'How Human Nature dotes' by Emily Dickinson
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How Human Nature dotes
On what it can't detect.
The moment that a Plot is plumbed
Prospective is extinct—
Prospective is the friend
Reserved for us to know
When Constancy is clarified
Of Curiosity—
Of subjects that resist
Redoubtablest is this
Where go we—
Go we anywhere
Creation after this?
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
How Human Nature Dotes by Emily Dickinson: A Detailed Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Emily Dickinson is one of the most prominent poets of the 19th century. Her works have been admired for their simplicity, yet profundity. One of her most famous poems is "How Human Nature Dotes" which explores the nature of human beings and their obsession with material possessions.
The Poem
How Human Nature dotes On what it can't detect. The moment that a Plot is plumbed Prospective is extinct --
Prospective is the friend Reserved for guests that ne'er Show stir of their reception -- Whose expectation's feigned --
The moments at the Fete Mature the chances Fabulous -- But a seductive precipice Prohibits all but Eyes --
Literary Analysis
The poem begins with the line "How Human Nature dotes" which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "dotes" implies a sense of affection, almost to the point of obsession. This is further reinforced by the next line "On what it can't detect." The idea that humans are obsessed with things that they cannot see or touch is a powerful one. It speaks to our innate desire for more, for better, for something beyond what we have.
The second line of the poem, "The moment that a Plot is plumbed" is interesting because it suggests that once we know everything about something, our fascination with it is gone. This is a common theme in Dickinson's work - the idea that mystery and uncertainty are what make life interesting. Once we have all the answers, there is nothing left to explore.
The third and fourth lines of the poem, "Prospective is extinct -- / Prospective is the friend" are paradoxical. If "prospective" is extinct, then how can it be a friend? This is a clever play on words that Dickinson often employs in her poetry. We are left to interpret this line as meaning that once we have achieved our goals, we no longer have anything to look forward to. The idea of prospective, of possibilities, is what keeps us going, even when the present is less than ideal.
The fifth and sixth lines of the poem, "Reserved for guests that ne'er / Show stir of their reception" are also paradoxical. If prospective is reserved for guests who never show any reaction to it, then why bother with it at all? Again, it is a commentary on human nature. We are drawn to things that are elusive, that we cannot have, that we cannot fully understand.
The next two lines of the poem, "Whose expectation's feigned -- / The moments at the Fete" suggest that our expectations are often false. We build things up in our minds to be more than they are and are often disappointed when reality doesn't measure up. This is especially true in social situations, where we imagine that an event will be magical and wonderful, only to find that it is just like any other party.
The final two lines of the poem, "Mature the chances Fabulous -- / But a seductive precipice / Prohibits all but Eyes --" are perhaps the most powerful. The idea that our hopes and dreams can lead us to a "seductive precipice" is both beautiful and terrifying. It speaks to the powerful allure of the unknown, of the things that we cannot have. The final phrase, "Prohibits all but Eyes," reinforces the idea that we are forbidden from experiencing these things. We can only look, but never touch.
Interpretation
So, what does all of this mean? At its core, "How Human Nature Dotes" is a commentary on the human condition. We are obsessed with things that we cannot have, with the tantalizing possibility of something better. We build up our expectations only to be disappointed when reality fails to live up to them. We are drawn to mystery and uncertainty, to the things that we cannot fully understand.
However, there is also a sense of beauty in this. The idea that our hopes and dreams can lead us to a "seductive precipice" is both terrifying and exhilarating. It speaks to our capacity for wonder and imagination. It reminds us that even in the midst of disappointment and disillusionment, there is still magic to be found.
In a larger sense, "How Human Nature Dotes" is also a commentary on society as a whole. We are constantly bombarded with images of the perfect life, the perfect body, the perfect relationship. We are told that if we just have enough money or fame or power, we will finally be happy. But as Dickinson reminds us, happiness is not found in material possessions or social status. It is found in the mystery and beauty of life itself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "How Human Nature Dotes" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that speaks to the very heart of the human experience. It reminds us of our capacity for wonder and imagination, even in the midst of disappointment and disillusionment. It challenges us to look beyond the material possessions and social status that so often define our lives and find happiness in the mystery and beauty of life itself. Dickinson's use of paradox and wordplay adds depth and complexity to the poem, making it a rich and rewarding read for anyone interested in exploring the nature of human existence.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
How Human Nature Dotes: 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 to this day. One of her most famous poems, "How Human Nature Dotes," is a powerful exploration of the human condition and the ways in which we are all susceptible to the whims of our own desires and emotions. 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: "How Human Nature dotes." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, suggesting that the speaker is about to explore the ways in which human beings are prone to obsession and infatuation. The word "dotes" is particularly interesting here, as it implies a kind of blind devotion or adoration that is not necessarily rational or logical. This sets up the central theme of the poem, which is the idea that our emotions and desires can often lead us astray, causing us to become fixated on things that may not be good for us in the long run.
The second line of the poem reads, "On what it can't possess." This line is crucial to understanding the poem's message, as it suggests that the things we desire most are often the things that are out of reach. This could refer to anything from material possessions to romantic relationships to personal achievements. Whatever it is that we can't have, we tend to fixate on it, becoming obsessed with the idea of possessing it even if it is not realistically attainable.
The third line of the poem reads, "No magic like it's own." This line is particularly interesting, as it suggests that the power of our desires and obsessions is almost magical in nature. It is as if our emotions have a life of their own, and can exert a kind of mystical force over us that is beyond our control. This idea is reinforced by the use of the word "own," which implies that our emotions are a part of us, and that we cannot simply choose to ignore or suppress them.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "No magic so divine." This line takes the idea of our emotions as a kind of mystical force even further, suggesting that there is something almost godlike about the power of our desires and obsessions. This could be interpreted in a number of ways, but one possible reading is that our emotions are so powerful that they can shape our lives in profound ways, almost as if they are controlling us from some higher plane of existence.
The fifth and final line of the poem reads, "The love not taken from itself, cannot be taken away." This line is perhaps the most enigmatic of the entire poem, and has been the subject of much debate and interpretation over the years. One possible reading is that the love referred to here is the love that we feel for the things we desire but cannot possess. This love, the poem suggests, is not something that can be taken away from us, even if we never get what we want. It is a part of us, and will always be with us, even if we are forced to let go of the object of our desire.
Another possible interpretation of this line is that it refers to the love that we feel for ourselves. This reading suggests that our own self-love is something that cannot be taken away from us, even if we are rejected or fail to achieve our goals. This interpretation is supported by the use of the word "itself," which implies that the love in question is something that is inherent to us, rather than something that is dependent on external factors.
In terms of structure, the poem is relatively simple, consisting of just five lines. However, the use of repetition and parallelism gives the poem a sense of rhythm and balance that is both pleasing to the ear and effective in conveying its message. The repetition of the word "magic" in lines three and four, for example, creates a sense of symmetry that reinforces the idea of our emotions as a kind of mystical force. Similarly, the repetition of the word "taken" in the final line creates a sense of closure and finality that brings the poem to a satisfying conclusion.
In terms of language, the poem is notable for its use of metaphor and imagery. The idea of our emotions as a kind of magic is a powerful metaphor that conveys the idea of their mysterious and uncontrollable nature. Similarly, the idea of our desires as something that we "dote" on creates a vivid image of our fixation and obsession. These metaphors and images are effective in conveying the poem's message in a way that is both memorable and emotionally resonant.
In conclusion, "How Human Nature Dotes" is a classic poem that explores the ways in which our emotions and desires can lead us astray. Through its use of metaphor, imagery, and repetition, the poem conveys a powerful message about the nature of human obsession and the ways in which it can shape our lives. Whether read as a commentary on romantic love, material possessions, or personal achievement, the poem remains a timeless exploration of the human condition, and a testament to Emily Dickinson's enduring talent as a poet.
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