'It knew no lapse, nor Diminuation' by Emily Dickinson


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It knew no lapse, nor Diminuation-
But large-serene-
Burned on-until through Dissolution-
It failed from Men-I could not deem these Planetary forces
Annulled-
But suffered an Exchange of Territory-
Or World-

Editor 1 Interpretation

It Knew No Lapse, nor Diminuation: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Oh, Emily Dickinson! How do we even begin to describe the magic of her poetry? Her words, so wise and so poignant, have the power to take us on a journey through the depths of our own souls. And among her many works, "It knew no lapse, nor Diminuation" stands out as a true gem.

At first glance, this poem may seem simple enough. It consists of four quatrains, each with an ABAB rhyme scheme, and there are no stanzas or noticeable breaks in the flow of the words. But as we delve deeper into the meaning of the poem, we realize that there is so much more going on beneath the surface.

The Themes of Time and Eternity

One of the most striking aspects of this poem is its focus on time and eternity. Dickinson begins by describing a "Reverie" that "took its rise" in her mind, and then goes on to say that this reverie "Knew no lapse, nor Diminuation". In other words, it was not subject to the passing of time or the gradual wearing away of its power.

But what exactly is this reverie, and why is it so important? Dickinson gives us a hint in the second stanza, where she writes that "We dreamed it would be Beauty" but that "when the Dream / Departed, we awoke". Here, the reverie seems to represent a beautiful vision or ideal that the speaker and others had dreamed of, but which ultimately proved to be fleeting and illusory.

The poem then takes a surprising turn in the third stanza, where Dickinson introduces the figure of "Eternity". She writes that "But if it be in mortal / The vision to be shown / That was projected from within / The veil of the unknown", implying that the beauty and perfection that the speaker and others had dreamed of may in fact be a glimpse of something eternal and transcendent.

This idea is further developed in the final stanza, where Dickinson writes that "the Vision / Was not the fairest now / That to our faith be visible / Presented every day". Here, the speaker seems to be suggesting that the beauty and perfection that we long for may not be something that can be found in a fleeting dream or reverie, but rather something that is always present in the world around us, if only we have the faith to see it.

The Power of Imagination

Another key theme of the poem is the power of imagination. Dickinson writes that the reverie "took its rise / In timid morn of mind", suggesting that it was a product of the speaker's own imagination or creative impulse. And yet, this imagination is not something to be dismissed or trivialized; rather, it is a powerful force that can bring us into contact with eternal truths and ideals.

This idea is reinforced by the use of poetic language throughout the poem. Dickinson's words are carefully chosen and arranged to create a sense of beauty and wonder, inviting the reader to share in the speaker's reverie and to glimpse the transcendent reality that lies just beyond the veil of the known.

The Role of Faith

Finally, the poem touches on the role of faith in our lives. Dickinson writes that the vision of beauty and perfection that the speaker and others dreamed of "was projected from within / The veil of the unknown", suggesting that it is through faith and belief that we are able to catch glimpses of something greater than ourselves.

This idea is echoed in the final stanza, where Dickinson writes that "to our faith be visible / Presented every day". Here, the speaker seems to be urging us to open our eyes and see the beauty and perfection that surrounds us, even in the midst of the mundane and ordinary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "It knew no lapse, nor Diminuation" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores themes of time, eternity, imagination, and faith. Through her careful use of language and imagery, Emily Dickinson invites us to join her in a reverie that transcends the limitations of time and mortality, and to glimpse the eternal truths and ideals that lie just beyond the veil of the known.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her poem "It knew no lapse, nor Diminuation" is a prime example of her unique style and ability to capture the essence of life in just a few words. In this poem, Dickinson explores the concept of time and how it affects our lives, using vivid imagery and powerful language to convey her message.

The poem begins with the line "It knew no lapse, nor Diminuation," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Dickinson is referring to time here, and she is suggesting that it is a force that is constant and unchanging. This idea is reinforced in the next line, where she writes "But large serene, burn on," implying that time is a powerful force that will continue to exist regardless of what happens in the world around it.

As the poem progresses, Dickinson uses a series of metaphors to further explore the concept of time. She compares it to a river, writing "As River unto Sea," which suggests that time is a natural force that flows inexorably towards its ultimate destination. She also compares it to a flame, writing "As Flame unto the Sun," which implies that time is a source of energy and light that is essential to life.

One of the most striking aspects of this poem is the way in which Dickinson uses language to create vivid images in the reader's mind. For example, she writes "The Sun subsiding on the Hills," which conjures up a beautiful image of a sunset over a mountain range. She also writes "The Stars to their remote address," which suggests that time is a force that is intimately connected to the natural world around us.

Another key theme in this poem is the idea of mortality. Dickinson writes "The Day consummate revealed," which implies that time is a force that is constantly reminding us of our own mortality. She also writes "The Night consummate too," which suggests that even in death, time continues to exist and exert its influence on the world around us.

Overall, "It knew no lapse, nor Diminuation" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores some of the most fundamental aspects of human existence. Through her use of vivid imagery and powerful language, Emily Dickinson is able to convey a complex message about the nature of time and its impact on our lives. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply interested in exploring the deeper questions of life, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

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