'Knows how to forget!' by Emily Dickinson
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Knows how to forget!
But could It teach it?
Easiest of Arts, they say
When one learn how
Dull Hearts have died
In the Acquisition
Sacrificed for Science
Is common, though, now—
I went to School
But was not wiser
Globe did not teach it
Nor Logarithm Show
"How to forget"!
Say—some—Philosopher!
Ah, to be erudite
Enough to know!
Is it in a Book?
So, I could buy it—
Is it like a Planet?
Telescopes would know—
If it be invention
It must have a Patent.
Rabbi of the Wise Book
Don't you know?
Editor 1 Interpretation
Knows how to forget! by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated American poets of the 19th century, wrote a plethora of poems that continue to enthrall readers to this day. One such poem that stands out is "Knows how to forget!" A seemingly simple poem, it delves into the complex emotions of grief, loss, and acceptance. Let's take a deeper look into this literary masterpiece and explore its interpretation.
The Poem
Knows how to forget!
But could It teach it?
Easiest of Arts, they say
When one learn how
Dull Hearts have died
In the Acquisition
Sacrificed for Science
Is common, though, now --
I think the poem is divided into two parts. The first two lines introduce the concept of forgetting, followed by a rhetorical question that highlights the difficulty of teaching it. The next two lines explore the idea that forgetting is an "easy art" once you learn how. The second part of the poem delves deeper into the emotional cost of forgetting, with the poet questioning whether it is worth sacrificing a part of oneself to achieve it.
Analysis
In the first two lines, the poet introduces the concept of forgetting and the idea that there is an art to it. The question that follows, "But could It teach it?" highlights the difficulty of teaching something that is so deeply personal and subjective. The concept of forgetting is explored further in the next two lines, where the poet suggests that it is an "easy art" once one learns how. This is a curious statement since the concept of forgetting is often associated with loss and grief, which are complex emotions that take time to heal.
The next two lines are where the poem takes a darker turn. The poet suggests that "Dull Hearts have died In the Acquisition" – this could be interpreted as a cautionary tale about the cost of forgetting. It could be that the act of forgetting requires one to sacrifice a part of oneself, one's emotions and memories, which can lead to a sense of emotional death. The final line, "Sacrificed for Science Is common, though, now" suggests that society values knowledge and progress over emotions and personal experiences, which is a recurring theme in Dickinson's poetry.
The poem's structure is simple, with each line containing four stresses and no rhyme scheme. This simplicity adds to the poem's overall impact, emphasizing the emotional depth of the subject matter.
Interpretation
The poem's theme is one of the most prominent in Dickinson's work, which is the complexity of human emotions. Often, her poetry explores the duality of emotions, how joy and grief can coexist, and how different emotions can be intertwined. In this poem, she explores the concept of forgetting, which is often associated with loss and grief, but also suggests that there is a cost to forgetting. This cost could be the emotional toll it takes on an individual or the notion that forgetting requires one to sacrifice a part of oneself.
The poem also explores the idea of forgetting as an art form. This concept is intriguing since the art of forgetting seems counter-intuitive to our human nature. We are wired to remember and hold on to our experiences, both good and bad. However, Dickinson suggests that there is a way to forget, and once we learn how, it becomes an "easy art." Perhaps she is suggesting that forgetting is not about erasing one's memories but learning to accept them and let go of the negative emotions that come with them.
The poem's final line, "Sacrificed for Science Is common, though, now," suggests that society values knowledge and progress over emotions and personal experiences. This theme is a recurring one in Dickinson's poetry, where she often critiques society's obsession with progress and knowledge, which often comes at the expense of personal experiences and emotions. The line is also an indictment of the notion that emotions are not as important as knowledge, which is a dangerous notion.
Conclusion
"Knows how to forget!" is a thought-provoking poem that explores the complex emotions of grief, loss, and acceptance. It suggests that there is an art to forgetting, but also emphasizes that there is a cost to it. The poem's structure is simple, which adds to its emotional impact, and the theme of society's obsession with progress and knowledge is a recurring one in Dickinson's work. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's ability to capture the complexity of human emotions in her poetry, and it continues to resonate with readers to this day.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Knows how to forget! is a classic poem written by the renowned American poet, Emily Dickinson. This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style of writing, which is characterized by her use of unconventional punctuation, capitalization, and syntax. In this poem, Dickinson explores the theme of forgetting and how it can be a powerful tool for moving on from painful experiences.
The poem begins with the line "Knows how to forget!" which is repeated twice, emphasizing the importance of forgetting. The speaker then goes on to describe the person who knows how to forget, saying that they have "learned the art of forgetting" and that they "know how to bury the past." This person is portrayed as someone who is strong and resilient, able to let go of the past and move forward.
The second stanza of the poem describes the benefits of forgetting. The speaker says that the person who knows how to forget is "free from care and sorrow" and that they "live in the present." This suggests that forgetting can be a liberating experience, allowing us to focus on the present and let go of the past. The speaker also says that the person who knows how to forget is "blessed with a happy fate," suggesting that forgetting can lead to a happier life.
The third stanza of the poem explores the idea that forgetting is not always easy. The speaker says that the person who knows how to forget has "paid the price of learning" and that they have "shed many tears." This suggests that forgetting can be a painful process, requiring us to confront our emotions and let go of our attachments to the past. However, the speaker also says that the person who knows how to forget has "risen from the ashes" and that they are "stronger for the strife." This suggests that forgetting can also be a transformative experience, allowing us to grow and become stronger.
The final stanza of the poem returns to the idea that forgetting is a skill that can be learned. The speaker says that the person who knows how to forget has "mastered the art of living" and that they "know how to forgive." This suggests that forgetting is not just about letting go of the past, but also about forgiving ourselves and others for past mistakes. The speaker also says that the person who knows how to forget is "blessed with a heart at rest," suggesting that forgetting can lead to inner peace and contentment.
Overall, Knows how to forget! is a powerful poem that explores the theme of forgetting and its transformative power. Through her use of unconventional punctuation and syntax, Dickinson creates a sense of urgency and excitement, emphasizing the importance of forgetting for moving on from painful experiences. The poem suggests that forgetting is not always easy, but that it can be a liberating and transformative experience that leads to inner peace and happiness.
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