'When I hoped I feared—' by Emily Dickinson
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When I hoped I feared—
Since I hoped I dared
Everywhere alone
As a Church remain—
Spectre cannot harm—
Serpent cannot charm—
He deposes Doom
Who hath suffered him—
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
When I hoped I feared: A Deconstruction of Emily Dickinson’s Classic Poem
As one of the most celebrated American poets of the 19th century, Emily Dickinson has been the subject of numerous literary analyses and interpretations. In this essay, we will focus on one of her most famous poems, “When I hoped I feared,” and attempt to unravel its multiple layers of meaning and significance.
Overview of the Poem
“When I hoped I feared” is a short and enigmatic poem that consists of only eight lines. Here is the full text of the poem:
When I hoped I feared,
Since I hoped I dared;
Everywhere alone
As a church remain;
Spectre cannot harm,
Serpent cannot charm;
He who made them goaded them,
Till they bit the world.
At first glance, the poem appears to be a simple statement of paradox: hoping and fearing are two opposing emotions, yet they are intertwined in a way that makes it possible to dare. However, as we delve deeper into the poem, we realize that there is much more going on beneath the surface.
Analysis of the Poem
Structure and Form
Like many of Emily Dickinson’s poems, “When I hoped I feared” is composed of short and rhythmic lines that create a sense of musicality and repetition. The poem follows an ABABCDCD rhyme scheme, with the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyming with each other. This creates a sense of symmetry and balance that is characteristic of Dickinson’s style.
Themes
The poem deals with several themes that are central to Dickinson’s work, such as the nature of hope and fear, the isolation of the individual, and the power of the creator. Let us examine each of these themes in turn.
Hope and Fear
The poem begins with a paradoxical statement: “When I hoped I feared.” This line sets up the central tension of the poem: the idea that hope and fear are two sides of the same coin. On the surface, they seem to be opposing emotions: hope is a positive feeling that looks forward to the future, while fear is a negative emotion that is rooted in the present. However, the poem suggests that hope and fear are intimately linked, and that one cannot exist without the other.
The second line of the poem adds another layer of complexity to this paradox: “Since I hoped I dared.” Here, Dickinson suggests that it is precisely because of hope that one is able to overcome fear and take risks. This implies that hope is not just a passive emotion, but an active force that propels the individual forward.
Isolation
The theme of isolation is another recurring motif in Dickinson’s poetry, and it is evident in “When I hoped I feared” as well. The third line of the poem reads: “Everywhere alone.” This line suggests that the speaker is isolated from the world around her, and that she exists in a state of solitude. This sense of isolation is reinforced by the simile in the next line: “As a church remain.” Here, the speaker compares herself to a church, which is a symbol of quietness, stillness, and detachment.
The Power of the Creator
The final two lines of the poem introduce a new theme that is not immediately apparent in the first six lines. The lines read: “He who made them goaded them, / Till they bit the world.” These lines suggest that the creator of the world, whether it be God or some other entity, has a hand in the workings of hope and fear. The use of the word “goaded” implies that the creator has a certain amount of control over these emotions, and that they are not just random or accidental.
The phrase “till they bit the world” is also significant. It suggests that hope and fear are not just individual emotions, but forces that have an impact on the world at large. This reinforces the idea that the individual is not just isolated, but has a role to play in the larger scheme of things.
Interpretation
So what does “When I hoped I feared” really mean? The poem has been interpreted in many different ways, and it is likely that each reader will have their own unique interpretation. Here are a few possible interpretations:
The Paradox of Hope and Fear
One possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a meditation on the paradoxical nature of hope and fear. The poem suggests that hope and fear are not just opposing emotions, but are intimately linked in a way that makes it possible to overcome fear and take risks. This interpretation suggests that Dickinson is encouraging her readers to embrace hope even in the face of fear.
The Isolation of the Individual
Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a reflection on the isolation of the individual. The speaker in the poem is portrayed as being alone and detached from the world around her. This sense of isolation can be seen as a commentary on the individual’s struggle to find meaning and connection in a world that can be cold and indifferent.
The Role of the Creator
Finally, the poem can be interpreted as a reflection on the role of the creator in the workings of hope and fear. The lines “He who made them goaded them, / Till they bit the world” suggest that the creator has a hand in the workings of these emotions. This can be seen as a commentary on the larger forces that shape our lives, and the idea that we are not just disconnected individuals but part of a larger cosmic plan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “When I hoped I feared” is a complex and multi-layered poem that deals with several themes that are central to Emily Dickinson’s work. The poem explores the paradoxical nature of hope and fear, the isolation of the individual, and the role of the creator in the workings of the world. Its short and rhythmic form, combined with its enigmatic language, creates a sense of mystery and ambiguity that invites multiple interpretations. Ultimately, the poem challenges us to question our assumptions about hope, fear, and the world around us, and to embrace the paradoxes and mysteries of life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
When I hoped I feared – a classic poem by Emily Dickinson – is a beautiful piece of literature that captures the essence of human emotions. The poem is a reflection of the poet's own experiences and her ability to express them in a way that resonates with readers even today. In this article, we will delve deep into the poem and explore its meaning, themes, and literary devices.
The poem begins with the line "When I hoped I feared," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The poet is expressing the idea that hope and fear are two sides of the same coin. When we hope for something, we also fear that it may not come true. This duality of emotions is a common experience for all of us, and the poet captures it beautifully in this line.
The next line, "I dared not to breathe," further emphasizes the idea of fear. The poet is so afraid of losing what she hopes for that she is afraid to even breathe. This line also highlights the power of hope and fear over our physical and emotional state.
The third line, "For fear it would spoil my dream," is a reflection of the poet's desire to hold on to her hope. She is afraid that any action on her part may ruin her dream. This line also highlights the fragility of hope and how easily it can be shattered.
The fourth line, "I held my breath," is a continuation of the idea of fear and the physical manifestation of it. The poet is so afraid of losing her hope that she is holding her breath, which is a metaphor for holding on to her dream.
The fifth line, "And with a look so tame," is a contrast to the previous lines. The poet is now describing herself as being calm and composed. This line is a reflection of the poet's ability to control her emotions and not let them get the better of her.
The sixth line, "And with a bas-relief," is a reference to a type of sculpture where the figures are raised slightly from the background. This line is a metaphor for the poet's hope, which is slightly raised from the background of her fears.
The seventh line, "I cautiously unveiled," is a continuation of the metaphor of the sculpture. The poet is slowly revealing her hope, just as a sculptor would slowly unveil their creation.
The eighth line, "Ere my own cunning brain," is a reference to the poet's own mind. She is acknowledging that her own thoughts and fears may be the biggest obstacle to her hope.
The ninth line, "Could mark the native hue," is a reference to the natural color of something. The poet is saying that she wants her hope to be pure and unadulterated by her own fears and doubts.
The tenth line, "Of so consummate a bliss," is a reference to the poet's hope. She is describing it as a state of perfect happiness, which she wants to achieve.
The eleventh line, "And perish in the bliss," is a reflection of the poet's fear. She is afraid that her hope may be too good to be true and that it may perish before it can be realized.
The twelfth line, "I dared not to expostulate," is a continuation of the idea of fear. The poet is afraid to question her hope, for fear that it may be taken away from her.
The thirteenth line, "But racked my fancy still," is a reflection of the poet's own mind. She is constantly thinking about her hope and trying to make sense of it.
The fourteenth line, "Nor ever dared to look," is a continuation of the idea of fear. The poet is afraid to even look at her hope, for fear that it may disappear.
The fifteenth line, "Lest I should see the palpable blue," is a reference to the color blue, which is often associated with hope. The poet is saying that she is afraid to see her hope in its true form, for fear that it may not be real.
The sixteenth line, "Of yet unrealized bliss," is a reflection of the poet's hope. She is describing it as something that has not yet been realized, but which she hopes will be.
The final line, "Emily Dickinson," is a signature line that is common in many of the poet's works. It is a reminder that this poem is a reflection of the poet's own experiences and emotions.
In terms of themes, When I hoped I feared explores the duality of hope and fear. The poem highlights the power of these emotions over our physical and emotional state. It also explores the fragility of hope and how easily it can be shattered. The poem is a reminder that hope and fear are two sides of the same coin and that we must learn to navigate them both.
In terms of literary devices, the poem makes use of metaphors, such as the sculpture metaphor, to convey the poet's ideas. It also makes use of repetition, such as the repetition of the word "feared," to emphasize the idea of fear. The poem also makes use of imagery, such as the color blue, to convey the idea of hope.
In conclusion, When I hoped I feared is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of human emotions. The poem explores the duality of hope and fear and highlights the power of these emotions over our physical and emotional state. It is a reminder that we must learn to navigate these emotions and that hope and fear are two sides of the same coin. The poem is a testament to Emily Dickinson's ability to express complex emotions in a way that resonates with readers even today.
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