"Paradise is of the option.

"
By Emily Dickinson
[Analysis]
Paradise is of the option. [1]
Whosoever will [2]
Own in Eden notwithstanding [3]
Adam and Repeal. [4]
Poem 1069 [F1125]
"Paradise is of the option"
Analysis by David Preest
[Poem]
One of the two copies of this poem ends a letter (L319) to Thomas Higginson postmarked 9 June 1866. The poem is preceded by the
words, 'The "infinite Beauty" -- of which you speak comes too near to seek. To escape enchantment one must always flee.'
The poem which now follows might be paraphrased:
Despite the fact that the Paradise of Eden was cancelled and repealed for Adam, its infinite Beauty is so always near us that we can at
any moment dwell in Eden in this life by allowing ourselves to be enchanted.'
In line 3 'dwell' is a variant for 'own.' This suggests that 'own' means 'is an owner.'
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