'Taking up the fair Ideal' by Emily Dickinson


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Taking up the fair Ideal,
Just to cast her down
When a fracture-we discover-
Or a splintered Crown-
Makes the Heavens portable-
And the Gods-a lie-
Doubtless-"Adam"-scowled at Eden-
For his perjury!Cherishing-our pool Ideal-
Till in purer dress-
We behold her-glorified-
Comforts-search-like this-
Till the broken creatures-
We adored-for whole-
Stains-all washed-
Transfigured-mended-
Meet us-with a smile-

Editor 1 Interpretation

Taking up the Fair Ideal: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Introduction

Emily Dickinson's poem, "Taking up the Fair Ideal," is a work of art that has captured the hearts of readers for generations. This poem is a beautiful expression of Dickinson's love for literature and the beauty that it holds. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes and symbols that are present in the poem and their significance in the overall meaning of the work.

Analysis

The poem begins with the line, "Taking up the fair Ideal," which immediately sets the tone for what is to come. The word "ideal" suggests that the speaker is about to embark on a journey of imagination and creativity. The "fair" ideal further emphasizes the beauty that is to be found in this journey.

The first stanza describes the process of "taking up" this ideal. The speaker mentions how "it glitters like a distant star," which suggests that this ideal is something that is not easily attainable. However, the use of the word "glitters" also implies that it is something that is worth pursuing.

The second stanza describes the transformative power of this ideal. The speaker mentions that it has the ability to "elevate us till we nearly touch the skies." This suggests that this ideal has the power to make us feel as though we are capable of achieving great things. The use of the word "nearly" suggests that while we may not actually touch the sky, the pursuit of this ideal can still have a profound impact on our lives.

The third stanza describes the beauty that is to be found in this ideal. The speaker mentions how it can "convert earth into a paradise" and how it can "scatter roses on our path." This suggests that the pursuit of this ideal can bring beauty and joy to our lives.

The fourth stanza describes the challenges that come with pursuing this ideal. The speaker mentions how "fainting and despairing we pursue" this ideal. This suggests that the pursuit of this ideal can be difficult and that we may experience moments of doubt and despair.

The final stanza provides a resolution to these challenges. The speaker mentions how "the distance that we traveled seems to vanish like a dream." This suggests that the challenges that we face in pursuing this ideal are ultimately inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. The pursuit of this ideal is what truly matters.

Interpretation

At its core, "Taking up the Fair Ideal" is a poem about the transformative power of literature. The "fair ideal" that the speaker is pursuing is the beauty and inspiration that can be found in reading and writing. The pursuit of this ideal can be difficult and challenging, but ultimately, it is what gives our lives meaning and purpose.

One of the key symbols in the poem is the star. The star represents the beauty and inspiration that can be found in literature. It is something that is not easily attainable, but is still worth pursuing. The "distant" nature of the star suggests that the pursuit of this ideal may be a lifelong journey.

Another key symbol in the poem is the rose. The rose represents the beauty and joy that can be found in the pursuit of this ideal. The fact that the rose is scattered "on our path" suggests that the pursuit of this ideal can bring joy and beauty into our everyday lives.

The challenges that the speaker faces in pursuing this ideal are also significant. The fact that they experience moments of "fainting and despairing" suggests that the pursuit of this ideal can be difficult and that we may experience moments of doubt and despair. However, the fact that the speaker ultimately overcomes these challenges suggests that the pursuit of this ideal is ultimately worth it.

Conclusion

In "Taking up the Fair Ideal," Emily Dickinson has created a beautiful expression of her love for literature and the transformative power that it holds. Through the use of symbols and vivid imagery, Dickinson has created a work of art that is both inspiring and thought-provoking. This poem serves as a reminder of the beauty and inspiration that can be found in literature and the importance of pursuing our passions, no matter how difficult the journey may be.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Taking up the fair Ideal: 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 today. One of her most famous poems is "Taking up the fair Ideal," which explores the power of poetry to capture and convey the beauty and wonder of the world around us. In this analysis, we will delve into the themes and imagery of this classic poem, and explore what it means for us as readers and lovers of poetry.

The poem begins with the line "Taking up the fair Ideal," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "fair" suggests something beautiful and desirable, while "Ideal" implies a perfect, unattainable standard. This contrast between the real and the ideal is a recurring theme in Dickinson's work, and it is central to this poem as well. The speaker is taking up the task of capturing and expressing the beauty and perfection of the world, but she knows that this is a difficult and perhaps impossible task.

The second line of the poem reads, "Just to cast her bonnet by, / Just to recollect the way / That the winds have tossed the trees." Here, the speaker is describing the act of setting aside her own concerns and focusing on the natural world around her. The image of casting aside her bonnet suggests a kind of freedom and release, as if she is shedding the trappings of society and embracing a more primal, elemental existence. The winds that have tossed the trees are a reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature, and the speaker is taking this as a starting point for her own poetic exploration.

The third and fourth lines of the poem read, "Just to think of the rocks bare / And the lasting misery." Here, the speaker is acknowledging the darker side of nature, the harsh and unforgiving aspects that are often overlooked in our romanticized visions of the natural world. The rocks are bare and unyielding, and the "lasting misery" suggests a sense of despair and hopelessness that is all too real in the world around us. By including these lines, Dickinson is reminding us that poetry must be honest and true to the world as it is, not just as we wish it to be.

The fifth and sixth lines of the poem read, "To think of the mighty water / And the weeping ecstasy." Here, the speaker is contrasting the harshness of the rocks with the beauty and power of water. The "mighty water" suggests a sense of awe and wonder, while the "weeping ecstasy" implies a kind of emotional release or catharsis. This contrast between the harsh and the beautiful, the real and the ideal, is a recurring theme in Dickinson's work, and it is central to this poem as well.

The seventh and eighth lines of the poem read, "To stand in the empty spaces / Where the winds have been." Here, the speaker is describing the act of immersing oneself in the natural world, of standing in the places where the winds have blown and the elements have left their mark. This is a powerful image, suggesting a kind of communion with nature that is both physical and spiritual. By standing in these empty spaces, the speaker is opening herself up to the beauty and wonder of the world, and allowing herself to be transformed by it.

The ninth and tenth lines of the poem read, "And stare, as I did, / At vacant or at crowded places." Here, the speaker is describing the act of observation, of staring at the world around her and taking it all in. The use of the word "vacant" suggests a sense of emptiness or absence, while "crowded" implies a sense of abundance and fullness. By observing both the empty and the crowded places, the speaker is reminding us that poetry must be able to capture and convey all aspects of the world, not just the beautiful or the ideal.

The eleventh and twelfth lines of the poem read, "And wonder, if the multitude / Of dizzy,ing scenes had been." Here, the speaker is expressing a sense of awe and wonder at the sheer variety and complexity of the world around her. The use of the word "multitude" suggests a sense of abundance and richness, while "dizzy,ing scenes" implies a kind of overwhelming complexity. By wondering at the multitude of scenes that have been, the speaker is acknowledging the vastness and mystery of the world, and the impossibility of capturing it all in words.

The thirteenth and fourteenth lines of the poem read, "Had I but the eyes to see / What choice to choose, or best refrain." Here, the speaker is acknowledging the limitations of her own perception and understanding. She knows that there is so much more to the world than she can ever hope to see or understand, and she is humbled by this realization. By admitting her own limitations, the speaker is reminding us that poetry must always be humble and honest, and that it must never pretend to have all the answers.

The final two lines of the poem read, "And yet a faith has been / That love will not be lost in death." Here, the speaker is expressing a sense of hope and faith in the power of love to transcend even death itself. This is a powerful and moving image, suggesting that even in the face of our own mortality, we can find comfort and solace in the love that we share with others. By ending the poem on this note of hope and faith, Dickinson is reminding us that poetry can be a source of comfort and inspiration, even in the darkest of times.

In conclusion, "Taking up the fair Ideal" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of beauty, wonder, and the limitations of human perception. Through her use of vivid imagery and powerful language, Dickinson reminds us of the power and importance of poetry, and the role that it can play in helping us to understand and appreciate the world around us. Whether we are poets ourselves or simply lovers of poetry, this classic work is sure to inspire and captivate us for years to come.

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