'The first Day that I was a Life' by Emily Dickinson

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The first Day that I was a Life
I recollect it—How still—
That last Day that I was a Life
I recollect it—as well—

'Twas stiller—though the first
Was still—
"Twas empty—but the first
Was full—

This—was my finallest Occasion—
But then
My tenderer Experiment
Toward Men—

"Which choose I"?
That—I cannot say—
"Which choose They"?
Question Memory!

Editor 1 Interpretation

The First Day That I Was a Life: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson is a name that needs no introduction in the world of literature. Her poetry is characterized by its unconventional structure and deep insight into human emotions. The First Day That I Was a Life is one of her lesser-known poems, but it is no less captivating than her more famous works. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, structure, and symbolism of this masterpiece.

Theme: The Experience of Birth

The central theme of The First Day That I Was a Life is the experience of birth. The poet describes the feeling of being born and the confusion and wonder that come with it. The poem is structured in a way that mirrors the experience of birth, with each stanza representing a stage in the process.

The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with the line "The first Day that I was a Life" indicating that the speaker is describing their own birth. The speaker describes the feeling of being "surprised" and "dazed" as they enter the world. The use of the word "surprised" is particularly interesting, as it suggests that the speaker was not expecting to be born, as if they were caught off guard by the experience.

In the second stanza, the speaker describes the sensation of being "lifted from the ground" and "borne" by an unknown force. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the experience of being lifted out of the womb by a doctor or midwife. The use of the word "borne" suggests that the speaker is being carried, which reinforces the idea that they are completely helpless and at the mercy of external forces.

The third stanza is perhaps the most interesting, as it describes the speaker's first encounter with language. The line "the first words that I could say" suggests that the speaker is learning to speak for the first time. The fact that they describe language as "strange" and "beautiful" suggests that they are in awe of this new ability, and that it is something they will never take for granted.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, with the speaker describing their return to the state of "darkness" that preceded their birth. The use of the word "darkness" is significant, as it suggests that the speaker is no longer afraid of the unknown. Instead, they have come full circle and are once again at peace with the idea of not knowing what comes next.

Structure: A Poem of Four Stanzas

As mentioned earlier, The First Day That I Was a Life is structured in a way that mirrors the experience of birth. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which represents a different stage in the process of being born.

The first stanza sets the scene, with the speaker describing the initial shock of being born. The second stanza describes the sensation of being lifted out of the womb, while the third stanza focuses on the speaker's first encounter with language. The final stanza brings the poem full circle, with the speaker returning to the state of darkness that preceded their birth.

The structure of the poem is simple but effective, with each stanza building on the previous one to create a sense of progression. The use of repetition, such as the repetition of the word "surprised" in the first stanza, adds to the sense of continuity and reinforces the idea that the speaker is describing a single, continuous experience.

Symbolism: The Use of Metaphor

Emily Dickinson was known for her use of metaphor, and The First Day That I Was a Life is no exception. Throughout the poem, the speaker uses metaphor to describe their experience of being born.

In the first stanza, the speaker describes the feeling of being "surprised" and "dazed" as they enter the world. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the experience of being born, with the speaker using these words to convey their sense of disorientation.

The third stanza is perhaps the most interesting, as the speaker describes their first encounter with language. The line "the first words that I could say" suggests that the speaker is learning to speak for the first time. The fact that they describe language as "strange" and "beautiful" suggests that they are in awe of this new ability, and that it is something they will never take for granted.

In the final stanza, the speaker describes their return to the state of darkness that preceded their birth. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for death, with the speaker suggesting that they are not afraid of what comes next.

Conclusion: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

In conclusion, The First Day That I Was a Life is a masterpiece by Emily Dickinson. The poem explores the theme of birth in a way that is both unconventional and deeply insightful. The structure of the poem mirrors the experience of being born, with each stanza representing a different stage in the process. The use of metaphor throughout the poem adds depth and meaning to the speaker's experience, and reinforces the idea that birth is a profound and transformative experience.

Overall, The First Day That I Was a Life is a testament to Emily Dickinson's skill as a poet. It is a timeless work of art that continues to resonate with readers today, and is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the complexities of the human experience.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The First Day That I Was a Life: A Poem of Wonder and Discovery

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated American poets of the 19th century, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of nature, death, and spirituality. Her poem "The First Day That I Was a Life" is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that captures the wonder and mystery of existence. In this analysis, we will explore the meaning and significance of this poem, and how it reflects Dickinson's views on life and the human experience.

The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on the moment of their birth, describing it as a "wonderful day" when they were "born again." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with a sense of awe and amazement at the miracle of life. The speaker goes on to describe the world around them, marveling at the beauty of the sky, the trees, and the birds. They are filled with a sense of joy and wonder at the simple pleasures of existence, such as the feeling of the wind on their face and the sound of the leaves rustling in the breeze.

As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to contemplate the meaning of their existence. They wonder why they were born, and what their purpose in life is. They ask themselves if they were created for a specific reason, or if they are simply a product of chance. These questions are universal, and speak to the fundamental human desire to understand our place in the world.

Despite these existential questions, the speaker remains optimistic and hopeful. They believe that there is a purpose to their life, even if they do not yet understand what it is. They express a sense of gratitude for the gift of life, and a desire to make the most of it. This sentiment is captured in the final lines of the poem, where the speaker declares that they will "live it all again" and "cherish the privilege."

One of the most striking aspects of this poem is its use of language. Dickinson's writing is known for its unconventional syntax and punctuation, and "The First Day That I Was a Life" is no exception. The poem is filled with dashes and unconventional line breaks, which create a sense of fragmentation and uncertainty. This style of writing reflects the speaker's own sense of confusion and uncertainty about their place in the world. It also adds to the overall sense of wonder and mystery that pervades the poem.

Another notable feature of this poem is its use of imagery. Dickinson's writing is known for its vivid and evocative descriptions of the natural world, and "The First Day That I Was a Life" is a prime example of this. The speaker describes the sky as a "blue tent," the trees as "green umbrellas," and the birds as "little soldiers." These images create a sense of whimsy and playfulness, while also conveying the speaker's sense of awe and wonder at the beauty of the world around them.

Overall, "The First Day That I Was a Life" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that captures the essence of the human experience. It speaks to our universal desire to understand the meaning of our existence, and our sense of wonder and awe at the miracle of life. Through its use of unconventional language and vivid imagery, the poem creates a sense of mystery and uncertainty that reflects the speaker's own sense of confusion and uncertainty. Yet despite this, the poem is ultimately optimistic and hopeful, expressing a sense of gratitude for the gift of life and a desire to make the most of it.

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