Poem Analysis - Best Things Dwell Out Of Sight

Introduction: The Elusive Nature of Value

Emily Dickinson's "Best Things Dwell Out Of Sight" is a short, contemplative poem that explores the idea that the most valuable aspects of existence are often hidden or intangible. The poem carries a tone of quiet reverence, celebrating the subtle and unseen over the obvious and public. The mood is initially reflective, then subtly shifts to a questioning stance, inviting the reader to consider the origins and location of true worth.

The Theme of Invisibility and Intrinsic Worth

One of the central themes is the idea that true value lies in what is not immediately apparent. The opening line, "Best Things dwell out of Sight," sets the stage for this exploration. Dickinson then offers examples: "The Pearl the Just Our Thought." A pearl, formed in the darkness of an oyster, represents hidden beauty and value. "The Just" represents moral righteousness, an internal quality, and "Our Thought" represents internal processes. These are all things that exist beyond the surface, suggesting that what is most significant is often concealed from plain view. The poem develops this theme by consistently contrasting the unseen with the seen, implying that the visible world often distracts from the deeper truths.

Privacy and the Pursuit of Authenticity

The poem also grapples with the tension between the private and the public, suggesting that genuine experiences are often undermined by exposure. The lines "Most shun the Public Air / Legitimate, and Rare" imply that the best and most authentic things avoid the public eye. The word "legitimate" suggests that these hidden treasures have a rightful claim to existence, even if they are not widely recognized. By emphasizing the rarity of that which shuns the public, the poem implies that what is common and accessible is less likely to be truly valuable. This theme resonates with Dickinson's own reclusive life and her preference for internal exploration over external validation.

The Mind as a Repository of Hidden Potential

Dickinson uses the image of a "Capsule" to represent both "the Wind" and "the Mind." This symbol evokes the idea of containment and potential. "The Capsule of the Wind" suggests a force that, though invisible, has the power to shape the world. Similarly, "The Capsule of the Mind" suggests the immense, untapped potential that resides within each individual. The final lines, "Exhibit here, as doth a Burr / Germ’s Germ be where?" pose a question about the origins and development of ideas. The Burr, a seed pod that clings and spreads, leads to pondering the inception point or origin of those burrs. This image leads to the implication of thought as something constantly growing and potentially invasive, hidden from immediate observation but powerful in its effect.

Conclusion: Finding Value in the Unseen

In conclusion, "Best Things Dwell Out Of Sight" is a powerful meditation on the nature of value and the importance of looking beyond the surface. Dickinson suggests that true worth is often found in the intangible, the private, and the hidden depths of the mind. The poem challenges readers to reconsider their definition of "best" and to appreciate the often-overlooked treasures that reside beyond the realm of public display. The poem's enduring significance lies in its ability to remind us that what is most valuable is often what is hardest to see and find.