Poem Analysis - As Watchers Hang Upon The East

Introduction: Hope's Sweet Deception

Emily Dickinson's "As Watchers Hang Upon The East" is a poem about hope, longing, and the tantalizing possibility of fulfillment. The poem initially presents a picture of deprivation and distance, highlighting the contrast between desire and reality. However, it subtly shifts towards a sense of potential transformation, suggesting that what seems unattainable might one day be within reach. The overall tone moves from yearning to a fragile optimism, tinged with the uncertainty of faith.

Yearning and the Promise of Heaven

One central theme in the poem is the longing for something better. The opening lines establish this through the images of "Watchers hang upon the East" and "Beggars revel at a feast / By savory Fancy spread." These images depict individuals yearning for something they lack – the "Watchers" anticipating the sunrise and the "Beggars" imagining a feast they cannot partake in. Dickinson emphasizes the tantalizing yet ultimately frustrating nature of this longing by noting that the beggars' feast is "By savory Fancy spread," highlighting the idea that the pleasure is only in the imagination. Furthermore, the brooks babbling "sweet / On ear too far for the delight" reinforce the theme of unfulfilled desire. The phrase "Heaven beguiles the tired" indicates that religion and hope are like temporary, sweet relief from this pain.

The Transient Nature of Joy

Related to longing, the poem also explores the transient nature of joy and fulfillment. The first stanza depicts a state of deprivation, while the second stanza introduces the possibility of change and gratification. The "Watcher" eventually sees the "East / Opens the lid of Amethyst," and the "Beggar" becomes an "honored Guest," able to quench their "thirsty lips to flagons pressed." However, this transformation is presented as a hypothetical: "Heaven to us, if true." This conditional statement suggests that the fulfillment of these desires is not guaranteed, and the speaker is not fully confident in it. There is always the possibility that fulfillment might be fleeting or illusory.

Imagery of Light, Thirst, and Transformation

The poem uses vivid imagery to convey its themes. The "East" opening its "lid of Amethyst" is a powerful image of dawn, symbolizing hope, new beginnings, and the arrival of enlightenment. This visual suggests a sudden and beautiful transformation. The imagery of "thirsty lips to flagons pressed" evokes a deep physical craving that is finally satisfied. The repeated motif of thirst emphasizes the depth of the need and the relief that comes with fulfillment. Furthermore, the act of "pressing lips to flagons" suggests a sensual and deeply felt experience, implying that the gratification is not merely intellectual or spiritual but also physical and emotional.

Conclusion: Hope Amidst Uncertainty

"As Watchers Hang Upon The East" is a complex exploration of hope and longing, highlighting the distance between desire and reality. While the poem offers a glimpse of potential fulfillment and transformation, it also acknowledges the uncertainty of such promises. The final "if true" leaves the reader with a sense of fragile optimism, suggesting that while hope can sustain us, it should be tempered with a recognition of life's inherent uncertainties. The poem’s enduring power lies in its ability to capture the human experience of yearning and the delicate balance between hope and doubt.