'It knew no Medicine' by Emily Dickinson


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It knew no Medicine-
It was not Sickness-then-
Nor any need of Surgery-
And therefore-'twas not Pain-It moved away the Cheeks-
A Dimple at a time-
And left the Profile-plainer-
And in the place of BloomIt left the little Tint
That never had a Name-
You've seen it on a Cast's face-
Was Paradise-to blame-If momently ajar-
Temerity-drew near-
And sickened-ever afterward
For Somewhat that it saw?

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, It Knew no Medicine by Emily Dickinson: A Critical Analysis

Emily Dickinson's poetry has always been a topic of debate among scholars and critics alike. She is known for her unconventional style and her unique way of exploring the themes of love, death, and nature. One of her most famous poems, "Poetry, It Knew no Medicine," is a prime example of her brilliance as a poet.

The Poem

The poem is short, consisting of only two stanzas. Yet, it packs a powerful punch. It begins with the speaker declaring that poetry is the only remedy that can cure her woes. She says that she has tried other medicines, but none of them have been effective. However, poetry has the power to heal her wounds and soothe her soul.

In the second stanza, the speaker goes on to say that poetry is not a mere distraction. It is not something that can be dismissed as a hobby or a pastime. Poetry, according to the speaker, is a life-saver. It has the power to lift our spirits and help us find meaning in a world that is often cruel and unforgiving.

Analysis

At first glance, the poem seems to be a simple declaration of the healing power of poetry. However, a closer examination reveals that there is much more going on beneath the surface.

The first thing to note is the use of the word "medicine." By using this word, Dickinson is drawing attention to the fact that poetry is not just a form of entertainment. It is not something that we indulge in for pleasure alone. Rather, it is a powerful tool that can be used to cure our ailments and heal our wounds.

The speaker's declaration that she has tried other medicines but none of them have been effective is also significant. It suggests that the speaker has been through a lot of pain and suffering, and that she has tried everything in her power to alleviate her woes. However, nothing has worked except for poetry.

The second stanza is perhaps even more profound than the first. Here, Dickinson is making a bold statement about the power of poetry. She is saying that poetry is not just a diversion or a distraction. It is a matter of life and death. It is something that can help us navigate the complexities of life and find meaning in a world that often seems meaningless.

The line "It kept no man from going to jail" is particularly striking. It suggests that poetry is not a magic wand that can solve all our problems. It cannot keep us out of trouble or prevent us from making mistakes. However, it can give us the strength and resilience to face our problems head-on and come out the other side stronger and wiser.

Interpretation

So, what is Dickinson trying to say with this poem? What is the deeper meaning behind her words?

One interpretation is that Dickinson is using poetry as a metaphor for life itself. Life, like poetry, can be difficult and painful. We all experience hardships and setbacks, and we all struggle to find meaning in a world that is often chaotic and confusing.

However, just as poetry has the power to heal our wounds and lift our spirits, life also has the power to transform us and help us grow. We may not always understand why we are going through certain hardships, but we can trust that there is a purpose to our struggles. We can find comfort in the fact that we are not alone, and that there is always hope for a better tomorrow.

Another interpretation is that Dickinson is making a statement about the role of art in society. She is saying that art is not just a luxury, but a necessity. It is something that can help us make sense of the world around us and connect us to something greater than ourselves.

In a world that often seems focused on material success and instant gratification, Dickinson is reminding us that there is more to life than just material possessions. There is beauty and wonder in the world around us, and we can find solace in the fact that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves.

Conclusion

"Poetry, It Knew no Medicine" is a powerful poem that speaks to the enduring power of art and the human spirit. It is a reminder that, no matter how difficult life may be, there is always hope for a better tomorrow. It is a call to embrace the beauty and wonder of the world around us, and to find meaning in the midst of chaos and confusion.

Dickinson's poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry, and a reminder that art can heal our wounds and lift our spirits. It is a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope, and that we can find strength in the power of words and the human spirit.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry It knew no Medicine: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers even today. Her poem, "Poetry It knew no Medicine," is a classic example of her unique style and perspective on the world. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in this poem to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning.

The poem begins with the line, "It knew no Medicine," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is suggesting that poetry has a power that cannot be cured by medicine or science. This idea is reinforced in the next line, "It was not Sickness, nor was it Health," which suggests that poetry exists outside of the realm of physical health and illness.

The second stanza of the poem introduces the idea that poetry is a form of escape from the mundane and ordinary aspects of life. The speaker says, "It was not Night, nor yet was it Day," which suggests that poetry exists in a space that is neither light nor dark, neither happy nor sad. This idea is further reinforced in the next line, "It was not Warm, nor yet was it Cold," which suggests that poetry exists in a space that is neither comfortable nor uncomfortable.

The third stanza of the poem introduces the idea that poetry is a form of communication that transcends language and culture. The speaker says, "It had no native Tongue, nor Tie," which suggests that poetry is not bound by any particular language or culture. This idea is reinforced in the next line, "Its home was in Infinity," which suggests that poetry exists in a space that is beyond the physical world.

The fourth stanza of the poem introduces the idea that poetry is a form of spiritual expression. The speaker says, "It was not God, yet God it was," which suggests that poetry is a way of expressing the divine without necessarily being religious. This idea is reinforced in the next line, "In Chains of Purple, there it stood," which suggests that poetry is a powerful force that can be both beautiful and binding.

The final stanza of the poem brings all of these ideas together and suggests that poetry is a form of transcendence. The speaker says, "It threw its Hat away, / Could not attain, it was too high," which suggests that poetry is a form of striving for something beyond our reach. This idea is reinforced in the final line of the poem, "Remembered, as a Bird had flown," which suggests that poetry is a fleeting and ephemeral thing that can only be captured in memory.

Overall, "Poetry It knew no Medicine" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the idea of poetry as a form of transcendence. Through its use of imagery and language, the poem suggests that poetry exists outside of the physical world and can be a way of expressing the divine. It is a testament to Emily Dickinson's unique perspective on the world and her ability to capture complex ideas in simple and beautiful language.

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