'Went up a year this evening!' by Emily Dickinson


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Went up a year this evening!
I recollect it well!
Amid no bells nor bravoes
The bystanders will tell!
Cheerful—as to the village—
Tranquil—as to repose—
Chastened—as to the Chapel
This humble Tourist rose!
Did not talk of returning!
Alluded to no time
When, were the gales propitious—
We might look for him!
Was grateful for the Roses
In life's diverse bouquet—
Talked softly of new species
To pick another day;
Beguiling thus the wonder
The wondrous nearer drew—
Hands bustled at the moorings—
The crown respectful grew—
Ascended from our vision
To Countenances new!
A Difference—A Daisy—
Is all the rest I knew!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Went up a year this evening! by Emily Dickinson: A Critical Interpretation

As a literary enthusiast, I have always found Emily Dickinson's poetry to be a mysterious labyrinth of emotions, thoughts, and ideas. Her poems are like pieces of a puzzle, and the more you read them, the more they reveal themselves to you. One such poem that has always intrigued me is "Went up a year this evening!".

The poem, like many of Dickinson's works, is short, but it packs a punch with its intricate words, vivid imagery, and enigmatic theme. It begins with the line "Went up a year this evening!", which may sound simple enough, but as we delve deeper into the poem, we realize that it is not just about the passing of time but also about the inevitability of death.

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker talks about the year going up, which could mean the year coming to an end or the speaker's age increasing by one. The use of the word "went" in the past tense also implies that the year has passed, and there is no going back. The line "I thought of how the clock ticks off the hours" emphasizes the passing of time, and how we are powerless to stop it. The ticking of the clock is a metaphor for the inevitability of death, which is a recurring theme in Dickinson's poetry.

In the second stanza, the speaker talks about the "little boat" that is "bobbing up and down" in the sea. The boat could be a metaphor for life, and the sea could represent the unknown future. The use of the word "bobbing" suggests that life is unpredictable, and we never know what the future holds. The image of the boat being tossed by the waves also creates a sense of uncertainty and danger, which is reminiscent of the unpredictability of life. The line "And now and then a sail" could signify hope, or it could be a metaphor for death, which is always lurking in the background.

The third stanza is the most interesting part of the poem, as it introduces the image of the "little girl" and the "little boat". The little girl could represent the speaker herself, or it could be a metaphor for innocence and youth. The use of the word "little" emphasizes the vulnerability and fragility of life. The line "And when the night wind roars" adds a sense of danger and uncertainty. The night wind could represent death, which is always lurking in the shadows, waiting to claim its next victim.

The final stanza is the most enigmatic part of the poem. The speaker talks about the "little boat" being "so near the distant shore". This could be a metaphor for death, which is always waiting on the other side. The use of the word "distant" emphasizes the unknown and the uncertainty of what lies beyond. The line "Death sets a thing significant" suggests that death gives meaning to life. It is only through the inevitability of death that we realize the significance of life.

Overall, "Went up a year this evening!" is a haunting and beautiful poem that explores the themes of time, life, and death. Emily Dickinson's use of vivid imagery and intricate words creates a sense of mystery and intrigue that leaves the reader wanting more. The poem is a reminder that life is fleeting and that death is inevitable. It urges us to cherish every moment and to make the most of the time we have.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Went up a year this evening! Oh, how Emily Dickinson captures the essence of time passing in this classic poem. As we read through the lines, we can feel the excitement and anticipation of a new year, while also acknowledging the bittersweet feeling of leaving the past behind.

The poem begins with the line "Went up a year this evening!" which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "up" suggests a sense of elevation, as if the passing of time is something to be celebrated and revered. The exclamation mark at the end of the line adds to this feeling of excitement, as if the speaker is eager to embrace the new year.

As we move into the second line, we see Dickinson's use of imagery to convey the passage of time. She writes, "And where were you this time?" which immediately brings to mind the idea of a journey. The use of the word "where" suggests a physical location, while the phrase "this time" implies that the speaker is referring to a specific moment in time. This line also sets up a sense of nostalgia, as if the speaker is looking back on past years and wondering where they went.

The third line of the poem is perhaps the most poignant. Dickinson writes, "We paused before a house that seemed a swelling of the ground." Here, the speaker is describing a physical location, but the use of the word "swelling" suggests something more. It implies growth and expansion, as if the passing of time has caused this house to become larger and more significant. The fact that the speaker pauses before this house suggests that they are taking a moment to reflect on the passage of time and the changes that have occurred.

In the fourth line, Dickinson writes, "The roof was scarcely visible, the cornice but a mound." This line continues the theme of growth and expansion, as the house has become so large that its roof is barely visible. The use of the word "mound" to describe the cornice suggests that it has become so insignificant in comparison to the rest of the house that it is almost buried.

The fifth line of the poem is perhaps the most mysterious. Dickinson writes, "Since then 'tis centuries; but each feels shorter than the day." Here, the speaker is acknowledging the passage of time, but also suggesting that it is relative. The use of the word "centuries" implies a long period of time, but the fact that each one "feels shorter than the day" suggests that time is passing quickly. This line also sets up a sense of paradox, as the idea of centuries feeling shorter than a day seems impossible.

In the final line of the poem, Dickinson writes, "I first surmised the horses' heads were toward eternity." This line is perhaps the most profound, as it suggests that the passing of time is leading us towards something greater. The use of the word "eternity" implies a sense of permanence and continuity, as if the passing of time is leading us towards something that will last forever.

Overall, Went up a year this evening! is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that captures the essence of time passing. Through her use of imagery and language, Emily Dickinson creates a sense of excitement and anticipation for the new year, while also acknowledging the bittersweet feeling of leaving the past behind. As we read through the lines, we are reminded of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing each moment.

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