'Will there really be a "Morning"?' by Emily Dickinson


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Will there really be a "Morning"?
Is there such a thing as "Day"?
Could I see it from the mountains
If I were as tall as they?Has it feet like Water lilies?
Has it feathers like a Bird?
Is it brought from famous countries
Of which I have never heard?Oh some Scholar! Oh some Sailor!
Oh some Wise Men from the skies!
Please to tell a little Pilgrim
Where the place called "Morning" lies!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Will there really be a "Morning"? by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated American poets, wrote a lot about death, immortality, and the afterlife. "Will there really be a 'Morning'?" is one of her most haunting and enigmatic poems, exploring the theme of uncertainty and doubt about the existence of an afterlife, and the possibility of eternal bliss. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will closely examine the poem's structure, language, imagery, and themes, and try to unravel its hidden meanings and implications.

Structure and Form

"Will there really be a 'Morning'?" is a short poem consisting of two stanzas, each with four lines, and a simple and repetitive rhyme scheme (ABCB). The poem is written in Dickinson's characteristic style, using dashes, capital letters, and unconventional punctuation, to create a sense of fragmentation, ambiguity, and mystery. The poem's title is also enclosed in quotation marks, suggesting a rhetorical or ironic tone, and inviting the reader to question the truthfulness of the question itself.

The poem's brevity and simplicity belies its profundity and complexity, as it raises fundamental questions about human existence, mortality, and spirituality. The poem's form reflects its content, as the repetition of the question in the first and last lines of each stanza suggests a cyclical and never-ending search for meaning and certainty. The poem's syntax is also elliptical, with many words and phrases left out or implied, creating a sense of ambiguity and multiple interpretations.

Language and Imagery

Dickinson's language in "Will there really be a 'Morning'?" is spare and plain, yet highly suggestive and evocative. The poem is full of paradoxes, oxymorons, and contrasts, which highlight the tension between hope and doubt, faith and reason, and life and death. The poem's opening line, "Will there really be a 'Morning'?" is a rhetorical question that implies the speaker's doubt and disbelief about the possibility of a new day, a new beginning, or a new life after death. The word "really" suggests a skeptical or ironic tone, and the use of quotation marks around "Morning" creates a sense of uncertainty and ambiguity.

The second line of the stanza, "Is there such a thing as 'Day'?" reinforces the speaker's skepticism, and questions the very notion of time and space. The absence of an article before "Day" suggests that it is not a concrete or tangible object, but rather a mere concept or abstraction. The third line of the stanza, "Could I see it from the mountains", adds a visual and spatial dimension to the poem, as the speaker imagines a vantage point from which to observe the elusive "Morning" and "Day". The use of the conditional "could" and the first-person pronoun "I" suggests that the speaker is not certain of her own perspective or vision.

The final line of the stanza, "If I were as tall as they," introduces a metaphorical and symbolic element to the poem, as the speaker compares herself to the mountains, which are a traditional symbol of transcendence, permanence, and majesty. The use of the conditional "If" and the subjunctive mood "were" suggest that the speaker's wish to be as tall as the mountains is unlikely or impossible, and that her quest for knowledge and understanding may be futile or absurd.

The second stanza of the poem repeats the same structure and questions as the first stanza, but with some variations in language and imagery. The opening line, "Has it feet like Water-lilies?" introduces a new metaphorical and sensory image, as the speaker compares the "Morning" to a water-lily, which is a traditional symbol of purity, beauty, and transience. The metaphor suggests that the "Morning" is something fragile, ethereal, and fleeting, and that its existence may be dependent on natural and organic forces.

The second line of the stanza, "Has it feathers like a Bird?" continues the metaphorical and sensory imagery, as the speaker now compares the "Morning" to a bird, which is a traditional symbol of freedom, creativity, and spirituality. The use of the conditional "Has" and the question mark suggest that the speaker is not sure of the "Morning's" qualities or attributes, and that her imagination may be limited or flawed.

The third line of the stanza, "Is it brought from famous countries," introduces a new element of mystery and exoticism to the poem, as the speaker wonders about the origin and source of the "Morning". The use of the adjective "famous" suggests that the speaker is aware of the diversity and richness of the world, and that the "Morning" may be a universal or cosmopolitan phenomenon.

The final line of the stanza, "Of which I have never heard?" returns to the speaker's sense of ignorance and uncertainty, as she admits her lack of knowledge or experience of the "Morning". The repetition of the word "never" and the use of the personal pronoun "I" suggest that the speaker is isolated and alienated from the world, and that her quest for meaning and truth may be futile or hopeless.

Themes and Interpretations

"Will there really be a 'Morning'?" is a poem that resonates with many themes and interpretations, depending on the reader's perspective, background, and values. Some of the prominent themes and interpretations of the poem are:

Doubt and Skepticism

One of the most evident themes of the poem is doubt and skepticism, as the speaker questions the existence and nature of the "Morning" and the "Day". The poem suggests that the human mind is limited and fallible, and that our search for knowledge and understanding may be hindered by doubt and uncertainty. The poem also suggests that some mysteries and enigmas may be unsolvable or elusive, and that we may have to accept our ignorance and limitations.

Mortality and Immortality

Another theme of the poem is mortality and immortality, as the speaker wonders about the possibility of an afterlife or eternal life. The poem suggests that death may be a final and irreversible end, and that the hope for an afterlife or eternal bliss may be illusory or wishful thinking. The poem also suggests that the fear of death may be a universal and existential anxiety, and that our search for meaning and purpose may be driven by our awareness of our mortality.

Nature and Transcendence

A third theme of the poem is nature and transcendence, as the speaker uses natural and organic imagery to describe the "Morning". The poem suggests that nature may be a source of beauty, wonder, and inspiration, and that our connection to nature may offer us a glimpse of transcendence and eternity. The poem also suggests that nature may be a reflection of the divine or spiritual, and that our search for truth and meaning may be guided by our sense of awe and reverence for the natural world.

Irony and Paradox

A final theme of the poem is irony and paradox, as the speaker's questions and doubts are expressed through rhetorical and ironic language. The poem suggests that our search for certainty and truth may be undermined by our own language and consciousness, and that the very act of questioning and doubting may be paradoxical and self-defeating. The poem also suggests that irony and paradox may be a form of resistance or subversion, and that our search for meaning and truth may require us to challenge our own assumptions and prejudices.

Conclusion

"Will there really be a 'Morning'?" is a poem that challenges us to question our own beliefs and assumptions about life, death, and the afterlife. The poem's structure, language, imagery, and themes combine to create a haunting and enigmatic vision of human existence, and to suggest that our search for meaning and truth may be endless and uncertain. The poem is a testament to Dickinson's genius and originality, and to her ability to capture the complexity and mystery of the human condition.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Will there really be a "Morning"? This is the question that Emily Dickinson poses in her classic poem. The poem is a reflection on the nature of life and death, and the possibility of an afterlife. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and imagery of the poem, and examine the ways in which Dickinson uses language to convey her ideas.

The poem begins with a simple question: "Will there really be a 'Morning'?" This question is immediately followed by a series of images that suggest the possibility of an afterlife. Dickinson writes, "Is there such a thing as 'Day'? / Could I see it from the mountains / If I were as tall as they?" These lines suggest that there may be a world beyond our own, a world that we cannot see from our limited perspective.

The poem then takes a darker turn, as Dickinson reflects on the inevitability of death. She writes, "Has it feet like Water lilies? / Has it feathers like a Bird? / Is it brought from famous countries / Of which I have never heard?" These lines suggest that death is a mysterious and unknowable force, something that we cannot fully understand or comprehend.

Despite this darkness, however, the poem ends on a note of hope. Dickinson writes, "Oh some Scholar! Oh some Sailor! / Oh some Wise Men from the skies! / Please to tell a little Pilgrim / Where the place called 'Morning' lies!" These lines suggest that there may be those who have knowledge of the afterlife, those who can guide us to the place called "Morning."

One of the most striking features of this poem is its use of imagery. Dickinson uses a series of metaphors and similes to convey her ideas about life, death, and the afterlife. For example, she compares death to a bird with feathers, suggesting that it is a light and graceful force. She also compares it to water lilies, which have feet that are rooted in the earth but also float on the water's surface. This image suggests that death is both a part of the natural world and something that transcends it.

Another important image in the poem is that of the mountains. Dickinson writes, "Could I see it from the mountains / If I were as tall as they?" This image suggests that the afterlife is something that can only be seen from a great distance, something that is beyond our immediate grasp. The mountains also suggest a sense of awe and reverence, as if the afterlife is something that is both beautiful and terrifying.

The language of the poem is also worth examining. Dickinson's use of capitalization, for example, is significant. She capitalizes words like "Morning," "Day," and "Wise Men," suggesting that these are important concepts that deserve our attention and respect. She also uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and momentum. The repetition of the phrase "Will there really be a 'Morning'?" creates a sense of urgency and longing, as if the speaker is desperate to know the answer to this question.

In addition to its imagery and language, the poem is also notable for its themes. One of the central themes of the poem is the idea of the afterlife. Dickinson is grappling with the question of what happens after we die, and whether there is a world beyond our own. She is also exploring the idea of faith, and the role that it plays in our understanding of the afterlife. The poem suggests that faith is something that can guide us towards the truth, even if that truth is ultimately unknowable.

Another important theme in the poem is the idea of mortality. Dickinson is reflecting on the fact that we are all going to die, and that death is a natural and inevitable part of life. She is also exploring the idea of impermanence, and the fact that everything in the world is constantly changing and evolving. The poem suggests that we should embrace this impermanence, and live our lives to the fullest while we can.

In conclusion, "Will there really be a 'Morning'?" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores some of the most fundamental questions of human existence. Through its use of imagery, language, and themes, the poem invites us to reflect on the nature of life, death, and the afterlife. It is a poem that speaks to the deepest parts of our souls, and reminds us of the beauty and mystery of the world around us.

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