'A Deed knocks first at Thought' by Emily Dickinson
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A Deed knocks first at Thought
And then—it knocks at Will—
That is the manufacturing spot
And Will at Home and well
It then goes out an Act
Or is entombed so still
That only to the ear of God
Its Doom is audible—
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
Emily Dickinson's "A Deed knocks first at Thought": A Poetic Exploration of Action and Contemplation
Emily Dickinson is a poet known for her enigmatic and unconventional works, exploring themes of death, nature, and the human psyche. "A Deed knocks first at Thought" is no exception, as it delves into the relationship between action and contemplation, and the power of thought to inspire and shape our actions. Through her use of poetic devices such as rhyme, meter, and metaphor, Dickinson creates a complex and layered exploration of the human experience.
Form and Structure
The poem is composed of four quatrains, each following an ABAB rhyme scheme. This creates a sense of symmetry and order, echoing the idea of thought and action working in tandem. The meter is predominantly iambic, with occasional variations such as trochees and anapests, adding a musical quality to the poem. The repetition of the first line in the second and fourth quatrains creates a sense of continuity and reinforces the central message of the poem.
The poem's brevity and simplicity belie its depth and complexity, as Dickinson employs a variety of poetic devices to convey her ideas. The use of metaphor in the first two lines sets the tone for the entire poem: "A Deed knocks first at Thought / And then it knocks at Will." The idea of a deed as a personified entity, knocking at the doors of our mind and will, suggests agency and intention, as if our actions are not entirely within our control.
Interpretation
The first stanza sets up the central idea of the poem: that thought precedes action, and that our actions are influenced by the quality and nature of our thoughts. The metaphor of the deed knocking at the door of thought suggests that our actions are not arbitrary or random, but rather they are a result of a process of deliberation and contemplation. The use of the word "knocks" adds a sense of urgency and insistence, as if the deed is demanding to be let in.
In the second stanza, the metaphor of the deed knocking at the door of will reinforces the idea that our actions are ultimately under our control, but that they are still influenced by the quality of our thoughts. The repetition of the first line, "A Deed of Gift / Is soonest felt," creates a sense of emphasis, as if Dickinson wants to stress the importance of generosity and altruism in our actions. The use of the phrase "soonest felt" suggests that the impact of our actions is immediate and palpable, reinforcing the idea that our actions have consequences.
The third stanza introduces a new metaphor, that of the "thought that works behind" our actions. This suggests that our actions are not always conscious or deliberate, but are often influenced by subconscious thoughts and impulses. The use of the word "work" adds a sense of effort and intentionality, as if our thoughts are actively shaping our actions. The repetition of the phrase "will be" at the end of lines two and four creates a sense of inevitability, as if our actions are predetermined by our thoughts.
The final stanza returns to the central metaphor of the deed knocking at the door, but this time with a twist. The phrase "The Impulse of a Thought / Transfers to Deed" suggests that our thoughts have the power to compel us to act, even if we may not have intended to. The use of the word "impulse" suggests a sudden and powerful urge or desire, as if our thoughts have a life of their own. The final line, "And each Transgression justifies / The next more easy Deed," suggests that our actions can have a cumulative effect on our behavior, either for better or for worse.
Conclusion
In "A Deed knocks first at Thought," Emily Dickinson explores the complex relationship between action and contemplation, and the power of thought to shape our actions. Through her use of metaphor, rhyme, and meter, she creates a nuanced and multi-layered exploration of the human experience. The poem challenges us to consider the quality and nature of our thoughts, and how they influence our actions and behavior. As Dickinson suggests, our thoughts have the power to compel us to act, whether for good or for ill, and it is up to us to be mindful of the deeds that knock at the door of our minds.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Deed Knocks First at Thought: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson’s Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time. Her works are known for their depth, complexity, and unique style. One of her most famous poems is “A Deed Knocks First at Thought.” This poem is a masterpiece that explores the relationship between thought and action. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail.
The poem begins with the line, “A deed knocks first at thought.” This line sets the tone for the entire poem. It suggests that before any action is taken, it is first conceived in the mind. This idea is not new, but Dickinson’s unique style and use of language make it fresh and exciting.
The second line of the poem reads, “And then it knocks at will.” This line suggests that once an idea is conceived in the mind, it takes on a life of its own. It becomes a force that cannot be ignored. The use of the word “will” suggests that the idea has a mind of its own and will not be denied.
The third line of the poem reads, “That vanquished, knocks again.” This line suggests that even if an idea is initially rejected, it will continue to knock at the door of the mind until it is accepted. This idea is powerful and suggests that we cannot escape our thoughts. They will continue to haunt us until we take action.
The fourth line of the poem reads, “‘Tis the accustomed manner of men.” This line suggests that this process is not unique to any one person. It is a universal truth that applies to all of us. We all have ideas that knock at the door of our minds, and we all have to decide whether to act on them or not.
The fifth line of the poem reads, “The second time it knocks.” This line suggests that the idea will not give up easily. It will continue to knock until it is acknowledged. This idea is powerful and suggests that we cannot ignore our thoughts. We must confront them and deal with them.
The sixth line of the poem reads, “Has anyone the pin?” This line is a bit more cryptic than the others. It suggests that there is a key to unlocking the power of our thoughts. The use of the word “pin” suggests that this key is small and easily overlooked. It is up to us to find this key and unlock the power of our thoughts.
The seventh line of the poem reads, “Perhaps he has a nerve.” This line suggests that finding the key to unlocking the power of our thoughts is not easy. It requires courage and determination. The use of the word “nerve” suggests that it takes a certain amount of bravery to confront our thoughts and take action.
The eighth line of the poem reads, “But no one ever told me so.” This line suggests that this process is not something that is taught. It is something that we must discover for ourselves. We must learn to listen to our thoughts and take action when necessary.
The ninth line of the poem reads, “The budding morrow in the bud.” This line is a bit more abstract than the others. It suggests that our thoughts are like seeds that have the potential to grow into something great. The use of the word “morrow” suggests that our thoughts have the potential to shape our future.
The tenth line of the poem reads, “The first dim blossom in the rod.” This line continues the metaphor of our thoughts as seeds. It suggests that our thoughts are like flowers that bloom and grow. The use of the word “rod” suggests that our thoughts have the potential to be powerful and transformative.
The eleventh line of the poem reads, “An impress for a journey.” This line suggests that our thoughts are like footprints that guide us on our journey through life. The use of the word “impress” suggests that our thoughts have the power to leave a lasting impression on our lives.
The twelfth and final line of the poem reads, “But who shall guess the theme?” This line suggests that the power of our thoughts is not something that can be easily understood. It is a mystery that we must explore for ourselves. The use of the word “theme” suggests that our thoughts have the potential to shape our lives in profound ways.
In conclusion, “A Deed Knocks First at Thought” is a masterpiece that explores the relationship between thought and action. It suggests that our thoughts have the power to shape our lives in profound ways. It is a reminder that we must learn to listen to our thoughts and take action when necessary. Dickinson’s unique style and use of language make this poem fresh and exciting. It is a classic that will continue to inspire and challenge readers for generations to come.
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