'It dropped so low—in my Regard' by Emily Dickinson
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It dropped so low—in my Regard—
I heard it hit the Ground—
And go to pieces on the Stones
At bottom of my Mind—
Yet blamed the Fate that flung it—less
Than I denounced Myself,
For entertaining Plated Wares
Upon my Silver Shelf—
Editor 1 Interpretation
It dropped so low—in my Regard: A Criticism and Interpretation
Wow, where do I even begin with this poem? Emily Dickinson never fails to amaze me with her ability to pack so much emotion and meaning into just a few lines. "It dropped so low—in my Regard" is no exception. In this 12-line poem, Dickinson explores themes of love, loss, and the fickleness of human emotions. Let's dive in and see what insights we can uncover.
Analysis of the Poem
At its core, "It dropped so low—in my Regard" is a poem about a lost love. The speaker begins by stating that their love has "dropped so low" in their regard, indicating a significant and sudden decline in their affections. The image of something dropping low suggests a sense of heaviness, as if the love has become a burden that the speaker must carry.
The second line of the poem reads, "Like a Light—on a Hill—" which serves as a simile for the love the speaker once held. A light on a hill is a beacon, a shining symbol of hope and guidance. In the same way, the speaker's love was once a guiding force in their life. But now, that light has dimmed and the speaker is lost in the darkness.
The third and fourth lines introduce a new metaphor: "Desolate—'Twas—/'Twas like a Berried Tree—". The word "desolate" is a powerful descriptor, conveying a sense of emptiness and loneliness. The speaker's world is now barren, stripped of the love that once gave it life. The image of a berried tree furthers this motif, as it implies a tree that was once fruitful but now bears no fruit. The speaker's love has withered away, leaving them feeling hollow and empty.
The fifth and sixth lines of the poem are particularly interesting: "And this was Bough, and this was Berry—/So I began——willough!" The use of the word "willough" is a bit of a mystery, as it is not a standard English word. Some scholars have suggested that "willough" is a misspelling of "willow," which would make sense given that willow trees are often associated with sadness and grief. Others have proposed that "willough" is a variation of "will-o'-the-wisp," a ghostly light that is said to lead travelers astray. Either way, the use of this word adds to the overall sense of confusion and disorientation that the speaker is experiencing.
The final six lines of the poem serve as a kind of conclusion, with the speaker reflecting on the loss of their love. They state that they "could not deem" the love worthless, suggesting that there was once great value in it. But now, that value has diminished, and the speaker is left feeling lost and alone.
Interpretation of the Poem
There are many interpretations one could draw from "It dropped so low—in my Regard," but one of the most compelling is that it is a commentary on the fragility of human emotions. Love, as the poem illustrates, can be both a source of great joy and great pain. It can lift us up to new heights or drop us down to the depths of despair. The fact that the speaker's love has "dropped so low" implies that it was once very high, suggesting that human emotions are not constant but rather fluctuate over time.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it is about the nature of loss. The speaker's love has been lost, leaving them feeling empty and alone. But the poem suggests that even in loss, there is still value. The speaker "could not deem" their love worthless, indicating that even though it has been lost, it still holds a certain significance. This idea is echoed in the image of the berried tree, which may no longer bear fruit but is still a living entity.
Finally, "It dropped so low—in my Regard" can also be seen as a meditation on the passage of time. The light on the hill that once guided the speaker has now dimmed, suggesting that time has passed and things have changed. The use of the word "willough" further emphasizes this idea, as it implies a sense of confusion and disorientation that often accompanies the passage of time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "It dropped so low—in my Regard" is a powerful poem that explores themes of love, loss, and the fickleness of human emotions. Through its use of metaphor and imagery, the poem invites readers to consider the fragile nature of our emotional lives and the ways in which loss and time can shape our experiences. Emily Dickinson's ability to capture such complex ideas in just a few lines is a testament to her skill as a poet, and makes "It dropped so low—in my Regard" a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
It dropped so low—in my Regard: 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 many famous poems is “It dropped so low—in my Regard,” a powerful and evocative piece that explores themes of love, loss, and the fragility of human emotions.
At just eight lines long, this poem is a masterclass in economy of language. Every word is carefully chosen and placed, creating a vivid and haunting image that lingers long after the poem has been read. In this analysis, we will take a closer look at the poem’s structure, language, and themes, and explore what makes it such a timeless classic.
Structure
“It dropped so low—in my Regard” is a short and simple poem, consisting of just two quatrains. The first quatrain sets the scene, describing how something has “dropped so low” in the speaker’s regard. The second quatrain explores the emotional impact of this loss, with the speaker describing how they “could not look on thee” without feeling pain.
The poem’s structure is deceptively simple, but it serves to heighten the impact of the language and imagery. By using a short and concise form, Dickinson is able to pack a great deal of emotion and meaning into just a few lines. The poem’s brevity also gives it a sense of urgency and immediacy, as if the speaker is struggling to contain their emotions and needs to express them quickly and forcefully.
Language
One of the most striking things about “It dropped so low—in my Regard” is the way Dickinson uses language to create a vivid and evocative image. The poem’s opening line, “It dropped so low,” immediately grabs the reader’s attention and sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word “dropped” suggests a sudden and dramatic loss, while the phrase “in my Regard” implies a personal and emotional connection to the thing that has been lost.
Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses language to create a sense of tension and conflict. The phrase “I could not look on thee” suggests a physical and emotional pain that is almost unbearable, while the use of the word “thee” adds a sense of intimacy and personal connection to the object of the speaker’s regard.
The poem’s final line, “As striving with an Utmost—,” is particularly powerful. The use of the word “striving” suggests a sense of struggle and effort, while the phrase “with an Utmost” implies a desperate and all-consuming desire. Taken together, these words create a sense of emotional intensity that is almost overwhelming.
Themes
At its core, “It dropped so low—in my Regard” is a poem about the fragility of human emotions. The speaker’s intense emotional connection to the object of their regard is contrasted with the sudden and dramatic loss they experience. The poem explores the pain and anguish that can come from loving something deeply, and the sense of emptiness that can follow when that love is lost.
The poem also touches on themes of power and control. The speaker’s inability to look at the object of their regard suggests a loss of agency and control, as if their emotions are dictating their actions. This loss of control is further emphasized by the use of the word “striving,” which suggests a sense of desperation and helplessness.
Conclusion
“It dropped so low—in my Regard” is a powerful and evocative poem that explores themes of love, loss, and the fragility of human emotions. Through its concise structure, vivid language, and intense emotional imagery, the poem creates a sense of urgency and immediacy that is both haunting and unforgettable. As with all of Emily Dickinson’s works, this poem continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day, and its themes and messages remain as relevant now as they were when it was first written.
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