'Extol thee—could I? Then I will' by Emily Dickinson
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Some one prepared this mighty show
To which without a Ticket go
The nations and the Days—
Displayed before the simplest Door
That all may witness it and more,
The pomp of summer Days.
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
“Extol thee—could I? Then I will” by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and for good reason. Her poetry is profound, thought-provoking, and often challenging to interpret. One of her most famous poems is “Extol thee—could I? Then I will,” which captures the essence of her style and her unique perspective on life.
Context
“Extol thee—could I? Then I will” was written in the 1860s during a period of great political and social upheaval in America. Dickinson lived in Amherst, Massachusetts, a small, conservative town where she spent most of her life in seclusion. Despite her reclusive nature, Dickinson was an astute observer of the world around her and her poetry reflects this.
Analysis
The poem begins with the line, “Extol thee—could I? Then I will,” which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is acknowledging the greatness of the person or subject of the poem and is determined to pay homage to them in the best way possible.
The second stanza begins with the line, “I think thou’rt lovely—so profound,” which suggests that the speaker is in awe of the subject’s beauty and wisdom. The use of the word “profound” suggests that the subject is someone of great intellect and depth.
The third stanza introduces the idea of time, with the lines, “Time cannot blur thy fame— / Nay—it effaces not / The memory of a single face / Nor one iota spot.” This suggests that the subject’s greatness is timeless and will never be forgotten, even as time passes and memories fade.
The fourth stanza continues with the theme of time, with the lines, “The record of thyself—so pure / Is constant as the sun / The stars—so accurate and sure.” This reinforces the idea that the subject’s greatness is unchanging and eternal.
The final stanza ends with the lines, “Extol thee—long as stars endure / Contentment’s contract thou— / And when the last survival cleaves / Its meager clauses now.” This suggests that the speaker will continue to praise the subject for as long as the stars exist and even beyond that, when all is said and done.
Interpretation
“Extol thee—could I? Then I will” is a poem that celebrates greatness and pays homage to those who possess it. The subject of the poem is left open to interpretation, but it could be anyone who has achieved greatness in their field or in their life.
The poem’s use of time suggests that the subject’s greatness is eternal and will never be forgotten. This suggests that the poem is not just about paying homage to the subject, but also about the power of greatness itself. It is an ode to the idea that greatness can transcend time and space, and that it can inspire us long after those who possess it have passed on.
The poem’s use of language is also worth noting. Dickinson’s use of dashes and unconventional punctuation creates a sense of urgency and excitement that is rare in poetry. The poem’s short, staccato lines also contribute to this sense of urgency, as if the speaker is desperate to express their admiration and praise before it is too late.
Conclusion
“Extol thee—could I? Then I will” is a powerful poem that celebrates greatness and pays homage to those who possess it. The poem’s use of time suggests that greatness is eternal and can inspire us long after those who possess it have passed on. Dickinson’s use of language creates a sense of urgency and excitement that is rare in poetry and reflects the speaker’s awe and admiration of the subject. Overall, this is a poem that captures the essence of Dickinson’s style and her unique perspective on life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Extol thee—could I? Then I will, written by Emily Dickinson, is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. This poem is a beautiful tribute to the power of love and the depth of emotion that it can inspire. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of this poem to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.
The poem begins with the speaker expressing her desire to extol someone, to praise them and lift them up. However, she quickly realizes that words are not enough to express the depth of her feelings. She says, "But who shall say thou art not false, / When I thy treason so admire?" Here, the speaker acknowledges that her love for this person is so strong that she is willing to overlook any flaws or faults they may have. She is aware that others may see this person as false or unworthy of praise, but she cannot help but admire them.
The second stanza continues this theme of the inadequacy of words to express the speaker's feelings. She says, "Truth, tho' faster than the light, / Falls oft'ner than the trodden stone." Here, the speaker is saying that even the truth, which is supposed to be unassailable, can be fallible and unreliable. She is acknowledging that words can be slippery and elusive, and that they may not always convey the true depth of her emotions.
The third stanza is where the poem takes a turn. The speaker says, "What charm is yours, that so allures? / What alchemy of mind and heart, / That can so quickly turn apart / A love, and bid it live in yours?" Here, the speaker is addressing the person she wants to extol directly. She is asking them what it is about them that is so captivating and alluring. She is acknowledging that this person has the power to take her love and make it their own, to turn it apart and make it live in them.
The fourth stanza continues this theme of the power of love. The speaker says, "Alas, I cannot praise thee, Dear, / But what if I should dare to leave / The love that I may not declare, / The love that dare not speak its name?" Here, the speaker is acknowledging that her love for this person is so intense and overwhelming that she cannot even put it into words. She is saying that she cannot praise them in the way that she wants to, but she is also asking what would happen if she were to leave this love unspoken and unacknowledged.
The final stanza brings the poem to a close with a powerful statement. The speaker says, "Softly I lay my right hand on / Thy pillow—silently we sleep— / Thou, thou, my breast shall feel anon, / Till life's last hour, its shudderings cease." Here, the speaker is saying that even though she cannot express her love in words, she can still show it through her actions. She is saying that she will be there for this person, holding them close and comforting them, until the end of their lives.
One of the most striking things about this poem is its structure. It is written in four quatrains, or four-line stanzas, with an ABAB rhyme scheme. This gives the poem a sense of symmetry and balance, which is appropriate for a poem about the power of love. The poem also has a consistent meter, with each line containing eight syllables. This gives the poem a sense of rhythm and flow, which helps to convey the speaker's emotions.
Another notable aspect of this poem is its use of language. Dickinson's language is often dense and complex, and this poem is no exception. She uses metaphors and allusions to convey the depth of the speaker's emotions. For example, in the second stanza, she compares the truth to a trodden stone, which is a powerful image that conveys the idea that even the most solid and reliable things can be worn down over time. She also uses alliteration and repetition to create a sense of musicality in the poem. For example, in the third stanza, she repeats the word "what" three times, which creates a sense of urgency and emphasis.
In conclusion, Extol thee—could I? Then I will is a beautiful and powerful poem about the depth of love and the inadequacy of words to express it. The poem's structure and language work together to create a sense of symmetry, rhythm, and musicality that helps to convey the speaker's emotions. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of love and the ways in which it can inspire us to greatness.
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