'Who never wanted—maddest Joy' by Emily Dickinson
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Who never wanted—maddest Joy
Remains to him unknown—
The Banquet of Abstemiousness
Defaces that of Wine—
Within its reach, though yet ungrasped
Desire's perfect Goal—
No nearer—lest the Actual—
Should disentrall thy soul—
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Who never wanted—maddest Joy" by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson is often regarded as one of the most enigmatic and elusive poets of all time. Her poems are known for their cryptic imagery, unconventional capitalization and punctuation, and their intense focus on the inner life of the individual. "Who never wanted—maddest Joy" is one of Dickinson's most celebrated poems, and it captures many of the themes and techniques that make her work so distinctive.
The Poem
Who never wanted—maddest Joy
Remains to him unknown—
The Banquet of Abstemiousness
Defaces that of Wine—
Within its reach, though yet ungrasped
Desire's perfect Goal—
No nearer—Woman's Every time—
But Sadder—none—the oil—
The Maddest of them all to own
This made the Heights attain—
The Upper Leopard's spots—survey—
Myself—conjectured mine—
Analysis
The poem begins with a tantalizing assertion: "Who never wanted—maddest Joy/Remains to him unknown." It is a bold opening, one that immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The idea of "maddest Joy" is an intriguing one, suggesting that there is a kind of happiness that is so intense, so overwhelming, that it borders on the insane. This is not a conventional idea of happiness, but rather one that is darker, more complex, and more difficult to define.
The next line introduces a contrast: "The Banquet of Abstemiousness/Defaces that of Wine." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that there are two kinds of pleasure: the pleasure of indulgence and excess, represented by "Wine," and the pleasure of self-denial and restraint, represented by "Abstemiousness." The implication is that the latter kind of pleasure is more valuable, because it is more difficult to achieve. This is a theme that runs throughout many of Dickinson's poems: the idea that true happiness can only be found through struggle and sacrifice.
The second stanza is more difficult to parse, but it appears to be a meditation on the nature of desire. "Within its reach, though yet ungrasped/Desire's perfect Goal—/No nearer—Woman's Every time—/But Sadder—none—the oil—" Here, Dickinson seems to be suggesting that desire is always just out of reach, that even when we get what we want, it is never enough. The phrase "Woman's Every time" is particularly interesting, because it suggests that this is a universal experience. Whether we are male or female, we are all subject to the same endless cycle of desire and disappointment.
The final stanza is perhaps the most intriguing of all. "The Maddest of them all to own/This made the Heights attain—/The Upper Leopard's spots—survey—/Myself—conjectured mine—" Here, Dickinson seems to be suggesting that the only way to achieve "maddest Joy" is to be mad oneself. The reference to the "Upper Leopard's spots" is a reference to a line from Shakespeare's "King Lear," in which the character Edgar says, "Whoop, Jug! I love thee!" and then adds, "Nor I thee, till I see thee again, and then I will say it." This is a moment of madness, and it is one that Dickinson seems to be suggesting is necessary in order to achieve true happiness.
Interpretation
So what can we make of "Who never wanted—maddest Joy" as a whole? At its core, this is a poem about the nature of happiness. Dickinson is suggesting that true happiness is not easy to achieve, that it requires sacrifice and struggle, and that it is ultimately a kind of madness. This is a dark, complex idea, and it is one that runs throughout much of Dickinson's work.
But there are other themes here as well. The contrast between "Wine" and "Abstemiousness" is perhaps the most obvious, and it speaks to Dickinson's interest in self-denial and restraint. This is a theme that can be seen in many of her poems, from "I taste a liquor never brewed" to "Success is counted sweetest." Dickinson seems to be suggesting that there is a kind of pleasure that can only be achieved through self-control, and that this pleasure is ultimately more valuable than the pleasure of excess.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is that of desire. Dickinson seems to be suggesting that desire is a force that can never be satisfied, that it is always just out of reach. This is a bleak idea, but it is one that Dickinson returns to again and again in her work. The phrase "Woman's Every time" is particularly interesting, because it suggests that this is a universal experience. Whether we are male or female, we are all subject to the same endless cycle of desire and disappointment.
Finally, there is the idea of madness itself. Dickinson seems to be suggesting that the only way to achieve "maddest Joy" is to be mad oneself. This is a provocative idea, and one that can be seen in many of her poems. Dickinson was known for her reclusive lifestyle, and many have speculated that she suffered from some form of mental illness. Whether or not this is true, it is clear that she was fascinated by the idea of madness, and that she saw it as a key to unlocking the mysteries of the human soul.
Conclusion
"Who never wanted—maddest Joy" is a poem that rewards close reading and careful analysis. It is a complex, multi-layered work that touches on some of the most enduring themes in literature: the nature of happiness, the value of self-control, the power of desire, and the role of madness in the human experience. Dickinson was a poet who never shied away from the darker aspects of the human psyche, and this poem is a powerful example of her willingness to confront the most difficult and complex emotions. It is a poem that speaks to the heart of what it means to be human, and it is one that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Who never wanted—maddest Joy: 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. Among her many poems, one that stands out is “Who never wanted—maddest Joy,” a powerful and enigmatic piece that explores the nature of desire and the human condition. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem, and uncover the hidden depths of Dickinson’s poetic genius.
The poem begins with a provocative statement: “Who never wanted—maddest Joy.” This opening line immediately grabs the reader’s attention, and sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word “maddest” is particularly striking, as it suggests a level of intensity and passion that is beyond the norm. The speaker is essentially asking a rhetorical question, challenging the reader to consider whether there is anyone who has never desired the most extreme form of joy.
The second line of the poem continues in the same vein, with the speaker declaring that “The wildest Wish—to gratify.” Here, we see the theme of desire being further developed, as the speaker suggests that the ultimate goal of human existence is to fulfill our most fervent wishes. The use of the word “wildest” once again emphasizes the idea of intensity and passion, and suggests that the speaker is not interested in the mundane or ordinary.
The third and fourth lines of the poem introduce a new element, as the speaker declares that “Wild for the ecstasy of mine, Eye, Ear and what the Fancy leads—.” Here, we see the speaker’s focus shift from the general to the specific, as they describe their own personal desire for ecstasy. The use of the word “mine” suggests that the speaker is speaking from personal experience, and that their desire for joy is not just theoretical, but deeply felt.
The next two lines of the poem continue in the same vein, as the speaker describes the various senses that are involved in their pursuit of joy. The use of the words “Eye” and “Ear” suggest that the speaker is interested in visual and auditory stimulation, and that they are seeking out experiences that are both beautiful and intense. The phrase “what the Fancy leads” is particularly interesting, as it suggests that the speaker is not bound by convention or tradition, but is willing to follow their own imagination wherever it may lead.
The final two lines of the poem bring everything together, as the speaker declares that “Back to the fires of my life, I burned myself, to see it glow—.” Here, we see the speaker’s desire for joy being linked to their own personal experience of pain and suffering. The use of the word “fires” suggests that the speaker has been through some kind of trial or ordeal, and that their pursuit of joy is a way of finding meaning and purpose in their life. The phrase “to see it glow” is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the speaker is willing to endure pain and sacrifice in order to experience the intense joy that they seek.
So what does all of this mean? At its core, “Who never wanted—maddest Joy” is a poem about the human condition, and the universal desire for happiness and fulfillment. The speaker is essentially asking whether there is anyone who has never desired the most extreme form of joy, and in doing so, they are highlighting the fact that this desire is a fundamental part of what it means to be human. The poem is also a celebration of the power of imagination and the human spirit, as the speaker is willing to follow their own fancy wherever it may lead, and to endure pain and sacrifice in order to experience the intense joy that they seek.
In terms of its style and structure, “Who never wanted—maddest Joy” is a classic example of Emily Dickinson’s unique poetic voice. The poem is written in Dickinson’s trademark style, with short lines and dashes used to create a sense of fragmentation and intensity. The use of repetition and alliteration also adds to the poem’s power and impact, as the repeated use of words like “maddest” and “wildest” creates a sense of urgency and passion.
In conclusion, “Who never wanted—maddest Joy” is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Through its exploration of desire, imagination, and the human condition, the poem speaks to the deepest parts of our souls, and reminds us of the power of joy and the human spirit. Emily Dickinson was a true poetic genius, and this poem is a testament to her enduring legacy and influence.
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