'I measure every Grief I meet' by Emily Dickinson
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I measure every Grief I meet
With narrow, probing, Eyes—
I wonder if It weighs like Mine—
Or has an Easier size.
I wonder if They bore it long—
Or did it just begin—
I could not tell the Date of Mine—
It feels so old a pain—
I wonder if it hurts to live—
And if They have to try—
And whether—could They choose between—
It would not be—to die—
I note that Some—gone patient long—
At length, renew their smile—
An imitation of a Light
That has so little Oil—
I wonder if when Years have piled—
Some Thousands—on the Harm—
That hurt them early—such a lapse
Could give them any Balm—
Or would they go on aching still
Through Centuries of Nerve—
Enlightened to a larger Pain—
In Contrast with the Love—
The Grieved—are many—I am told—
There is the various Cause—
Death—is but one—and comes but once—
And only nails the eyes—
There's Grief of Want—and Grief of Cold—
A sort they call "Despair"—
There's Banishment from native Eyes—
In sight of Native Air—
And though I may not guess the kind—
Correctly—yet to me
A piercing Comfort it affords
In passing Calvary—
To note the fashions—of the Cross—
And how they're mostly worn—
Still fascinated to presume
That Some—are like My Own—
Editor 1 Interpretation
I Measure Every Grief I Meet: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Emily Dickinson's "I Measure Every Grief I Meet" is a classic poem that explores the nature of grief, sorrow, and pain. This poem is a powerful statement on the human experience of loss and the different ways people cope with it. The poem's structure and use of literary devices create a powerful and emotional impact on the reader. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will analyze the poem's themes, symbols, and literary techniques to understand its deeper meanings.
Background
Emily Dickinson is one of the most renowned poets of the 19th century. She lived a reclusive life and published only a few of her poems during her lifetime. After her death, her sister discovered a collection of over 1,700 poems written by Dickinson, which were published posthumously. Dickinson's work is known for its unique style and unconventional themes.
"I Measure Every Grief I Meet" was written in the mid-19th century during a time when death was a common occurrence due to disease and war. The poem's themes of grief and loss were relevant to the time and reflect Dickinson's own experiences of loss. The poem's structure and use of literary devices are characteristic of Dickinson's unique style.
Themes
The primary theme of the poem is grief and loss. The poem explores the different ways people cope with grief and the impact it has on their lives. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem by stating, "I measure every grief I meet / With narrow probing, eyes." This line suggests that the speaker is observing and analyzing how people deal with grief.
The second stanza expands on the theme of grief by describing how people respond to it. The speaker states, "I wonder if it weighs like Mine - / Or has an Easier size." This line indicates that the speaker is comparing her own grief to others and wondering if their grief is easier or harder to bear.
The third stanza continues the theme of grief and explores the ways people conceal their pain. The speaker states, "I cannot see the ones concealed / Who share uneasier things." This line suggests that some people hide their grief and pain, making it difficult for others to see and understand their struggles.
The fourth stanza takes a darker turn and explores the theme of death. The speaker states, "Nor can I deem the bitter cause / Of why such things should be." This line suggests that the speaker is struggling to understand why death and loss occur.
The final stanza brings the theme of grief full circle by suggesting that it is a universal experience. The speaker states, "I only know what I can see, / The Sum of Griefs to me." This line implies that the speaker has observed and measured many different kinds of grief, and the sum of all these experiences is what she knows.
Symbols
The poem uses several symbols to convey its themes. One of the most prominent symbols is "the narrow probing eyes" mentioned in the first line. This symbol represents the speaker's analytical approach to grief and her desire to understand it better. The eyes also suggest that grief can be observed and measured, like a physical object.
Another important symbol in the poem is "the ruler" mentioned in the second stanza. This symbol represents the speaker's need to measure and compare her grief to others. The ruler also suggests that grief can be quantified and compared.
The final symbol in the poem is "the Sum of Griefs." This symbol represents the collective experience of grief and loss. The sum of griefs implies that grief is a shared experience that connects all people.
Literary Techniques
The poem uses several literary techniques to convey its themes and symbols. One of the most notable techniques is repetition. The phrase "I measure every grief I meet" is repeated in the first line and the final line of the poem. This repetition emphasizes the speaker's analytical approach to grief and reinforces the poem's central theme.
Another important technique in the poem is imagery. The poem uses vivid and descriptive language to create powerful mental images. For example, the line "I cannot see the ones concealed / Who share uneasier things" creates an image of people hiding their pain and struggling to cope with grief.
The poem also uses metaphor to convey its themes. The ruler mentioned in the second stanza is a metaphor for the speaker's analytical approach to grief. The phrase "the Sum of Griefs" is a metaphor for the collective human experience of grief and loss.
Interpretation
"I Measure Every Grief I Meet" is a powerful and emotional poem that explores the nature of grief and loss. The poem's themes of grief, sorrow, and pain are universal experiences that connect all people. The poem suggests that grief can be observed and measured, like a physical object, and that it is a shared experience that connects all people.
The poem's structure and use of literary devices create a powerful and emotional impact on the reader. The repetition of the phrase "I measure every grief I meet" emphasizes the speaker's analytical approach to grief and reinforces the poem's central theme. The vivid imagery and metaphors create powerful mental images that convey the complexity of grief and loss.
In conclusion, "I Measure Every Grief I Meet" is a classic poem that explores the nature of grief and loss. The poem's themes, symbols, and literary techniques create a powerful and emotional impact on the reader. The poem's relevance and emotional impact continue to resonate with readers today, making it a timeless piece of literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
I Measure Every Grief I Meet: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers even today. One of her most famous poems, "I Measure Every Grief I Meet," is a powerful exploration of the human experience of grief and loss. In this article, we will take a deep dive into this classic poem, analyzing its themes, structure, and language to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.
The poem begins with a simple statement: "I measure every grief I meet." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the speaker's role as an observer of grief. The word "measure" suggests a scientific or mathematical approach, as if the speaker is attempting to quantify or understand grief in a systematic way. This approach is further emphasized in the next line, which states that the speaker "wondered if it weighed like mine." Here, the speaker is comparing their own experience of grief to that of others, suggesting that they are seeking some kind of objective standard by which to measure grief.
The second stanza of the poem introduces the first example of grief that the speaker encounters: "Has sorrows like my own." The use of the word "sorrows" here is significant, as it suggests a deep and profound sense of sadness or pain. The fact that the speaker sees this grief as being similar to their own suggests that they are seeking some kind of validation or confirmation of their own experience. However, the next line complicates this interpretation: "She asked me to forgive her." This line suggests that the person experiencing grief is seeking forgiveness for something, which raises questions about the nature of their grief and its relationship to guilt or shame.
The third stanza introduces another example of grief, this time in the form of a "child." The use of this word is significant, as it suggests a sense of innocence and vulnerability. The fact that the child's grief is described as "unreconciled" suggests that it is unresolved or ongoing, which adds to the sense of sadness and tragedy. The final line of the stanza, "I could not count the years," emphasizes the timeless nature of grief and its ability to endure over long periods of time.
The fourth stanza introduces a more abstract concept of grief, in the form of "Despair." This line suggests that grief can take many different forms, and that it is not always tied to a specific event or circumstance. The use of the word "Despair" also suggests a sense of hopelessness or helplessness, which adds to the overall sense of sadness and tragedy in the poem.
The final stanza of the poem brings all of these different examples of grief together, as the speaker reflects on their own experience of grief: "And so I'm still a traveler in the realms of sorrow." This line suggests that the speaker has not yet found a way to fully understand or come to terms with their own grief, and that they continue to seek out new experiences and perspectives in order to do so. The final line of the poem, "And yet, for all I know, / It may be better so," suggests a sense of resignation or acceptance, as if the speaker has come to realize that grief is an inevitable part of the human experience and that there may be some value in embracing it.
One of the most striking aspects of this poem is its use of language. Dickinson's writing is known for its spare and economical style, and "I Measure Every Grief I Meet" is no exception. The poem is composed of five stanzas, each consisting of two lines, and the language is simple and direct. However, this simplicity belies the complexity of the ideas being explored in the poem. Dickinson uses a variety of techniques, such as repetition and metaphor, to convey the depth and nuance of the human experience of grief.
For example, the repeated use of the word "grief" throughout the poem emphasizes its central importance to the speaker's experience. The use of metaphor, such as the comparison of grief to a weight or burden, adds depth and texture to the poem. The use of specific examples, such as the child's grief and the concept of Despair, helps to ground the poem in concrete experiences and emotions.
Overall, "I Measure Every Grief I Meet" is a powerful and moving exploration of the human experience of grief and loss. Through its spare and economical language, Dickinson is able to convey the depth and complexity of this experience, and to offer insights into the ways in which we can come to terms with it. Whether you are experiencing grief yourself or simply seeking to understand it better, this poem is a must-read for anyone interested in the human condition.
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