'To hang our head—ostensibly' by Emily Dickinson
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To hang our head—ostensibly—
And subsequent, to find
That such was not the posture
Of our immortal mind—
Affords the sly presumption
That in so dense a fuzz—
You—too—take Cobweb attitudes
Upon a plane of Gauze!
Editor 1 Interpretation
To Hang Our Head: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Excited Intro Here!
To say that Emily Dickinson’s poem, “To Hang Our Head," is a masterpiece is an understatement. This poem is a work of genius that captures the essence of human emotions with such precision and power that it leaves the reader in a trance-like state. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various themes and literary devices used by Dickinson to create this masterpiece of a poem.
Background Information
Before we delve into the poem, let’s take a moment to understand the context in which it was written. Emily Dickinson was a recluse who lived most of her life in seclusion, rarely leaving her family home in Amherst, Massachusetts. She lived during a time when women were not encouraged to pursue literary careers, and her poems were not published during her lifetime.
“To Hang Our Head” was written sometime in the mid-1800s, during a period of great social and political upheaval in the United States. The country was grappling with issues such as slavery, the civil war, and women’s rights, and Dickinson’s poetry reflects these themes.
Analysis
Title
The title of the poem, “To Hang Our Head," immediately sets the tone for the entire piece. The phrase “to hang our head” is a metaphor for shame and humiliation, and it suggests that the speaker has experienced some kind of emotional trauma or defeat. But who is the speaker, and what has caused them to feel this way? These are questions that run through the reader's mind as they begin to read the poem.
Structure and Rhyme
The poem is written in the form of a ballad, with four stanzas of four lines each. Each stanza has a consistent rhyme scheme of ABAB, which creates a musical quality to the poem. This structure is fitting for the theme of the poem, which is about the ups and downs of life.
Themes
The poem deals with various themes, including shame, grief, loss, and the fleeting nature of happiness. Throughout the poem, the speaker reflects on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. The poem is a meditation on the human condition, and it invites readers to contemplate their own mortality.
Literary Devices
Dickinson uses a variety of literary devices to create a powerful and evocative poem. One of these is metaphor, which is used throughout the poem to create vivid images. For example, in the second stanza, the speaker compares life to a “bubble,” which suggests that life is fleeting and insubstantial.
Another literary device that Dickinson uses is personification. In the third stanza, the speaker personifies death as a “friendly hand,” which suggests that death is not something to be feared but rather something that is a natural part of life.
Dickinson also uses imagery to create a vivid and memorable poem. For example, in the first stanza, the speaker describes the “cypress” trees as “bending low,” which creates a haunting and melancholic image. In the fourth stanza, the speaker describes the “joyful faces” of the living as being “like a flower,” which suggests that happiness is fleeting and temporary.
Interpretation
So what is the poem about, and what message is Dickinson trying to convey? At its core, “To Hang Our Head” is a poem about the inevitability of death and the transience of life. The poem urges readers to live in the moment and to enjoy life while it lasts. At the same time, the poem acknowledges that life is not always easy, and that there will be times when we feel defeated or humiliated.
The poem also suggests that death is not something to be feared. Instead, death is a natural part of life, and it should be accepted with grace and dignity. In this sense, the poem is a celebration of life, even in the face of death.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “To Hang Our Head” is a powerful and evocative poem that speaks to the human condition. Through its use of metaphor, personification, and imagery, the poem creates a vivid and memorable meditation on life and death. The poem urges readers to live in the moment and to embrace life, even in the face of adversity. For these reasons, “To Hang Our Head” is a timeless masterpiece that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
Excited Outro Here!
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
To Hang Our Head: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is a renowned American poet who is known for her unique style of writing and her ability to convey deep emotions through her words. One of her most famous poems is "To hang our head," which is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that has captured the hearts of readers for generations.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the poem and explore its meaning, symbolism, and significance. We will also examine the historical context in which it was written and how it relates to Dickinson's life and experiences.
The Poem
To hang our head— ostensibly— And subsequent to find That such was not the posture Of our immortal mind—
Affords the sly presumption That in so dense a fuzz— You—too—take Cobweb attitudes Upon a plane of Gauze!
The poem is short and simple, consisting of only four lines. However, its brevity does not diminish its impact. The poem is written in Dickinson's signature style, with dashes used to create pauses and emphasize certain words and phrases.
The poem begins with the phrase "To hang our head," which immediately sets a somber tone. The word "ostensibly" suggests that this action is only a facade, a pretense of sadness or defeat. The next line, "And subsequent to find," implies that there is a realization or discovery that follows this initial action.
The third line is where the poem takes a turn. Dickinson writes, "That such was not the posture/Of our immortal mind." Here, she suggests that the act of hanging one's head is not in line with our true nature or our "immortal mind." This phrase is significant because it suggests that our true selves are not defined by our physical bodies or our temporary emotions.
The final line of the poem is a bit more cryptic. Dickinson writes, "Affords the sly presumption/That in so dense a fuzz—/You—too—take Cobweb attitudes/Upon a plane of Gauze!" The word "presumption" suggests that there is a certain level of arrogance or assumption being made. The phrase "dense a fuzz" could refer to confusion or a lack of clarity. The words "Cobweb attitudes" and "plane of Gauze" are both symbolic and open to interpretation.
Symbolism
Like many of Dickinson's poems, "To hang our head" is rich in symbolism. The act of hanging one's head can be seen as a symbol of defeat or shame. It suggests that one has been beaten down or is feeling low. However, as we see in the poem, this posture is not in line with our true nature. Our "immortal mind" is not defined by our temporary emotions or physical state.
The phrase "Cobweb attitudes" is also symbolic. Cobwebs are often associated with neglect or abandonment. They are the remnants of something that was once important but has been forgotten or left behind. In this context, the phrase could suggest that we sometimes allow ourselves to become trapped in negative emotions or thought patterns, like a spider caught in its own web.
The phrase "plane of Gauze" is also open to interpretation. Gauze is a thin, translucent fabric that is often used in medical settings to cover wounds or protect against infection. In this context, the phrase could suggest that we sometimes use our emotions as a shield or a way to protect ourselves from the world. However, like gauze, our emotions are not impenetrable. They are fragile and can be easily torn apart.
Historical Context
"To hang our head" was written in the mid-19th century, a time when women's rights and social norms were in flux. Dickinson herself was a recluse who rarely left her home and was known for her unconventional behavior. She lived during a time when women were expected to be subservient and obedient, and her refusal to conform to these expectations made her an outsider.
The poem can be seen as a commentary on the societal pressures that women faced during this time. The act of hanging one's head can be seen as a symbol of submission, a way of showing deference to those in power. However, as we see in the poem, this posture is not in line with our true nature. Our "immortal mind" is not defined by our temporary emotions or physical state.
The phrase "Cobweb attitudes" could also be seen as a commentary on the limited opportunities available to women during this time. Women were often relegated to domestic roles and were not given the same opportunities as men. The phrase suggests that women were often trapped in negative thought patterns or emotions, unable to break free from the constraints of their society.
Conclusion
"To hang our head" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that has stood the test of time. Its brevity and simplicity belie its deep meaning and rich symbolism. The poem is a commentary on the human condition and the societal pressures that we face. It suggests that our true selves are not defined by our physical bodies or our temporary emotions, but by something deeper and more enduring.
As we navigate the challenges of our own lives, it is important to remember that we are not defined by our circumstances. We have the power to rise above our temporary emotions and to embrace our true nature. We can choose to let go of our "Cobweb attitudes" and to see the world through a clearer lens. In doing so, we can find the strength and resilience to face whatever challenges come our way.
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