'We learn it in Retreating' by Emily Dickinson
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
1083
We learn it in Retreating
How vast an one
Was recently among us—
A Perished Sun
Endear in the departure
How doubly more
Than all the Golden presence
It was—before—
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
We learn it in Retreating by Emily Dickinson: A Critical Interpretation
Emily Dickinson's poem, "We learn it in Retreating," is a brief yet profound meditation on the nature of knowledge and the role of learning in our lives. In just six short lines, Dickinson manages to capture the essence of a universal truth that has resonated with readers for generations. But what, exactly, does this poem mean? What insights can we glean from its sparse language and spare imagery? In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the many layers of meaning that lie beneath the surface of "We learn it in Retreating," delving deep into the poem's structure, form, and symbolism to uncover its hidden secrets and reveal its timeless truths.
A Brief Overview of the Poem
Before we dive into a more detailed analysis, let's take a moment to consider the basic structure and form of "We learn it in Retreating." As noted above, the poem consists of just six lines, and is written in Dickinson's signature style of short, compact sentences and stanzas. The poem consists of two rhyming couplets, with the second line of each couplet slightly longer than the first. The poem's meter is also slightly irregular, with stresses falling on different syllables in each line.
"We learn it in Retreating" begins with the line, "We learn it in Retreating -" which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "retreating" suggests a sense of withdrawal or retreat, perhaps from a difficult or challenging situation. The speaker of the poem then goes on to state that "How vast an one / Was recently among us," suggesting that someone or something of great importance and significance has recently left our midst. The third line of the poem then introduces the central metaphor that will be developed throughout the rest of the poem: "A perished sun / Endears in the departure." This metaphor compares the departing figure to a sun that has set, suggesting that just as the sun is more beautiful and beloved when it disappears below the horizon, so too is the departing figure more significant and valuable now that they are gone.
The poem's final three lines then bring this metaphor to its conclusion, stating that "Distance alters Yesterday / And Today / The Former would not alter -" Here, the speaker suggests that the passage of time and the distance between the present and the past can change our perceptions of events and people. However, the "Former" - that is, the person or thing being described in the poem - would not change, even if our perceptions of them do.
The Metaphor of the Perished Sun
Clearly, the metaphor of the "perished sun" is central to understanding the meaning and significance of "We learn it in Retreating." But what exactly does this metaphor refer to? What is the significance of comparing the departing figure in the poem to a sun that has set?
One possible interpretation is that the metaphor of the perished sun suggests a sense of loss and finality. Just as the sun disappears from view when it sets, so too does the departing figure disappear from our lives. The use of the word "perished" further reinforces this sense of finality and the idea that the person or thing being described is gone for good.
However, the metaphor of the perished sun also suggests a sense of beauty and significance in the departure. Just as the sun is often more beautiful and awe-inspiring when it sets than it is during the day, so too might the departing figure be more significant and beloved now that they are gone. By framing the departure in this way, Dickinson suggests that even though we may feel a sense of loss or sadness, we should also appreciate and cherish the departed figure for the beauty and significance they brought to our lives.
The Importance of Retreating
Another key theme in "We learn it in Retreating" is the importance of retreating or withdrawing from difficult or challenging situations. As noted above, the opening line of the poem suggests that we learn something important in the act of retreating. But what, exactly, do we learn?
One possible interpretation is that the act of retreating allows us to gain perspective and distance from a situation, which in turn can help us to appreciate its true significance. Just as the departing figure in the poem is more beloved and significant now that they are gone, so too might a difficult or challenging situation be easier to understand and appreciate once we have retreated from it. By suggesting that we learn something important in the act of retreating, Dickinson encourages us to take a step back from our problems and challenges, in order to gain a better understanding of them.
The Role of Time and Distance
Finally, "We learn it in Retreating" also explores the role of time and distance in shaping our perceptions of events and people. The poem's final three lines suggest that the passage of time and the distance between the present and the past can alter our perceptions of events and people. However, the "Former" - that is, the person or thing being described in the poem - would not change, even if our perceptions of them do.
This final theme is perhaps the most universal and timeless of all. We all know that time and distance can change our perceptions of events and people, and that our memories are often colored by the passage of time. However, by emphasizing the unchanging nature of the "Former," Dickinson reminds us that even though our perceptions may change, the person or thing being described remains the same. In this way, the poem encourages us to appreciate the true significance and beauty of the departed figure, even if our memories of them are colored by the passage of time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "We learn it in Retreating" is a brief yet profound meditation on the nature of knowledge and the role of learning in our lives. Through its central metaphor of the perished sun, the poem explores the themes of loss and finality, as well as the beauty and significance that can be found in the departure of someone or something important. The poem also highlights the importance of retreating from difficult or challenging situations, in order to gain perspective and understanding. Finally, the poem explores the role of time and distance in shaping our perceptions of events and people, reminding us that even though our memories may change, the true significance of the departed figure remains constant.
In this way, "We learn it in Retreating" speaks not only to the challenges and difficulties of our own lives, but also to the timeless truths and universal experiences that connect us all as human beings. Through its sparse language and spare imagery, Dickinson manages to capture the essence of a complex and multifaceted truth, leaving readers with a sense of wonder and awe that is both profound and lasting.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
We Learn it in Retreating: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, known for her unique style and thought-provoking themes. Among her many works, "We learn it in Retreating" stands out as a classic poem that captures the essence of her writing.
At first glance, the poem may seem simple and straightforward, but upon closer examination, it reveals a deeper meaning that speaks to the human experience. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of the poem to gain a better understanding of its significance.
Themes
One of the central themes of "We learn it in Retreating" is the idea of learning from our mistakes and failures. The poem suggests that we gain wisdom and insight not from our successes, but from the times when we fall short or retreat. This is evident in the opening lines of the poem, where Dickinson writes:
We learn it in Retreating How vast an one Was recently among us.
Here, the speaker is acknowledging that we often learn the most when we are forced to retreat or step back from a situation. The use of the word "vast" suggests that the lesson learned is significant and profound.
Another theme that emerges in the poem is the idea of impermanence and change. Dickinson writes:
We learn it in the honest doubt Whether the sun be true.
This line suggests that even something as constant and reliable as the sun can be called into question. It reminds us that nothing in life is permanent or unchanging, and that we must be open to the possibility of change and uncertainty.
Structure
The structure of "We learn it in Retreating" is simple and straightforward, with four stanzas of four lines each. The poem follows an ABAB rhyme scheme, with the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyming with each other.
This structure gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry, which is fitting given the themes of learning and growth that it explores. The repetition of the rhyme scheme also creates a sense of continuity and unity throughout the poem.
Language
One of the most striking aspects of "We learn it in Retreating" is the language that Dickinson uses. Her writing is often characterized by its economy and precision, and this poem is no exception.
The use of the word "Retreating" in the title and opening line of the poem is particularly effective. It suggests a sense of movement and motion, as if the speaker is looking back on a situation that is receding into the distance. This creates a sense of perspective and distance that allows the speaker to reflect on the situation more objectively.
Dickinson also uses vivid imagery throughout the poem to convey her ideas. For example, she writes:
We learn it in the flying cloud, In the setting sun, In the dead of nightfall.
These images of the cloud, sun, and nightfall create a sense of atmosphere and mood that adds depth and richness to the poem. They also suggest that the lessons we learn are not limited to specific situations or experiences, but can be found in the natural world around us.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "We learn it in Retreating" is a classic poem that captures the essence of Emily Dickinson's writing. Through its themes of learning, impermanence, and change, the poem reminds us of the importance of embracing our failures and setbacks as opportunities for growth and insight.
The poem's structure and language are also noteworthy, with its simple yet effective structure and vivid imagery creating a sense of balance and depth. Overall, "We learn it in Retreating" is a timeless work of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor Recommended Sites
Pretrained Models: Already trained models, ready for classification or LLM large language models for chat bots and writingGraph Database Shacl: Graphdb rules and constraints for data quality assurance
Remote Engineering Jobs: Job board for Remote Software Engineers and machine learning engineers
Sheet Music Videos: Youtube videos featuring playing sheet music, piano visualization
New Friends App: A social network for finding new friends
Recommended Similar Analysis
A Boy Named Sue by Shel Silverstein analysisWell, I Have Lost You by Edna St. Vincent Millay analysis
Ambulances by Philip Larkin analysis
Blackberry Eating by Galway Kinnell analysis
Lines composed a few miles above Tintern Abbey by William Wordsworth analysis
Sonnet 87: Farewell! Thou art too dear for my possessing by William Shakespeare analysis
Some Words With A Mummy by Edgar Allen Poe analysis
And Thou Art Dead, As Young and Fair by George Gordon, Lord Byron analysis
Stanzas For Music by George Gordon, Lord Byron analysis
Let America Be America Again by Langston Hughes analysis