'Lest they should come—is all my fear' by Emily Dickinson
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Lest they should come—is all my fear
When sweet incarcerated here
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
#Lest they should come—is all my fear by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and rightfully so. Her poetry is often characterized by its unconventional structure and themes that explore the human experience in unique ways. One such poem that stands out is "Lest they should come—is all my fear". This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's ability to capture complex emotions in a few simple words. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of the poem to unravel its meaning.
##Themes
The central theme of the poem is fear. Fear is a powerful emotion that can cripple us and prevent us from living our lives to the fullest. In the opening lines of the poem, the speaker declares that "Lest they should come—is all my fear". The use of the word "lest" suggests that the speaker is afraid of something happening. This fear is not specific, but rather a general sense of apprehension about the unknown.
The fear that the speaker experiences is not directed towards any particular person or thing, but rather towards the possibility of something happening. This fear is universal and can be related to by anyone who has ever experienced anxiety or apprehension about the future. The poem captures the essence of fear and its ability to consume us, leaving us powerless and vulnerable.
##Structure
The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward. It consists of two stanzas, each containing four lines. The use of short lines and stanzas gives the poem a sense of urgency and brevity. The poem is also characterized by its repetition of the word "lest", which emphasizes the speaker's fear and anxiety.
At first glance, the poem may appear to lack complexity. However, upon closer inspection, the simplicity of the structure reveals the depth of the emotions being expressed. The short lines and stanzas reflect the speaker's fear and anxiety, which can be overwhelming and difficult to articulate. The structure of the poem, therefore, effectively conveys the emotions of the speaker and adds to the overall impact of the poem.
##Language
The language used in the poem is simple yet powerful. The use of the word "lest" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the speaker's fear and anxiety. The word "lest" is an archaic word that is rarely used in modern language. Its use in the poem adds to the sense of timelessness and universality of the fear being expressed.
The final line of the poem, "And I—the only dread I knew—was wondering that you" is particularly striking. The use of the word "dread" suggests that the speaker's fear is all-encompassing and all-consuming. The speaker is so consumed by their fear that it is the only thing they know. The use of the word "you" at the end of the line is ambiguous and open to interpretation. It could refer to the reader or to someone specific in the speaker's life. This ambiguity adds to the overall impact of the poem and allows for multiple interpretations.
##Interpretation
The poem "Lest they should come—is all my fear" is a powerful exploration of fear and anxiety. The fear being expressed is not directed towards any specific person or thing, but rather towards the unknown. This fear is universal and can be related to by anyone who has ever experienced anxiety or apprehension about the future.
The structure of the poem is simple yet effective. The short lines and stanzas reflect the speaker's fear and anxiety, which can be overwhelming and difficult to articulate. The repetition of the word "lest" emphasizes the speaker's fear and adds to the overall impact of the poem.
The language used in the poem is simple yet powerful. The use of the archaic word "lest" adds to the timelessness and universality of the fear being expressed. The final line of the poem, with its use of the word "dread" and the ambiguity of the word "you", leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
Overall, "Lest they should come—is all my fear" is a masterful exploration of fear and anxiety. Its universality and timelessness make it a poem that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Lest they should come—is all my fear written by Emily Dickinson is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. This poem is a reflection of the poet's fear of being discovered by others, and the consequences that may follow. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, literary devices, and the poet's intentions.
The poem consists of two stanzas, each containing four lines. The first stanza reads:
Lest they should come— And find me—sleeping— Or nodding—wide awake— So—shall I have the less to say.
The first line sets the tone for the entire poem. The word "lest" suggests that the poet is afraid of something happening. The use of the word "they" is ambiguous, leaving the reader to wonder who the poet is referring to. It could be anyone, from family members to strangers. The second line reveals the poet's fear of being discovered while sleeping or nodding off. This suggests that the poet is afraid of being caught off guard, vulnerable, and exposed. The third line suggests that the poet is also afraid of being discovered while wide awake. This could mean that the poet is afraid of being caught doing something she shouldn't be doing, or simply afraid of being seen. The final line of the stanza suggests that the poet is afraid of saying too much, perhaps revealing something she shouldn't.
The second stanza reads:
The silver—farthing— I never gave to thee— But wilt thou take me— Estates of Memory—
The first line of the second stanza is a reference to a small coin, which the poet never gave to the person she is addressing. This suggests that the poet may have done something wrong, or failed to fulfill a promise. The second line is a question, asking if the person will still accept the poet despite her shortcomings. The third line suggests that the poet is willing to give up everything she has, including her memories, to be accepted by this person. This suggests that the poet values the acceptance of this person above all else.
The poem is rich in literary devices, including metaphors, personification, and repetition. The use of the word "lest" is a metaphor for the poet's fear. The personification of sleep and wakefulness in the first stanza suggests that the poet is afraid of being caught off guard in any state. The repetition of the word "they" in the first stanza emphasizes the ambiguity of the poem, leaving the reader to wonder who the poet is referring to. The metaphor of the "silver farthing" in the second stanza suggests that the poet may have failed to fulfill a promise or do something she should have done. The use of the word "estates" in the final line of the second stanza is a metaphor for the poet's memories, suggesting that she is willing to give up everything she has to be accepted by this person.
The poem is also rich in themes, including fear, vulnerability, and acceptance. The theme of fear is evident throughout the poem, with the poet expressing her fear of being discovered by others. The theme of vulnerability is also evident, with the poet expressing her fear of being caught off guard and exposed. The theme of acceptance is perhaps the most prominent theme in the poem, with the poet expressing her willingness to give up everything she has to be accepted by this person.
In conclusion, Lest they should come—is all my fear written by Emily Dickinson is a classic poem that explores themes of fear, vulnerability, and acceptance. The poem is rich in literary devices, including metaphors, personification, and repetition. The poet's intentions are clear, with the poem expressing her fear of being discovered by others and her willingness to give up everything she has to be accepted by this person. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the human experience and convey complex emotions in a few short lines.
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