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The Slowest Kiss Makes Too Much Haste: A Comprehensive Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Poetic Exploration of Love and Time

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The Witch: “The slowest kiss makes too much haste.”

by Thomas Middleton

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	204 KB
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Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	116 pages

Emily Dickinson's enigmatic poem "The Slowest Kiss Makes Too Much Haste" presents a profound and evocative exploration of the complexities of love and the passage of time. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the poem, examining its themes, imagery, and unique approach to these universal human experiences.

Themes

Love as a Fleeting Moment

The poem captures the ephemeral nature of love, suggesting that even the most intense moments of passion are destined to fade away. The speaker laments that "The Slowest Kiss Makes Too Much Haste," conveying a sense of urgency and regret over the transient nature of love.

The Conflict between Time and Desire

Dickinson explores the tension between our desire to savor the present and the inexorable march of time. The poem's repetition of the word "haste" emphasizes the swiftness with which time passes, contrasting with the speaker's longing to prolong the experience of love.

Imagery

The Slow Kiss

The central image of the slow kiss conveys the intensity and urgency of the speaker's desire. By juxtaposing "slowest" with "haste," Dickinson suggests a paradoxical longing for both prolonged and accelerated moments of love.

The Sunrise

The sunrise, a symbol of renewal and hope, ironically serves as a reminder of the passing of time. It marks the end of the night, which is often associated with intimacy and passion, and signals the approach of the relentless day.

Poetic Devices

Meter and Rhyme

The poem employs an irregular meter, alternating between lines of four and three beats. This creates a sense of urgency and disquiet, mirroring the speaker's conflicting emotions.

Alliteration and Internal Rhyme

Dickinson uses alliteration and internal rhyme throughout the poem, such as "slowest kiss" and "haste makes waste." These devices enhance the musicality of the poem and draw attention to its central themes.

Symbolism

The Swift Doe

The swift doe, a symbol of grace and freedom, represents the elusive nature of love. Its "wildness" evokes the untamed and unpredictable aspects of human desire.

Stars as "Cherubs"

The stars, often associated with eternity and transcendence, are personified as "cherubs" in the poem. They witness the speaker's struggle with time and offer a glimpse of a higher realm beyond the constraints of mortal existence.

Interpretation

Ultimately, "The Slowest Kiss Makes Too Much Haste" is a meditation on the paradoxical nature of love and the human experience. It suggests that while we may yearn to hold onto moments of passion and fulfillment, time relentlessly moves forward. The poem encourages us to embrace the fleeting nature of love while also acknowledging the bittersweet reality that it cannot be controlled or fully captured.

Significance within Dickinson's Body of Work

This poem represents a significant contribution to Dickinson's exploration of love and time. It complements other works such as "My Life Closed Twice Before Its Close" and "Because I Could Not Stop for Death," which similarly examine the themes of mortality, desire, and the search for meaning in the face of time's passing.

Emily Dickinson's "The Slowest Kiss Makes Too Much Haste" is a timeless and poignant exploration of love and time. Through its evocative imagery, paradoxical language, and profound themes, the poem captures the human yearning for connection and the bittersweet truth that even the most cherished moments are fleeting. Dickinson's unique voice and perspective make this poem an enduring contribution to the literary canon and a testament to the enduring power of poetry to explore the complexities of the human condition.

The Witch: “The slowest kiss makes too much haste.”

by Thomas Middleton

5 out of 5