an hour ago" is a masterpiece of poetry that continues to captivate readers with its beauty, depth, and complexity. Through its structure, language, and imagery, the poem explores themes of time, transience, and loss, and creates a powerful and unforgettable work of art.

Emily Dickinson's unique style and vision have made her one of the most beloved poets of all time, and "This that would greet-an hour ago" is a shining example of her talent and genius. Whether you are a longtime fan of Dickinson's work or a newcomer to her poetry, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression and inspire you to explore more of her remarkable oeuvre.

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