The Diamond Cutter

Note: As an introduction to our analysis on this poem, we recommend our post about Diamond Cutting

A diamond cutter.
Credit: Wikimedia Commons

At a literal level, this poem describes the distinctive features of diamond cutting. In our view, this delicate activity is a metaphor for creation.

Not what the light will do but how he shapes it
And what particular colours it will bear.

This first couplet addresses the fact that creation does not depend on how external elements will act on the final product but on how skilled the creator is in order to give form to the materials.  The pronoun ‘he’ is making reference to the diamond cutter- and therefore to the creator/artist- who makes a special piece out of rough elements.

Diamond Cutting

Before reading the poem "The Diamond Cutter", it is necessary to understand what diamond cutting is.

Diamond cutting consists in changing a rough stone into a polished gem.

                                               

Rough and cut diamond.

Diamonds are one of the hardest minerals, and they are thus very difficult to cut.