'One thing of it we borrow' by Emily Dickinson

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One thing of it we borrow
And promise to return—
The Booty and the Sorrow
Its Sweetness to have known—
One thing of it we covet—
The power to forget—
The Anguish of the Avarice
Defrays the Dross of it—

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

One thing of it we borrow: A Critical Analysis of Emily Dickinson’s Poem

Emily Dickinson, a renowned American poet of the 19th century, was known for her enigmatic and unconventional style of writing. She chose to explore themes that were considered taboo during her time, such as death, immortality, and spirituality. One of her most intriguing poems is "One thing of it we borrow," which is a reflection on the concept of life and death. In this analysis, we will explore the poem's themes, structure, symbolism, and its impact on the reader.

Themes

The poem "One thing of it we borrow" explores the theme of life and death. The opening line sets the tone for the entire poem: "One thing of it we borrow, And that is Life." The poem suggests that life is something that we don't own, but rather borrow for a limited time. The use of the word "borrow" implies that there is a debt that must be repaid at some point. The debt in this case is death.

The poem also explores the theme of impermanence. Dickinson suggests that life is fleeting and temporary. She writes, "And in this life, we only know / The want that to our wanting goes." This line suggests that we are always in a state of longing or desire, and that our time on earth is limited. The poem emphasizes the idea that we must enjoy life while we can.

Finally, the poem explores the theme of mortality. Dickinson suggests that we must accept our own mortality and that death is a natural part of life. She writes, "And then, when all around us dies / We play at least, an honest Part." This line implies that death is inevitable, but that we can still live a meaningful life while we are alive.

Structure

The poem "One thing of it we borrow" is a traditional four-stanza poem with a regular rhyme scheme. Each stanza consists of four lines, and the rhyme scheme is ABAB. The poem's structure is simple and straightforward, which reflects the poem's theme of life's impermanence. The poem's brevity is also a reflection of the poet's focus on the transient nature of life.

Symbolism

The poem "One thing of it we borrow" uses symbolism to convey its themes. The most significant symbol in the poem is life itself. Dickinson suggests that life is something that we borrow, implying that there is a limited time for us to enjoy it. The word "borrow" also suggests that there is a debt that must be repaid, which is death.

Another symbol in the poem is the use of the word "wanting." Dickinson writes, "And in this life, we only know / The want that to our wanting goes." This line suggests that we are always in a state of longing or desire, which reflects the human condition. The word "wanting" is used to symbolize our desire for fulfillment, which is never truly satisfied.

Impact

The poem "One thing of it we borrow" has a profound impact on the reader. The poem's brevity and simplicity make it easy to read, but its message is powerful. The poem's exploration of life and death makes the reader reflect on their own mortality and the limited time they have on earth.

The poem's use of symbolism also makes the reader think deeply about the themes that Dickinson explores. The symbolism used to represent life and death, as well as the word "wanting," makes the poem relatable to readers of all ages.

Finally, the poem's structure and rhythm make it memorable. The ABAB rhyme scheme and the simple structure make the poem easy to remember and recite. The poem's impact is lasting, as its message stays with the reader long after they have finished reading it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem "One thing of it we borrow" is a powerful exploration of life and death. The poem's themes of impermanence, mortality, and the transience of life make it relevant to readers of all ages. The poem's structure and use of symbolism make it memorable, and its impact is lasting. The poem's message is simple but profound: we must enjoy our time on earth while we can and accept our own mortality. Dickinson's poem is a testament to her unique style of writing and her ability to explore themes that were considered taboo during her time.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

One Thing of It We Borrow: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems, "One Thing of It We Borrow," is a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment we have.

At its core, "One Thing of It We Borrow" is a meditation on mortality. Dickinson begins the poem by acknowledging that everything we have in life is borrowed, and that we must eventually give it all back. She writes, "One thing of it we borrow / And must return / Nature, herself, permits it / But, lest we should deceive / Some better, natures have / That obscure the skill / And will / To announce it to the eyes."

This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which explores the idea that life is a temporary gift that we must cherish while we have it. Dickinson suggests that we are all just temporary custodians of the world around us, and that we must be mindful of our responsibilities to care for it and appreciate it while we can.

The second stanza of the poem expands on this idea, with Dickinson describing the beauty and wonder of the natural world. She writes, "We are only debtors / Sun, and skies, and air / And everything about us / Category: Despair / Except ourselves / We are too small / To comprehend the worth / Of the smallest human charity."

Here, Dickinson is suggesting that we are all indebted to the natural world, and that we must recognize our place in it. She argues that we are too small and insignificant to fully comprehend the value of even the smallest acts of kindness or compassion, and that we must strive to be better stewards of the world around us.

The third stanza of the poem takes a more personal turn, with Dickinson reflecting on her own mortality. She writes, "How many times a day / Do we elapse ourselves / And then, the shape we seek / Forgets us in the dusk / Ourself are all we have / And yet, how often are we told / 'The Budding rose must blow / Aside the dust, to show / The beauty of its soul.'"

Here, Dickinson is acknowledging the fleeting nature of life, and the fact that we must all eventually pass away. She suggests that we must be mindful of our own mortality, and that we must strive to live our lives to the fullest while we can.

The final stanza of the poem brings everything full circle, with Dickinson returning to the idea that everything we have in life is borrowed. She writes, "The only secret people keep / Is Immortality / We forget the size of room / And the size of the door / As everlasting as the sun / As inevitable as war."

Here, Dickinson is suggesting that the only thing we truly own in life is our own mortality. She argues that we must recognize the inevitability of death, and that we must strive to make the most of the time we have while we can.

In conclusion, "One Thing of It We Borrow" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment we have. Through her beautiful and evocative language, Emily Dickinson encourages us to be mindful of our place in the world, and to recognize the value of even the smallest acts of kindness and compassion. Ultimately, she reminds us that life is a temporary gift that we must cherish while we can, and that we must strive to make the most of the time we have.

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