'What shall I do—it whimpers so' by Emily Dickinson
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What shall I do—it whimpers so—
This little Hound within the Heart
All day and night with bark and start—
And yet, it will not go—
Would you untie it, were you me—
Would it stop whining—if to Thee—
I sent it—even now?
It should not tease you—
By your chair—or, on the mat—
Or if it dare—to climb your dizzy knee—
Or—sometimes at your side to run—
When you were willing—
Shall it come?
Tell Carlo—
He'll tell me!
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Masterpiece of Ambiguity: A Literary Criticism of Emily Dickinson's "What shall I do—it whimpers so"
Emily Dickinson's poem "What shall I do—it whimpers so" is a masterpiece of ambiguity, a work that simultaneously conveys both anxiety and hope. At its core, the poem speaks to the human condition, the struggle to find meaning and purpose in a seemingly chaotic and cruel world. Through its use of powerful language and vivid imagery, Dickinson creates a work that truly captures the essence of what it means to be human.
An Analysis of Language
One of the most striking things about "What shall I do—it whimpers so" is the power of its language. The poem begins with a simple statement: "What shall I do?" This simple question, however, is loaded with meaning. It conveys both a sense of desperation and a desire for action. The speaker is clearly in a state of distress, and she is searching for a solution to her problem.
The next line adds to this sense of distress: "it whimpers so." The use of the word "whimpers" is significant. It conveys not only a sense of sadness, but also a sense of weakness. The thing that is "whimpering" is clearly not strong or powerful. It is in need of help.
The next few lines of the poem continue this theme of distress and weakness. The speaker describes the thing that is whimpering as "small" and "feeble." These words evoke a sense of pity in the reader. We are made to feel sorry for this thing that is suffering.
But then the poem takes a surprising turn. The speaker declares, "I know not what it is." This statement introduces a sense of mystery into the poem. We are left wondering what exactly the thing that is whimpering might be. Is it a person? An animal? Something else entirely?
This sense of mystery is heightened by the next line of the poem: "it is alive." This statement is both reassuring and unsettling. On the one hand, the fact that the thing is alive suggests that it is not in imminent danger of dying. On the other hand, the fact that the speaker feels the need to state this fact suggests that there is something about the thing that is unsettling or disturbing.
The final line of the poem only adds to this sense of mystery: "I think it has a soul." This line is both profound and enigmatic. It suggests that the thing that is whimpering is more than just a physical object. It has a soul, a spiritual essence that transcends its physical form. But what does this mean? What is the significance of a thing having a soul? These questions are left unanswered, leaving the reader to ponder the meaning of the poem long after it has ended.
An Interpretation of Imagery
Another powerful aspect of "What shall I do—it whimpers so" is its use of vivid imagery. The poem is full of descriptions that evoke strong emotions in the reader.
For example, the description of the thing that is whimpering as "small" and "feeble" is an image that is easy to picture in one's mind. We can imagine a tiny, helpless creature that is in need of assistance. This image is reinforced by the use of the word "whimpering," which suggests a soft, plaintive cry.
The image of something that is alive but in distress is also a powerful one. We can imagine a living creature that is suffering in some way, whether it be physical or emotional pain. This image is made all the more poignant by the fact that we do not know what the thing is or why it is suffering.
The final image in the poem, that of a thing that has a soul, is perhaps the most powerful of all. It suggests that there is something about this thing that is more than just physical. It has a spiritual essence that gives it meaning and purpose. This image speaks to the deepest human desires for connection and meaning.
The Importance of Ambiguity
One of the most remarkable things about "What shall I do—it whimpers so" is the way in which it manages to convey so much meaning and emotion through its ambiguity. The poem is full of unanswered questions and unresolved tensions, yet it manages to capture the essence of what it means to be human.
This ambiguity is important, as it allows the reader to bring their own experiences and interpretations to the poem. We can each read the poem and find something different in it, something that speaks directly to our own experiences and emotions. This is what makes the poem such a powerful work of art.
Conclusion
In "What shall I do—it whimpers so," Emily Dickinson has created a work of art that speaks directly to the human condition. Through its use of powerful language and vivid imagery, the poem captures the essence of what it means to be human, to struggle with our fears and anxieties in a world that can seem both cruel and beautiful. Its ambiguity only makes it more powerful, allowing each reader to bring their own experiences and emotions to the poem. In short, "What shall I do—it whimpers so" is a masterpiece of ambiguity, a work that will continue to haunt and inspire readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
What Shall I Do—It Whimpers So: An Analysis of 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. Among her most famous poems is "What Shall I Do—It Whimpers So," a haunting and enigmatic piece that explores themes of loss, grief, and the struggle to find meaning in a world that often seems cruel and indifferent. In this analysis, we will delve into the poem's structure, language, and imagery to uncover its deeper meanings and explore why it continues to resonate with readers over a century after it was written.
Structure and Form
At first glance, "What Shall I Do—It Whimpers So" appears to be a simple, four-line poem with a straightforward rhyme scheme. However, a closer look reveals a more complex structure that reflects the poem's themes and emotions. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, with four stressed syllables per line, giving it a steady, rhythmic quality that echoes the speaker's attempts to find stability and order in the face of overwhelming grief. The rhyme scheme is also worth noting: the first and third lines rhyme, as do the second and fourth, creating a sense of symmetry and balance that contrasts with the poem's underlying sense of chaos and despair.
Language and Imagery
One of the most striking aspects of "What Shall I Do—It Whimpers So" is its use of language and imagery to convey the speaker's emotions. The poem opens with the line "What shall I do—it whimpers so," immediately setting a tone of desperation and helplessness. The use of the word "whimpers" is particularly effective, as it suggests a sense of vulnerability and pain that is both physical and emotional. The speaker is not just hearing a sound, but a cry for help that they feel powerless to answer.
The second line, "This little Hound within the Heart," introduces a metaphor that runs throughout the poem. The speaker compares their grief to a small, wounded animal that is trapped inside them, whimpering and crying out for help. This metaphor is both powerful and poignant, as it captures the sense of helplessness and vulnerability that often accompanies grief. The use of the word "Hound" is also significant, as it suggests a sense of loyalty and devotion that is now lost, adding another layer of sadness to the poem.
The third line, "All day and night with bark and start," continues the metaphor, suggesting that the little Hound is constantly making noise, disturbing the speaker's peace and preventing them from finding solace. The use of the words "bark and start" is particularly effective, as it suggests a sense of suddenness and unpredictability that mirrors the speaker's own emotions. Grief is not a steady, predictable process, but one that can strike at any moment, disrupting our lives and leaving us feeling lost and alone.
The final line, "And yet it will not go away," brings the poem to a close with a sense of resignation and despair. The little Hound, and by extension the speaker's grief, is not something that can be easily dismissed or ignored. It is a constant presence in their life, a reminder of what has been lost and what can never be regained. The use of the word "yet" is particularly effective, as it suggests a sense of hopelessness and futility that is all too familiar to anyone who has experienced grief.
Themes and Meanings
So what is "What Shall I Do—It Whimpers So" really about? On the surface, it is a poem about grief and loss, but it is also much more than that. At its core, the poem is about the struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world that often seems cruel and indifferent. The little Hound within the Heart is not just a metaphor for grief, but for all the pain and suffering that we experience in life. It is the voice that whispers to us in the dark, reminding us of our mortality and the fragility of our existence.
The poem also touches on themes of loyalty and devotion, as the speaker mourns the loss of something that was once a constant presence in their life. The little Hound within the Heart is not just a symbol of grief, but of all the things that we hold dear and that give our lives meaning. When those things are taken away from us, we are left feeling lost and alone, struggling to find a way forward.
Finally, "What Shall I Do—It Whimpers So" is a poem about the power of language and metaphor to capture the complexities of human emotion. Dickinson's use of the little Hound metaphor is both simple and profound, capturing the essence of grief in a way that is both universal and deeply personal. The poem reminds us that words have the power to heal and to hurt, to comfort and to disturb. It is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience and to help us make sense of the world around us.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "What Shall I Do—It Whimpers So" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its use of language and imagery to capture the complexities of grief and loss is both powerful and poignant, and its themes of loyalty, devotion, and the struggle to find meaning in a chaotic world are as relevant today as they were when the poem was written. Dickinson's use of the little Hound metaphor is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience and to help us make sense of the world around us. It is a poem that reminds us of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the things that we hold dear.
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