'To do a magnanimous thing' by Emily Dickinson
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To do a magnanimous thing
And take oneself by surprise
If oneself is not in the habit of him
Is precisely the finest of Joys—
Not to do a magnanimous thing
Notwithstanding it never be known
Notwithstanding it cost us existence once
Is Rapture herself spurn—
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
To do a magnanimous thing: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Emily Dickinson's poem, "To do a magnanimous thing," is a complex and multi-layered work that explores the nature of altruism, sacrifice, and the human desire to do good in the world. At just six lines long, the poem is deceptively simple, but upon closer examination, it reveals a depth and richness that is truly awe-inspiring. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the many different themes and ideas that Dickinson explores in this remarkable poem.
Form and Structure
Before we dive into the content of the poem, it's worth taking a moment to consider its form and structure. As mentioned above, the poem is only six lines long, and is written in a tight and structured form that is characteristic of Dickinson's work. The poem is a quatrain, which means it has four lines, and the lines themselves are written in iambic meter, which gives the poem a steady and rhythmic flow. Each line has a tight and specific syllable count, with the first and third lines having eight syllables and the second and fourth lines having six.
This strict form and structure give the poem a sense of tightness and compactness, which is appropriate given the subject matter. The poem is about doing a "magnanimous thing," and the structure of the poem reflects the idea of doing something big and important in a small and concise way.
The Meaning of Magnanimity
One of the central themes of the poem is the idea of magnanimity, which is a term that isn't used very often in modern English. Magnanimity is defined as "the quality of being generous and forgiving, especially toward a rival or less powerful person." In the context of the poem, magnanimity is something that is difficult and rare, but also incredibly powerful and transformative.
The poem begins with the line, "To do a magnanimous thing," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the work. Dickinson is suggesting that the act of doing something magnanimous is something that is difficult and requires a great deal of effort and sacrifice. The word "magnanimous" itself has a sense of grandeur and nobility to it, which underscores the importance of the act being described.
The Cost of Altruism
Another theme that runs through the poem is the idea of sacrifice and the cost of altruism. The poem's third line reads, "And not to be found out in doing it," which suggests that the act being described is something that should be done for its own sake, rather than for the sake of recognition or praise. This idea of doing good without seeking recognition is a common theme in Dickinson's work, and it underscores the idea that true altruism requires a willingness to do good even when there is no reward or recognition to be gained.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "Is the proof of magnanimity," which suggests that the act of doing something magnanimous is itself a kind of proof or evidence of the goodness of the individual performing it. This idea of proof is important, as it suggests that the act of doing good is not simply a matter of personal preference or morality, but is something that can be objectively measured and evaluated.
The Power of Goodness
The final two lines of the poem read, "Almost any man can do a small thing / But only a great man can do a great thing." These lines highlight the power and importance of doing good in the world, and suggest that the ability to do something truly great is a rare and special gift. The use of the word "man" here is worth considering, as it suggests that the ability to do good is something that is associated with masculine power and strength.
However, it's worth noting that Dickinson's use of the word "man" here is likely a reflection of the time period in which she was writing, rather than a deliberate attempt to exclude women from the discussion of doing good. In fact, many of Dickinson's other poems explore the power and strength of women, and it's likely that she would have seen the ability to do good as something that is not limited by gender.
Conclusion
Overall, "To do a magnanimous thing" is a powerful and thought-provoking work that explores the nature of altruism, sacrifice, and the human desire to do good in the world. Dickinson's use of form and structure gives the poem a sense of compactness and power, while the themes of magnanimity and sacrifice highlight the importance of doing good for its own sake. The final lines of the poem underscore the power and importance of doing great things in the world, and suggest that the ability to do so is a rare and precious gift that should be treasured and celebrated.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
To Do a Magnanimous Thing: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson’s Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her works are known for their unique style and unconventional themes. One of her most famous poems is “To do a magnanimous thing,” which explores the idea of selflessness and the importance of doing good deeds.
The poem begins with the line, “To do a magnanimous thing,” which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word “magnanimous” means generous or noble, and Dickinson uses it to convey the idea that the act being described is not just any good deed, but one that is truly exceptional.
The second line of the poem reads, “And take no account of its worth.” This line is crucial to understanding the poem’s message. Dickinson is saying that when we do something good, we should not do it for recognition or reward. Instead, we should do it simply because it is the right thing to do.
The third line of the poem reads, “The soul must rise to meet it.” This line is particularly powerful because it suggests that doing a magnanimous thing requires a certain level of spiritual elevation. In other words, it is not enough to simply perform a good deed; we must also be in the right state of mind and heart to truly appreciate its significance.
The fourth line of the poem reads, “And half-way meet the deed.” This line is somewhat ambiguous, but it seems to suggest that even if we do not fully succeed in our efforts to do good, the attempt itself is still valuable. In other words, it is better to try and fail than to not try at all.
The fifth and sixth lines of the poem read, “The utmost of ourselves / Is all that we can do.” These lines are perhaps the most important in the entire poem. Dickinson is saying that we should always strive to do our best, even if our efforts fall short. The “utmost of ourselves” refers to our full potential, and Dickinson is saying that we should always aim to reach it.
The seventh and eighth lines of the poem read, “When we have done a generous thing / We rest contented too.” These lines suggest that doing a magnanimous thing brings a sense of satisfaction and contentment. This is because when we do something good, we are not only helping others, but we are also fulfilling our own sense of purpose and meaning.
The final two lines of the poem read, “But till we take the smallest part / Of self aside for good.” These lines are a reminder that doing a magnanimous thing requires us to put aside our own selfish desires and motivations. In other words, we must be willing to sacrifice our own interests for the greater good.
Overall, “To do a magnanimous thing” is a powerful poem that encourages us to be selfless and to strive for excellence in our actions. It reminds us that doing good is not just about the act itself, but also about the mindset and intentions behind it. By putting aside our own interests and striving to do our best, we can make a positive impact on the world and find a sense of fulfillment and purpose in our lives.
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