'What if I say I shall not wait!' by Emily Dickinson
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What if I say I shall not wait!
What if I burst the fleshly Gate—
And pass escaped—to thee!
What if I file this Mortal—off—
See where it hurt me—That's enough—
And wade in Liberty!
They cannot take me—any more!
Dungeons can call—and Guns implore
Unmeaning—now—to me—
As laughter—was—an hour ago—
Or Laces—or a Travelling Show—
Or who died—yesterday!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Interpretation and Literary Criticism of Emily Dickinson's "What if I say I shall not wait!"
Are you ready to dive into the world of Emily Dickinson's poetry with me? Let's take a closer look at one of her most intriguing and puzzling poems. "What if I say I shall not wait!" is a powerful and enigmatic piece that speaks to the themes of time, death, and eternity. Written in the 1860s, this poem is a masterful work of art that combines intricate imagery, poetic diction, and philosophical depth.
Summary and Literal Meaning
First, let's examine the poem's literal meaning and plot. Dickinson starts the poem with a hypothetical question: "What if I say I shall not wait!" The speaker then goes on to describe their defiance of time, declaring that they will not be held captive by its constraints. The phrase "Time and I" suggests a sense of conflict or opposition between the speaker and time, as if they are engaged in a battle for control.
The second stanza takes a more somber turn, as the speaker acknowledges the inevitability of death. The phrase "the hour is slipping by" suggests a sense of urgency and regret, as if the speaker is aware of the fleeting nature of life. The third stanza introduces the concept of eternity, with the speaker proclaiming that they will "judge it fast" and "seize it as my prey." This suggests that the speaker is determined to conquer and master time and eternity, to overcome the limitations of mortality and achieve a sense of transcendence.
The final stanza serves as a powerful conclusion to the poem, as the speaker declares their ultimate goal: to "live behind" time and "live forever." The use of the word "forever" suggests a sense of infinity and immortality, as if the speaker has transcended the mortal realm and achieved a higher state of being.
Themes and Symbolism
Now that we've examined the literal meaning of the poem, let's explore some of the deeper themes and symbols that Dickinson employs. One of the central themes of the poem is the human desire for immortality. Throughout history, humans have been fascinated with the idea of living forever, of transcending the limitations of mortality and achieving a higher state of being. Dickinson taps into this universal desire with her powerful imagery and language, suggesting that we all long for something beyond the limitations of time and space.
Another important theme in the poem is the concept of eternity. Dickinson uses the phrase "eternity's sunrise" to suggest a sense of infinity and timelessness, as if the speaker has transcended the boundaries of time and achieved a higher level of consciousness. The idea of eternity is also linked to the concept of death, as the speaker acknowledges the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of mortality.
The concept of time is also a key theme in the poem. Dickinson suggests that time is a powerful force that can hold us captive, limiting our potential and constraining our actions. The speaker's defiance of time represents a rejection of these limitations, a refusal to be held back by the constraints of mortality.
Finally, Dickinson employs a number of powerful symbols throughout the poem. The phrase "the hour is slipping by" symbolizes the fleeting nature of life, while the image of the "eternity's sunrise" suggests a sense of transcendence and infinity. The phrase "seize it as my prey" suggests a sense of conquest and mastery, as if the speaker is determined to overcome the limitations of mortality and achieve a higher state of being.
Poetic Devices and Language
One of the most striking aspects of "What if I say I shall not wait!" is its use of poetic devices and language. Dickinson employs a number of literary techniques to create a sense of depth and complexity in the poem, including metaphor, personification, and repetition.
The use of metaphor is particularly effective in this poem. By comparing time to a powerful force that can hold us captive, Dickinson imbues the concept of time with a sense of urgency and danger. The metaphor of "eternity's sunrise" is also particularly striking, suggesting a sense of transcendence and infinity that transcends the limitations of time and space.
Personification is another literary technique that Dickinson employs in the poem. The idea of time as a powerful force is given even more weight by the speaker's declaration that she will "master" it and "seize it as my prey." This personification of time gives the poem a sense of energy and power, as if the speaker is engaged in a battle against a powerful adversary.
Finally, repetition is used to great effect in the poem. The repeated use of the phrase "I shall not wait" creates a sense of urgency and determination, while the repetition of the word "forever" in the final stanza suggests a sense of infinity and transcendence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "What if I say I shall not wait!" is a powerful and enigmatic poem that speaks to the universal human desire for transcendence and immortality. Through its use of powerful imagery and language, Dickinson explores the themes of time, eternity, and death, suggesting that we are all engaged in a battle against the limitations of mortality. By the end of the poem, the speaker has achieved a sense of transcendence and infinity, living forever beyond the constraints of time and space. Dickinson's masterful use of poetic devices and language make this poem a true masterpiece of literature, a work of art that continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
What if I say I shall not wait! This is the title of one of Emily Dickinson's most famous poems. It is a poem that speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever felt the need to take control of their own life and destiny. In this article, we will explore the meaning and significance of this classic poem, and why it continues to resonate with readers today.
The poem begins with the line "What if I say I shall not wait!" This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is one of defiance and determination. The speaker is declaring that they will not wait for anyone or anything to happen. They are taking control of their own life and making their own decisions.
The second line of the poem is "What if I burst the fleshly gate." This line is a metaphor for breaking free from the constraints of the physical world. The speaker is saying that they are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, even if it means breaking through the barriers that society has placed upon them.
The third line of the poem is "And pass, escaped, to thee!" This line is a reference to the afterlife, and the speaker's desire to escape the limitations of this world and be reunited with a loved one in the next. It is a powerful statement of faith and hope, and speaks to the universal human desire for something beyond this life.
The fourth line of the poem is "What if I file this mortal off." This line is another metaphor for breaking free from the constraints of the physical world. The speaker is saying that they are willing to shed their mortal body in order to achieve their goals. It is a powerful statement of determination and commitment.
The fifth line of the poem is "See where it hurt me, that's enough." This line is a reference to the pain and suffering that the speaker has endured in their life. It is a reminder that the journey to achieve one's goals is not always easy, and that there will be obstacles and challenges along the way.
The sixth line of the poem is "And look for me tomorrow." This line is a statement of hope and faith. The speaker is saying that even if they do not achieve their goals today, they will continue to strive towards them tomorrow. It is a reminder that success is not always immediate, but that perseverance and determination will eventually pay off.
The seventh and final line of the poem is "I'll be gone." This line is a reminder of the fleeting nature of life. The speaker is saying that even if they do not achieve their goals in this life, they will eventually pass on to the next. It is a powerful statement of acceptance and resignation, and a reminder that we must make the most of the time we have.
So what is the significance of this poem? Why does it continue to resonate with readers today? At its core, this poem is about the human desire for freedom and self-determination. It speaks to the universal human experience of feeling trapped or constrained by the world around us, and the desire to break free from those constraints and take control of our own lives.
This theme is particularly relevant in today's world, where many people feel trapped by the demands of work, family, and society. The poem is a reminder that we have the power to break free from those constraints and pursue our own dreams and goals.
The poem is also a powerful statement of faith and hope. It speaks to the human desire for something beyond this life, and the belief that there is something greater waiting for us on the other side. This theme is particularly relevant in today's world, where many people are searching for meaning and purpose in their lives.
Finally, the poem is a reminder of the fleeting nature of life. It is a reminder that we must make the most of the time we have, and that we should not wait for tomorrow to pursue our dreams and goals. This theme is particularly relevant in today's world, where many people are so focused on the future that they forget to live in the present.
In conclusion, What if I say I shall not wait! is a powerful and timeless poem that speaks to the universal human experience of the desire for freedom and self-determination. It is a reminder that we have the power to break free from the constraints of the world around us, and pursue our own dreams and goals. It is a statement of faith and hope, and a reminder that there is something greater waiting for us on the other side. And it is a reminder of the fleeting nature of life, and the importance of making the most of the time we have.
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