Poem Analysis - Just As He Spoke It From His Hands

A Divine Creation

Emily Dickinson's "Just As He Spoke it From His Hands" is a short but powerful meditation on creation, craftsmanship, and the enduring legacy of the creator. The poem establishes a tone of reverence and awe, initially focusing on the perfection and permanence of the creation. It subtly shifts towards the acknowledgment of potential flaws or alterations, ultimately emphasizing the creator's control and the reflection of their character within the creation. It's a thoughtful consideration of the relationship between artist and artwork, divine power and earthly manifestation.

Creator and Creation: A Reflection of Skill

One of the poem's central themes is the relationship between creator and creation. The opening lines establish a sense of wonder at the permanence of what was "spoke[n]...from His Hands," suggesting a divine act of creation. The "Edifice" represents something grand and lasting. However, the following lines introduce the possibility of imperfection: "A Turret more, a Turret less." This suggests that even within the grand design, there's room for variation or perceived flaws. These elements are not failures, but rather, they exist "According as his skill prefer[s]," underscoring the idea that the final form reflects the creator's deliberate choice and artistic vision.

Endurance and Ephemerality

The poem explores the theme of endurance versus ephemerality. The initial image of the enduring "Edifice" sets up an expectation of permanence. However, the lines "It perish, or endure" introduce the possibility that the creation is not necessarily eternal. This shift highlights the creator's power; the fate of the creation is entirely within their control. This power implies a responsibility, yet also a freedom to allow the work to exist as intended, even if that means it will eventually fade or change.

The Absent Character: A Lasting Impression

Another key theme is the lasting impact of the creator's "character". Even if the creation does not endure physically, the poem asserts that it will "ornament / His absent character." This suggests that the creation serves as a testament to the creator's skill, intentions, and personality, even in their absence. The "Edifice," whether perfect or flawed, permanent or temporary, becomes a symbol of the creator's presence and identity. It speaks volumes about the one who brought it into existence.

Turrets and Edifices: Symbolism of Grand Designs

The poem employs potent imagery. The "Edifice" symbolizes a grand, complex creation, perhaps a building, a system, or even the world itself. The "Turret," a smaller architectural element, represents the details and nuances within that larger creation. The fact that there could be "a Turret more, a Turret less" without dishonoring the design suggests that imperfections or variations are acceptable, or even intentional, within the grand scheme. The edifice may be the world and the turrets may be the people inhabiting the world. This imagery emphasizes the complexity of the creator’s work and the interplay between the overarching design and its constituent parts.

Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, "Just As He Spoke it From His Hands" is a profound reflection on the act of creation and the relationship between the creator and their work. It explores themes of skill, control, endurance, and legacy, all within the concise structure of Dickinson's characteristic style. The poem ultimately suggests that a creation, in its successes and potential flaws, serves as an enduring reflection of the creator's character, leaving a lasting impression even after they are gone. The question the poem leaves for consideration is: what characteristics of the divine can be seen in his creation of humankind?