Poem Analysis - Delight Becomes Pictorial

A Glimpse of Elusive Joy

Emily Dickinson's "Delight Becomes Pictorial" is a short but potent exploration of the relationship between joy, pain, and perception. The poem suggests that delight, or happiness, is often enhanced by the presence of pain, paradoxically becoming more beautiful because it is unattainable. The poem begins with a philosophical observation and then shifts to a concrete image of a mountain, illustrating the central idea. The overall tone is contemplative and somewhat melancholic, tinged with a wistful longing for something just out of reach.

The Sweetness of Impossibility

One of the central themes of the poem is the paradox of happiness. Dickinson argues that delight is made "pictorial" – beautiful and vivid – when "viewed through pain." This suggests that suffering, or at least the awareness of suffering, can heighten our appreciation for moments of joy. The line "More fair, because impossible / That any gain" is crucial. It implies that the very unattainability of perfect happiness makes it more desirable and beautiful. Perhaps Dickinson is suggesting that the pursuit of happiness, rather than its actual possession, is where true beauty lies.

Amber Dreams and Illusions

The second stanza introduces a striking image: a mountain seen "at a given distance / In amber lies." The amber imagery is significant. Amber is a golden, translucent substance that often preserves ancient objects, suggesting a sense of timelessness and beauty. The mountain, viewed from afar, seems perfect and idyllic, bathed in this golden light. However, as the speaker approaches, "the amber flits a little,– / And that's the skies!" This suggests that the initial perception was an illusion. The "amber" was not a permanent quality but merely a trick of the light, and the reality is something less tangible and more ordinary – the sky itself. This disillusionment mirrors the idea that perfect happiness is an illusion, a "pictorial" delight that fades upon closer examination.

The Unfolding of Perception

The poem uses the symbol of the mountain to represent an ideal or a goal. When viewed from a distance, it appears perfect, almost otherworldly, shrouded in the "amber" glow. However, as one approaches, this idealized image dissipates. The mountain doesn’t change, but our perception of it does. The amber light vanishes, revealing the ordinary skies. This symbolizes how the pursuit of ideals or dreams often leads to disappointment when reality fails to meet our expectations. The poem suggests that the initial "delight" is a product of distance and imagination, enhanced by the very impossibility of truly possessing it.

A Lasting Impression

In conclusion, "Delight Becomes Pictorial" explores the complex relationship between joy, pain, and perception. Through vivid imagery and insightful observations, Dickinson suggests that true delight is often born from the awareness of pain and the unattainable nature of perfect happiness. The mountain in amber serves as a powerful symbol of idealized beauty that fades upon closer inspection, reminding us that the most profound joys may be those that remain just beyond our grasp. The poem leaves us contemplating the nature of beauty and the bittersweet truth that longing can sometimes be more fulfilling than possession.