Poem Analysis - Heaven Is What I Cannot Reach

Yearning for the Unattainable

Emily Dickinson's "Heaven Is What I Cannot Reach!" explores the human tendency to desire what is just beyond our grasp. The poem possesses a wistful, almost playful tone initially, but it carries a current of frustration and longing. Dickinson uses tangible images to represent abstract concepts, creating a sense of both the beauty and the torment of unfulfilled desires. The poem doesn't so much define heaven as it does define the human condition of perpetually seeking something more.

Dickinson's World: A Glimpse into Yearning

While a deep dive into Dickinson's biography isn't strictly necessary for understanding this poem, it is helpful to consider her life as a relatively secluded individual. She often observed the world from a distance, which likely contributed to her acute awareness of longing and the allure of the unattainable. This distance arguably amplified her appreciation for even the smallest details of the natural world, which she then uses as potent symbols in her poetry.

The Central Theme: The Allure of the Inaccessible

The primary theme of the poem is undoubtedly the allure of the inaccessible. Dickinson establishes this theme immediately with the opening line. The apple, the color, the land—all are desirable precisely because they are "what I cannot reach." This yearning goes beyond a simple wish; it implies a fundamental aspect of human nature, a drive to pursue what lies just outside our grasp. The poem crafts the notion that unattainability itself heightens the value and desirability of these objects or places.

Paradise and Deception: The Nature of Hope

Dickinson cleverly employs the traditional symbol of Paradise, not as a state of fulfillment, but as a perpetual illusion. "Behind the Hill the House behind / There Paradise is found!" suggests that paradise is always just out of sight, always receding as we approach. Moreover, the mention of the "Conjuror / That spurned us Yesterday!" introduces the element of deception. What seems promising today may prove to be a cruel disappointment tomorrow. This notion adds a layer of cynicism, implying that hope itself can be a "credulous decoy," leading us toward unattainable goals.

Symbols and Interpretations: Teasing Purples and Interdicted Lands

The "teasing Purples Afternoons" acts as a vivid symbol. Purple, often associated with royalty and unattainable luxury, further emphasizes the idea of desire and longing. Furthermore, the word "teasing" hints at a deliberate act of enticement, suggesting that we are being lured toward these unreachable goals. The "interdicted Land" is another potent image, echoing the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. The very act of being forbidden makes the land more desirable, illustrating the human inclination to crave what is denied.

Concluding Thoughts: A Reflection on Human Desire

In conclusion, "Heaven Is What I Cannot Reach!" is a poignant meditation on the nature of human desire and the allure of the unattainable. Dickinson masterfully uses imagery and symbolism to convey the simultaneous beauty and frustration of perpetually seeking something more. The poem suggests that the pursuit of the unreachable may be an inherent part of the human condition, a source of both hope and disappointment. Ultimately, the poem prompts us to consider the role of desire in shaping our experiences and defining our sense of self. Does our humanity intrinsically exist in our never-ending quest to get over "the hill?"