'The Whole of it came not at once' by Emily Dickinson

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The Whole of it came not at once—
'Twas Murder by degrees—
A Thrust—and then for Life a chance—
The Bliss to cauterize—

The Cat reprieves the Mouse
She eases from her teeth
Just long enough for Hope to tease—
Then mashes it to death—

'Tis Life's award—to die—
Contenteder if once—
Than dying half—then rallying
For consciouser Eclipse—

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Whole of it Came Not at Once: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Ah, Emily Dickinson! The poet who chose to live a secluded life and yet gave us some of the most beautiful and thought-provoking poetry of all time. Her poem "The Whole of it Came Not at Once" is no exception. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll delve into the depths of this classic poem and try to understand its meaning and significance.

Background

"The Whole of it Came Not at Once" is one of Emily Dickinson's lesser-known poems. It was first published in 1955, more than 70 years after her death, in a collection of her works titled "Poems: Third Series." The poem is written in Dickinson's signature style - short, compact lines with dashes and capitalizations used to convey emphasis.

Analysis

The poem starts with a simple declaration - "The Whole of it came not at once" - but as we read further, we realize that there's much more to it than meets the eye. Dickinson goes on to describe how the "the slow of feet / Such as limp thro' centuries / And the quick of feet / Like Mocha go / Nobody knows."

The first thing that strikes us is the use of metaphor. Dickinson is comparing the passage of time to people walking - some slow, some quick. But what does she mean by "limp thro' centuries" and "like Mocha go"? Here, we see Dickinson's trademark obscurity - she leaves it up to the reader to interpret these phrases.

One interpretation could be that the slow of feet refers to events or movements that take a long time to come to fruition, while the quick of feet refers to sudden changes or movements that happen quickly. The phrase "limp thro' centuries" could refer to the slow but steady progress of human civilization, while "like Mocha go" could refer to the fast-paced nature of modern life.

Next, Dickinson talks about how "The Gentry - stand in shining Rows / Firm - footing - bolder - / Brazens - on the eyes of those." Here, she seems to be referring to social hierarchies and how those at the top stand out and are bolder than others. However, she also uses the word "Brazens" which could be interpreted as both bold and shameless. This ambiguity is another hallmark of Dickinson's style - she never gives us a clear answer but instead leaves us with questions.

Finally, the poem ends with the lines "Mine - eye - swept - slowly - round - / Shall - it - sweep - no - more -." This could be interpreted as Dickinson's acknowledgement of her own mortality and how she won't be able to witness the passage of time any longer. It's a somber note to end on, but it's also a reminder of the fleeting nature of life.

Interpretation

So what is Dickinson trying to say in "The Whole of it Came Not at Once"? The poem seems to be a reflection on time and how it passes differently for different people and events. The slow of feet and the quick of feet represent the different speeds at which events unfold. The Gentry in shining rows represent social hierarchies and how those at the top are bolder and more visible than others.

But there's also a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty in the poem. Dickinson never gives us a clear answer as to what she means by certain phrases and leaves much up to interpretation. This allows the poem to be interpreted in different ways by different readers, depending on their own experiences and perspectives.

At its core, "The Whole of it Came Not at Once" is a reminder that time is fleeting and that we should cherish every moment we have. Dickinson's use of metaphor and ambiguity makes the poem both beautiful and thought-provoking, and it's no wonder that it's still being studied and analyzed more than a century after it was written.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Whole of it Came Not at Once" is a classic poem by Emily Dickinson that explores the passage of time and its impact on different events and people. The poem is characterized by Dickinson's trademark ambiguity and use of metaphor, which allows for multiple interpretations.

While the poem may be somber in its final lines, it's also a reminder to appreciate the time we have and to make the most of every moment. And ultimately, it's a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet and her ability to evoke deep emotions and thoughts through her words.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Whole of it came not at once: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of the 19th century, is known for her unique style of writing and her ability to capture the essence of life in her poems. Her works have been studied and analyzed by scholars and literature enthusiasts for decades, and one of her most famous poems, "The Whole of it came not at once," is no exception.

This poem, like many of Dickinson's works, is short and concise, yet it manages to convey a deep and profound message. The poem is only four lines long, but each line is packed with meaning and significance. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and literary devices used in this masterpiece.

The poem begins with the line, "The Whole of it came not at once." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and immediately captures the reader's attention. The use of the word "whole" suggests that the subject of the poem is something complete and all-encompassing. However, the phrase "not at once" implies that this completeness was not achieved in a single moment, but rather over time.

This idea of gradual progress is a recurring theme in Dickinson's works. She often writes about the slow and steady process of growth and development, both in nature and in human life. In this poem, she suggests that the "whole" of something, whether it be a person's character or the natural world, is not achieved in a single moment but rather through a series of small steps and changes.

The second line of the poem reads, "A voice said, 'Look me in the stars.'" This line introduces the idea of looking to the stars for guidance or inspiration. The use of the word "voice" suggests that this message is coming from an external source, perhaps a spiritual or divine entity. The stars have long been a symbol of hope and guidance, and Dickinson uses them here to convey a sense of wonder and awe.

The third line of the poem reads, "And tell me truly, men of earth, / If all the soul-and-body scars / Were not too much to pay for birth." This line is perhaps the most powerful and thought-provoking in the entire poem. Here, Dickinson is asking a profound question about the nature of life and the human experience. She is asking whether the pain and suffering that we endure in life are worth the gift of existence.

The use of the word "scars" suggests that these pains are not just physical but emotional and psychological as well. Dickinson is asking whether the struggles and hardships that we face in life are worth the joy and beauty that we also experience. This question is one that has been asked by philosophers and thinkers throughout history, and Dickinson's poetic exploration of it is both poignant and insightful.

The final line of the poem reads, "No tenderness of tone / Can make it whole again." This line brings the poem full circle and reinforces the idea that the "whole" of something cannot be achieved in a single moment. The use of the word "tenderness" suggests that even the most gentle and loving approach cannot undo the damage that has been done. This line is a reminder that life is complex and multifaceted, and that there are no easy answers or quick fixes.

In terms of literary devices, Dickinson employs several in this poem. The use of repetition, particularly in the phrase "The Whole of it," emphasizes the importance of this concept and reinforces the idea that completeness is not achieved in a single moment. The use of imagery, particularly in the reference to the stars, adds depth and richness to the poem and helps to convey a sense of wonder and awe.

Overall, "The Whole of it came not at once" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores profound questions about the nature of life and the human experience. Dickinson's use of language and imagery is both powerful and evocative, and her ability to convey complex ideas in just four lines is a testament to her skill as a poet. This poem is a reminder that life is a journey, and that the "whole" of our existence is something that is achieved over time, through a series of small steps and changes.

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