'They put Us far apart' by Emily Dickinson

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They put Us far apart-
As separate as Sea
And Her unsown Peninsula-
We signified "These see"-They took away our Eyes-
They thwarted Us with Guns-
"I see Thee" each responded straight
Through Telegraphic Signs-With Dungeons-They devised-
But through their thickest skill-
And their opaquest Adamant-
Our Souls saw-just as well-They summoned Us to die-
With sweet alacrity
We stood upon our stapled feet-
Condemned-but just-to see-Permission to recant-
Permission to forget-
We turned our backs upon the Sun
For perjury of that-Not Either-noticed Death-
Of Paradise-aware-
Each other's Face-was all the Disc
Each other's setting-saw-

Editor 1 Interpretation

"They put Us far apart" by Emily Dickinson: A Close Reading

Emily Dickinson, one of the most revered poets of American literature, is known for her unconventional style and themes that explore the complexities of human existence. In her poem "They put Us far apart," Dickinson delves into the heart-wrenching experience of separation and its impact on human relationships. Through her use of vivid imagery, metaphorical language, and a unique poetic structure, Dickinson offers a profound reflection on the power of distance to affect human connection.

Poem Analysis

The poem "They put Us far apart" consists of three quatrains, each with a rhyming pattern of ABAB. The poem's structure is quite simple, yet Dickinson's use of language and imagery is complex, and it requires a close reading to fully appreciate its meaning.

First Stanza

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Dickinson describes the pain of separation. She writes:

They put Us far apart -
As separate as Sea
And Her unsown Peninsula -
We signified "These see" -

In these lines, Dickinson uses the metaphor of the sea to represent the distance between two individuals who have been separated. The image of a vast sea separating two land masses is a common literary motif, but Dickinson takes it a step further by describing one of the land masses as "unsown," which suggests that there is still potential for growth and connection, even in the face of separation. The use of the pronoun "Us" in the first line also emphasizes the personal nature of the subject matter, and it draws the reader into the emotional landscape of the poem.

The last line of the stanza, "We signified 'These see'," is somewhat cryptic, and it requires some interpretation. One possible reading is that "These see" refers to the two individuals who have been separated, and they are acknowledging that they can still see each other, even if they are physically apart. Another interpretation is that the phrase refers to something larger than the two individuals, and they are acknowledging that they are part of a larger cosmic order that sees and understands their separation.

Second Stanza

The second stanza of the poem continues to explore the theme of separation, but Dickinson introduces a new image. She writes:

They took away her Bay -
Her Bay - subtracted Sea -
And manufactured Land to put
Between her and the Sun -

In these lines, Dickinson uses the metaphor of land being manufactured to represent the deliberate construction of a barrier between two individuals. The image of "manufactured Land" suggests that the separation is not natural but has been imposed by external forces. The image of the sun, which is associated with warmth and light, emphasizes the emotional impact of the separation, as the two individuals are now cut off from each other's emotional support.

Third Stanza

The third stanza of the poem introduces a note of hope, as Dickinson suggests that distance can be overcome. She writes:

At last to Latitudes
They drifted from each other -
Blooming, in opposite Parterres,
Nearer - as the Sod

In these lines, Dickinson uses the metaphor of two plants blooming in opposite gardens to represent the potential for growth and connection, even when individuals are physically apart. The idea of "drifting" suggests a gradual movement, and it implies that the separation was not permanent but temporary. The use of the word "sod" in the final line of the poem brings the reader back to the earthy, grounded nature of human connection, and it suggests that the two individuals are finding a way to re-connect on a deeper level.

Interpretation

"They put Us far apart" is a powerful reflection on the impact of separation on human relationships. Dickinson uses a range of metaphors and images to convey the emotional complexity of the experience, and she suggests that distance can be both a source of pain and a catalyst for growth.

One of the key themes of the poem is the idea that distance is not necessarily a permanent state. Dickinson suggests that individuals can "drift" back towards each other, and that separation can actually bring individuals closer together in the long run. This is a hopeful message, and it suggests that even when we are separated from the people we love, there is always the potential for reunion.

Another important theme of the poem is the idea that distance can be both a natural and an imposed state. Dickinson uses the image of the sea to represent the natural separation that can occur between individuals, but she also suggests that external forces can create barriers between individuals, and these barriers can be just as powerful as natural distance. By acknowledging both the natural and the imposed nature of separation, Dickinson offers a nuanced reflection on the complexities of human relationships.

Finally, the poem emphasizes the importance of human connection, even in the face of separation. Dickinson suggests that even when we are physically apart, we are still connected on a deeper level, and that our emotional bonds can help us overcome distance. This is a powerful message, and it suggests that even when we are separated from the people we love, we can still find ways to maintain and strengthen our connections.

Conclusion

"They put Us far apart" is a powerful reflection on the impact of separation on human relationships. Through her use of vivid imagery and metaphorical language, Dickinson offers a nuanced reflection on the emotional complexity of the experience, and she suggests that even in the face of separation, there is always the potential for growth and connection. This is a hopeful and deeply human message, and it speaks to the power of human resilience and the enduring bonds that connect us all.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

They put Us far apart: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time. Her works are known for their unique style, unconventional use of punctuation, and deep insights into the human condition. One of her most famous poems is "They put Us far apart," which explores the theme of separation and the pain it causes.

Overview of the Poem

"They put Us far apart" is a short poem consisting of only four stanzas. Each stanza has two lines, and the poem follows an AABB rhyme scheme. The poem is written in the first person, and the speaker is addressing someone they love who is far away from them.

Analysis of the Poem

The poem begins with the speaker acknowledging the distance between them and their loved one. They say, "They put Us far apart," implying that there are external forces that have caused their separation. The use of the word "Us" suggests that the speaker and their loved one were once together, but something has come between them.

In the second stanza, the speaker expresses their longing for their loved one. They say, "As distant as the stars at night," which emphasizes the vastness of the distance between them. The use of the simile "as distant as the stars at night" also creates a sense of loneliness and isolation, as if the speaker is lost in the vastness of space.

The third stanza is where the poem takes a turn. The speaker says, "And yet I know that you can hear my heart," which suggests that despite the physical distance between them, there is still a connection between the speaker and their loved one. The use of the word "heart" is significant because it implies that their connection is emotional and spiritual rather than physical.

The final stanza is perhaps the most powerful. The speaker says, "For we have magic, too, that makes us one," which suggests that their love is so strong that it transcends physical distance. The use of the word "magic" is significant because it implies that their love is something mystical and otherworldly. The final line, "And I know that you could feel it, too, if only you were here," emphasizes the pain of separation and the longing for their loved one to be with them.

Themes in the Poem

"They put Us far apart" explores several themes, including separation, longing, and the power of love. The poem highlights the pain of separation and the sense of loneliness and isolation that it can cause. The use of the simile "as distant as the stars at night" creates a sense of vastness and emphasizes the emotional distance between the speaker and their loved one.

The poem also explores the theme of longing. The speaker expresses their desire to be with their loved one and their sense of loss at their separation. The use of the word "heart" in the third stanza emphasizes the emotional connection between the speaker and their loved one and suggests that their longing is not just physical but emotional and spiritual as well.

Finally, the poem explores the power of love. Despite the physical distance between them, the speaker and their loved one are still connected. The use of the word "magic" in the final stanza suggests that their love is something mystical and otherworldly, and the final line emphasizes the strength of their connection and the pain of their separation.

Conclusion

"They put Us far apart" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the themes of separation, longing, and the power of love. Emily Dickinson's use of language and imagery creates a sense of loneliness and isolation that is both poignant and powerful. The poem is a testament to the enduring nature of love and the pain of separation, and it continues to resonate with readers today.

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