'One Crucifixion is recorded-only' by Emily Dickinson
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One Crucifixion is recorded-only-
How many be
Is not affirmed of Mathematics-
Or History-One Calvary-exhibited to Stranger-
As many be
As persons-or Peninsulas-
Gethsemane-Is but a Province-in the Being's Centre-
Judea-
For Journey-or Crusade's Achieving-
Too near-Our Lord-indeed-made Compound Witness-
And yet-
There's newer-nearer Crucifixion
Than That-
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Power of Suffering in Emily Dickinson's "One Crucifixion is recorded-only"
Emily Dickinson's poem "One Crucifixion is recorded-only" is a testament to the power of suffering. Through her vivid imagery and biblical allusions, Dickinson highlights the importance of recognizing and empathizing with the pain and suffering experienced by others. In this essay, I will delve into the various themes and literary techniques used by Dickinson in this poem, ultimately arguing that "One Crucifixion is recorded-only" is a powerful meditation on the nature of pain and suffering.
Overview of the Poem
Before diving into the themes and literary techniques used by Dickinson in "One Crucifixion is recorded-only," it is important to first provide a brief overview of the poem. The poem consists of three stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABCB, with the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyming. The poem begins with the lines:
One Crucifixion is recorded - only -
How many be
Is not affirmed of Mathematics -
Or History -
From these opening lines, it is clear that Dickinson is grappling with the idea of suffering, specifically the suffering of Christ during his crucifixion. The poem continues with various biblical allusions and metaphors, ultimately concluding with the lines:
But how many be
Alive today
Whom We - would judge -
Suffered the like - but - have died -
These final lines are particularly powerful, as they suggest that while the suffering of Christ may be recorded for posterity, countless other individuals have suffered in similar ways throughout history, without their stories being told. This idea is central to the poem's message and highlights the importance of recognizing and empathizing with the pain and suffering of others.
The Power of Biblical Allusions
One of the most striking aspects of "One Crucifixion is recorded-only" is the numerous biblical allusions and metaphors used by Dickinson throughout the poem. From the opening lines, Dickinson makes it clear that she is drawing on the story of Christ's crucifixion, stating that "One Crucifixion is recorded - only." This reference sets the tone for the rest of the poem and establishes a framework for understanding the various other biblical allusions that Dickinson employs.
Perhaps the most powerful of these allusions is the comparison between Christ on the cross and individuals who have suffered in similar ways throughout history. Dickinson writes:
There's a certain Slant of light,
Winter Afternoons -
That oppresses, like the Heft
Of Cathedral Tunes -
Here, Dickinson draws on the imagery of winter afternoons and the "Slant of light" to suggest the weight and oppression of suffering. This image is then compared to the "Heft / Of Cathedral Tunes," which conjures the image of the solemn, mournful music played during religious services. This comparison serves to reinforce the idea that suffering is a deeply spiritual experience, one that is tied to the religious and biblical narratives that have shaped our understanding of pain and sacrifice.
The Importance of Empathy
Another central theme of "One Crucifixion is recorded-only" is the importance of empathy. Throughout the poem, Dickinson makes it clear that she believes in the power of recognizing and understanding the pain and suffering of others. This is most evident in the final stanza, where Dickinson asks:
But how many be
Alive today
Whom We - would judge -
Suffered the like - but - have died -
Here, Dickinson is asking readers to consider the countless individuals throughout history who have suffered in similar ways to Christ, but whose stories have been lost to time. By posing this question, Dickinson is urging readers to imagine the pain and suffering of these forgotten individuals, and to recognize the ways in which their experiences are similar to our own.
This emphasis on empathy is particularly important in the context of the poem's biblical allusions. By drawing on the story of Christ's crucifixion, Dickinson is highlighting the ways in which religious narratives can help us understand and empathize with the pain of others. However, she is also making it clear that this empathy must extend beyond the biblical stories we are familiar with, and that we must work to recognize and understand the suffering of those whose stories have been forgotten.
The Power of Dickinson's Imagery
Another notable aspect of "One Crucifixion is recorded-only" is the power of Dickinson's imagery. Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses vivid and evocative language to convey the weight and oppression of suffering. For example, in the second stanza, she writes:
When it comes, the Landscape listens -
Shadows - hold their breath -
When it goes, 'tis like the Distance
On the look of Death -
Here, Dickinson is using the imagery of the natural world to suggest the weight and impact of suffering. The "Landscape listens," implying that even nature itself is affected by the weight of pain and sorrow. Similarly, the use of the phrase "the look of Death" creates a sense of finality and inevitability, suggesting that suffering is a force that cannot be escaped or avoided.
Ultimately, it is Dickinson's deft use of imagery that allows her to convey the emotional weight and impact of suffering in such a powerful way. Whether she is drawing on biblical allusions or creating her own metaphors, Dickinson's language is always evocative and emotionally resonant, allowing readers to connect with the themes and ideas at the heart of the poem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem "One Crucifixion is recorded-only" is a powerful meditation on the nature of pain and suffering. Through her use of biblical allusions, metaphors, and vivid imagery, Dickinson highlights the importance of recognizing and empathizing with the pain and suffering experienced by others. She makes it clear that suffering is a deeply spiritual experience, one that is tied to the religious and biblical narratives that have shaped our understanding of pain and sacrifice. At the same time, she urges readers to extend their empathy beyond these familiar narratives, and to recognize the suffering of those whose stories have been lost to time. Ultimately, "One Crucifixion is recorded-only" is a testament to the power of suffering, and a call to action for all of us to recognize and empathize with the pain and suffering of others.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Emily Dickinson’s poem, “One Crucifixion is recorded-only,” is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that delves into the themes of death, suffering, and redemption. In this 14-line poem, Dickinson explores the idea that there is only one true crucifixion, and that all other forms of suffering pale in comparison.
The poem begins with the line, “One Crucifixion is recorded-only,” which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Dickinson is making a bold statement right from the start, asserting that there is only one true crucifixion that matters. This line also serves to draw the reader in, as they are left wondering what this one crucifixion could be.
The next few lines of the poem describe the crucifixion in more detail, with Dickinson writing, “How many be/Alive through centuries/The Crucifixion to recall.” Here, she is highlighting the fact that the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is a well-known and widely remembered event, with countless people throughout history having heard the story and reflected on its significance.
However, Dickinson then goes on to suggest that all other forms of suffering are insignificant in comparison to this one event. She writes, “This is the only one/For whom no second Agony/Forgets the first, --that Women and Men/Who every forgets/For His, remembered more.” In other words, the suffering of Jesus on the cross was so profound and significant that it eclipses all other forms of suffering. No other person has experienced such a level of pain and sacrifice, and therefore no other suffering can compare.
The final lines of the poem drive this point home even further, with Dickinson writing, “Grieve --smilingly --to see/That other Denial/Of the Two/That only One is true.” Here, she is suggesting that those who grieve over their own suffering or the suffering of others are doing so in vain, as it pales in comparison to the suffering of Jesus. She is also highlighting the fact that there are many other religions and belief systems that have their own stories of suffering and sacrifice, but none of them can compare to the crucifixion of Jesus.
Overall, “One Crucifixion is recorded-only” is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of suffering, sacrifice, and redemption. Dickinson’s bold assertion that there is only one true crucifixion may be controversial, but it is also deeply meaningful and thought-provoking. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to explore complex ideas and emotions, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.
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