Uncovering the Deeper Meaning of Emily Dickinson's 'Ample Make This Bed'
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Hemming-Dickinson Memorizing Marathon
- Uncovering the Meaning of "Ample Make This Bed"
- 3.1 The Context of Sophie's Choice
- 3.2 Teaching the Poem
- 3.3 Analyzing the Words: "Ample" and "This Bed"
- Waiting for Judgment Break: Exploring Implied Metaphors
- 4.1 The Break of Day and Judgment Day
- 4.2 The Implication of "Excellent" in the Poem
- 4.3 Synesthesia and the Union of Senses
- Interpreting "Let No Sunrise Yellow Noise Interrupt This Ground"
- 5.1 The Ground as the Bed
- 5.2 The Bed as a Grave or Burial
- 5.3 The Bed as a Symbol of Life
- Making Your Life Count: The Philosophy Behind the Poem
- 6.1 Making Life with All and Making It Enough
- 6.2 Embracing a Genuine and Authentic Life
- Comparable Thoughts: Mark Twain's Perspective
- 7.1 Mark Twain's Reflections on Rest and Pain
- Conclusion: Finding Joy and Purpose in Quarantine
- Highlights
- FAQs
The Hemming-Dickinson Memorizing Marathon: Unearthing the Deeper Meaning of "Ample Make This Bed" 📚
Introduction
Greetings, dear readers! Welcome to the second day of the Hemming-Dickinson Memorizing Marathon. Today, we embark on a journey to dissect and understand the profound poem, "Ample Make This Bed," penned by the enigmatic Emily Dickinson. As we delve into the depths of this poetic creation, we will unravel the layers of meaning and symbolism hidden within its verses. So, grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let's begin this literary adventure together.
The Hemming-Dickinson Memorizing Marathon
Before we dive headfirst into the exploration of "Ample Make This Bed," let's take a moment to appreciate the uniqueness of this marathon. It is a quarantine-inspired initiative aimed at immersing ourselves in the works of renowned poets. So, lace up your literary shoes and let the marathon begin!
Uncovering the Meaning of "Ample Make This Bed"
3.1 The Context of Sophie's Choice
To understand the significance of "Ample Make This Bed," we must first venture into the context that sparked its creation. This poem caught my eye while reading the novel "Sophie's Choice." Its grim and thought-provoking nature compelled me to teach it in my classes and embark on a collective journey of interpretation and understanding.
3.2 Teaching the Poem
As a teacher, my approach to analyzing poems like "Ample Make This Bed" is to refrain from sharing my own interpretation until the discussions have concluded. I prefer to let my students explore and share their insights, as this allows for diverse perspectives to flourish. Through this process, I often find my initial understanding to be limited and gain fresh insights from the brilliant minds in my classroom.
3.3 Analyzing the Words: "Ample" and "This Bed"
Let's now dissect the poem itself. The words that strike me immediately are "ample" and "this bed." At first glance, "ample" seems innocuous, merely suggesting the task of making a bed in an abundant manner. However, upon deeper reflection, it becomes evident that Emily Dickinson's intention goes beyond a mere chore. She implores us to bring order and completeness to every aspect of our lives, making them "ample enough" to create a genuine and authentic existence.
Waiting for Judgment Break: Exploring Implied Metaphors
4.1 The Break of Day and Judgment Day
Moving forward, let us now explore the profound implications of waiting for "judgment break." This phrase hints at an implied metaphor, associating the break of day with the final Judgment Day. Thus, we find ourselves metaphorically waiting in this bed, contemplating our actions and decisions.
4.2 The Implication of "Excellent" in the Poem
Another word that demands our attention is "excellent." Though its exact meaning remains elusive, Emily Dickinson deliberately chose it for a reason. Perhaps it points towards achieving excellence in our lives, striving for greatness before judgment is passed upon us.
4.3 Synesthesia and the Union of Senses
Emily Dickinson further captivates our imagination by urging us to let "no sunrise yellow noise interrupt this ground." This poetic line introduces us to the concept of synesthesia, where senses intertwine. The color yellow symbolizes brightness, while noise represents disturbances. By unionizing these senses, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining a tranquil and undisturbed state of mind.
Interpreting "Let No Sunrise Yellow Noise Interrupt This Ground"
5.1 The Ground as the Bed
As we continue down the rabbit hole of interpretation, we encounter the word "ground." This term makes its first appearance in the line "Let no sunrise yellow noise interrupt this ground." In this context, the ground refers to the bed, grounding us both physically and metaphorically.
5.2 The Bed as a Grave or Burial
While a literal interpretation of the bed might seem plausible, "Ample Make This Bed" transcends the literal realm. Some may perceive the bed as a grave or burial place, where we await the revelation of our destination after death.
5.3 The Bed as a Symbol of Life
One student ventured a different perspective, proposing that the bed signifies life itself. According to this interpretation, Emily Dickinson implores us to craft a life that is all-encompassing and sufficient. By doing so, we can experience genuine fulfillment, allowing us to rest peacefully when judgment day arrives.
Making Your Life Count: The Philosophy Behind the Poem
6.1 Making Life with All and Making It Enough
Unraveling the true essence of "Ample Make This Bed" leads us to its core philosophy. Emily Dickinson encourages us to dedicate ourselves entirely to the art of making a life, ensuring that it embodies vitality and abundance. By making our lives "ample enough," we create a foundation for genuine contentment and fulfillment.
6.2 Embracing a Genuine and Authentic Life
Through her poetic masterpiece, Emily Dickinson reminds us of the importance of embracing a life that is authentic to ourselves. By making our beds, both metaphorically and literally, with all our efforts and aspirations, we prepare ourselves to face judgment day with confidence and tranquility.
Comparable Thoughts: Mark Twain's Perspective
7.1 Mark Twain's Reflections on Rest and Pain
Mark Twain, a literary luminary, pondered similar thoughts in his work "Letters from the Earth." He questioned why, after enduring so much pain and sorrow, we cannot simply rest. Like Emily Dickinson, he desired to find solace in the notion of finality and respite from the burdens of life.
Conclusion: Finding Joy and Purpose in Quarantine
As we conclude our exploration of "Ample Make This Bed," I hope this journey has provided both solace and inspiration. During these challenging times of quarantine, let us strive to make our lives ample and fulfilling, finding joy in the simplest of pleasures. Remember, dear readers, to seize this opportunity to pursue activities that bring you happiness and make your quarantine a little less dull. Until we meet again, take care and embrace the beauty of life's intricacies.
Highlights
- Examine the profound meaning of "Ample Make This Bed"
- Explore the context of Sophie's Choice and its influence on the poem
- Analyze the metaphors and significance of "judgment break"
- Understand the implication of the word "excellent" in the poem
- Delve into the concept of synesthesia and its role in the poem
- Interpret the bed as a symbol of life, burial, and existence
- Embrace a philosophy of making life ample and authentic
- Discover Mark Twain's reflections on rest and pain
- Find joy and purpose in quarantine by doing what you love
FAQs
Q: What inspired Emily Dickinson to write "Ample Make This Bed"?
A: While reading the novel "Sophie's Choice," Emily Dickinson found inspiration and penned the poem "Ample Make This Bed."
Q: What is the significance of "judgment break" in the poem?
A: "Judgment break" implies waiting for the break of day, which metaphorically represents Judgment Day, prompting reflection and contemplation.
Q: How does synesthesia play a role in the poem?
A: Synesthesia, the merging of senses, is depicted in the line "Let no sunrise yellow noise interrupt this ground," emphasizing the importance of tranquility and undisturbed thoughts.
Q: What does the bed symbolize in the poem?
A: The bed can be interpreted as a metaphor for life itself, urging us to make our lives ample and authentic, ensuring fulfillment and peace when judgment day arrives.
