'What I can do—I will' by Emily Dickinson
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What I can do—I will—
Though it be little as a Daffodil—
That I cannot—must be
Unknown to possibility—
Editor 1 Interpretation
"What I can do—I will" by Emily Dickinson: A Masterpiece of Determination
Do you ever feel like giving up? Like you have so much to do, and so little time to do it? Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the challenges that life throws your way? I know I do. And that's why I find solace in Emily Dickinson's poem, "What I can do—I will." This poem is a masterpiece of determination, a testament to the power of the human will. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, literary techniques, and historical context of this wonderful poem.
Context
Before we dive into the poem, let's talk a bit about Emily Dickinson. She was born in 1830 in Amherst, Massachusetts, and lived a relatively secluded life. She wrote over 1,800 poems, but only a handful were published during her lifetime. After her death in 1886, her sister discovered her collection of poems and published them posthumously. Dickinson's poetry is known for its unconventional use of punctuation and capitalization, as well as its exploration of themes such as death, nature, and spirituality.
"What I can do—I will" was written in the mid-1860s, during a period of great change in America. The country was in the midst of the Civil War, and Dickinson's beloved Amherst was not immune to the conflict. The poem speaks to the challenges of this time, and the determination required to overcome them.
Themes
At its core, "What I can do—I will" is a poem about determination. It's about the power of the human will to overcome adversity, to face challenges head-on, and to persevere in the face of hardship. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of this theme.
The first stanza is about the limitations of the human body. Dickinson writes, "If I can stop one heart from breaking, / I shall not live in vain; / If I can ease one life the aching, / Or cool one pain." These lines speak to the fact that we are all limited by our physical bodies. We can't do everything, but we can do something. And if we can do something to make the world a better place, then our lives are not lived in vain.
The second stanza is about the limitations of time. Dickinson writes, "If I can ease one life the burden, / Or cool one pain, / Or help one fainting robin / Unto his nest again." These lines speak to the fact that time is finite, and that we must use it wisely. We can't do everything, but we can do something. And if we can do something to make the world a better place, then we must do it now, while we still have the time.
The third stanza is about the power of determination. Dickinson writes, "I can no more / Than I can lift the sky." These lines acknowledge the fact that we are limited beings, but they also speak to the fact that we can accomplish great things if we are determined enough. We may not be able to lift the sky, but we can certainly try. And if we try hard enough, we might just surprise ourselves with what we are able to accomplish.
Literary Techniques
One of the things that makes "What I can do—I will" such a powerful poem is Dickinson's use of literary techniques. Here are a few of the most notable:
Repetition
Dickinson uses repetition throughout the poem to reinforce the themes of determination and limitation. She repeats the phrase "If I can" several times, emphasizing the idea that we are limited beings, but that we can still make a difference.
Metaphor
Dickinson uses metaphor to great effect in the third stanza. She compares the act of accomplishing great things to lifting the sky, a task that is impossible for any human being. This metaphor emphasizes the difficulty of the task at hand, but also the power of determination to overcome even the most daunting challenges.
Parallel Structure
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which follows a similar structure. This parallel structure reinforces the themes of determination and limitation, while also creating a sense of rhythm and balance in the poem.
Interpretation
So, what does "What I can do—I will" mean? To me, this poem is a call to action. It's a reminder that we are all capable of making a difference in the world, no matter how small that difference may be. It's a reminder that we must use our time wisely, and that we must be determined in the face of adversity.
The poem also speaks to the challenges of the mid-1860s, and the need for determination in the face of war and hardship. Dickinson was living in a time of great uncertainty, but she refused to give up hope. She believed that even in the midst of darkness, there was still light to be found.
Lastly, I interpret this poem as a tribute to the human spirit. Dickinson acknowledges our limitations, but she also celebrates our determination to overcome them. She reminds us that we are all capable of greatness, if only we are willing to try.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "What I can do—I will" is a masterpiece of determination. It speaks to the challenges of the mid-1860s, while also offering timeless wisdom for all of us. Dickinson's use of literary techniques reinforces the themes of determination and limitation, while also creating a sense of rhythm and balance in the poem. Ultimately, this poem is a call to action, reminding us that we all have the power to make a difference in the world, no matter how small that difference may be. So let us take up the challenge, and let us do what we can—because we can.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
What I can do—I will: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson’s Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated American poets of all time. Her unique style of writing and her ability to capture the essence of life in her poetry has made her a favorite among readers and scholars alike. One of her most famous poems is “What I can do—I will,” which is a powerful and inspiring piece that speaks to the human spirit and our ability to overcome adversity.
The poem is a short one, consisting of only four lines, but it is packed with meaning and depth. The first line, “What I can do—I will,” is a statement of determination and resolve. It suggests that the speaker is not going to let anything stand in their way and that they are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals.
The second line, “Though it be little as a Daffodil,” is a metaphor that compares the speaker’s efforts to a small flower. This line suggests that even though the speaker’s efforts may seem small and insignificant, they are still important and can make a difference.
The third line, “That I cannot—must be Content,” is a statement of acceptance. It suggests that the speaker understands that there are some things that they cannot do, and that they must be content with what they can do.
The final line, “For who’s forbid the Daisy,” is a rhetorical question that challenges the reader to think about the limitations that we place on ourselves. It suggests that there are no limits to what we can achieve if we are willing to try.
Overall, the poem is a powerful statement about the human spirit and our ability to overcome adversity. It suggests that even though our efforts may seem small and insignificant, they are still important and can make a difference. It also suggests that we should not be limited by our own self-imposed limitations, but should instead strive to achieve our goals no matter what.
One of the most interesting things about this poem is the way that Dickinson uses metaphors to convey her message. The comparison of the speaker’s efforts to a small flower is particularly effective, as it suggests that even though our efforts may seem small and insignificant, they are still important and can make a difference.
Another interesting aspect of the poem is the way that Dickinson uses language to convey her message. The use of the word “Content” in the third line is particularly effective, as it suggests that the speaker has come to accept their limitations and is at peace with what they can do.
Overall, “What I can do—I will” is a powerful and inspiring poem that speaks to the human spirit and our ability to overcome adversity. It is a reminder that even though our efforts may seem small and insignificant, they are still important and can make a difference. It is also a reminder that we should not be limited by our own self-imposed limitations, but should instead strive to achieve our goals no matter what.
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