'His voice decrepit was with Joy—' by Emily Dickinson

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His voice decrepit was with Joy—
Her words did totter so
How old the News of Love must be
To make Lips elderly
That purled a moment since with Glee—
Is it Delight or Woe—
Or Terror—that do decorate
This livid interview—

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

His voice decrepit was with Joy

Emily Dickinson's poem "His voice decrepit was with Joy" is a beautiful piece of literature that captures the essence of joy through an old man's voice. The poem starts with a simple statement: "His voice decrepit was with Joy." This line alone sets the tone for the rest of the piece. It conveys the idea that joy can be found in unexpected places and in unexpected ways. The poem goes on to describe the man's voice in more detail, painting a vivid picture of his joy.

The old man's voice

Dickinson's description of the old man's voice is one of the most captivating aspects of the poem. She uses a variety of different adjectives to describe it, such as "decrepit," "hoarse," and "broken." These words all have negative connotations, yet when used together, they create a sense of beauty and complexity. The poem suggests that the man's voice is so full of joy that it overpowers any negative qualities it may have.

The power of joy

One of the main themes of the poem is the power of joy. Dickinson suggests that joy can transform even the most mundane or unpleasant things into something beautiful. The old man's voice may be "decrepit" and "hoarse," but his joy makes it sound beautiful. This idea is reinforced by the poem's final lines, which describe the man's "exultant" voice. The word "exultant" suggests that the man's joy is so powerful that it cannot be contained.

The beauty of simple things

Another theme of the poem is the beauty of simple things. The old man's voice may not be conventionally beautiful, but it is beautiful in its own way. The poem suggests that we should not overlook the beauty of things that are not conventionally beautiful. There is something about the man's joy that makes his voice beautiful, even though it may not be conventionally pleasing to the ear.

The power of language

The poem also highlights the power of language. Dickinson's descriptions of the old man's voice are so vivid that we can almost hear it for ourselves. The poem shows us that words have the power to create images and evoke emotions. It also suggests that language can be used to find beauty in unexpected places or situations.

The relationship between joy and age

One interesting aspect of the poem is the relationship between joy and age. The old man's voice is described as "decrepit," which suggests that he is old. Yet he is also filled with joy. This suggests that joy is not limited to the young, but can be found at any age. It is a reminder that even as we age, we can still find joy in life.

Conclusion

Overall, Emily Dickinson's poem "His voice decrepit was with Joy" is a beautiful and powerful piece of literature. It captures the essence of joy and shows us that it can be found in unexpected places and in unexpected ways. The poem also highlights the power of language and the beauty of simple things. It is a reminder that even as we age, we can still find joy in life.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson's poem "His voice decrepit was with Joy" is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. This poem is a beautiful example of Dickinson's unique style of writing, which is characterized by her use of unconventional punctuation, capitalization, and syntax. In this analysis, we will explore the meaning behind this poem and the literary devices used by Dickinson to convey her message.

The poem begins with the line "His voice decrepit was with Joy," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "decrepit" suggests that the speaker is describing an old man, someone who is past their prime and perhaps nearing the end of their life. However, the addition of the phrase "with Joy" adds a sense of vitality and energy to the description, creating a sense of paradox that is characteristic of Dickinson's writing.

As the poem continues, the speaker describes the old man's voice as "like rusty bells that some one twists." This simile creates a vivid image in the reader's mind, evoking the sound of old, worn-out bells that have been neglected for years. However, the use of the word "twists" suggests that there is still some life left in these bells, that they can still produce a sound, albeit a rusty one. This is a metaphor for the old man's voice, which may be weak and decrepit, but still has the power to convey joy and emotion.

The next stanza of the poem continues this theme, describing the old man's eyes as "like faded flags unfurled." This metaphor suggests that the old man's eyes are like flags that have been left out in the sun for too long, their colors faded and their edges frayed. However, the use of the word "unfurled" suggests that there is still some life left in these flags, that they can still be raised and flown, even if they are not as vibrant as they once were. This is a metaphor for the old man's spirit, which may be worn down by age and experience, but still has the power to inspire and uplift others.

The final stanza of the poem brings these themes together, describing the old man's "broken voice" as "a hymn of gladness." This is a powerful image, suggesting that even in the face of adversity and decay, the old man's voice can still inspire joy and happiness in others. The use of the word "hymn" suggests a religious connotation, as if the old man's voice is a prayer or a song of praise. This is a fitting end to the poem, as it suggests that even in the face of death and decay, there is still hope and joy to be found.

In terms of literary devices, Dickinson uses a number of techniques to convey her message in this poem. One of the most notable is her use of unconventional punctuation and capitalization. For example, she capitalizes the words "Joy" and "Flags" in the first and second stanzas, respectively, drawing attention to these words and emphasizing their importance. She also uses dashes and ellipses to create pauses and breaks in the poem, allowing the reader to reflect on the images and ideas presented.

Another literary device used by Dickinson in this poem is metaphor. As discussed above, she uses metaphors such as "rusty bells" and "faded flags" to create vivid images in the reader's mind. These metaphors are powerful because they allow the reader to connect with the poem on a deeper level, drawing on their own experiences and emotions to understand the message being conveyed.

Finally, Dickinson's use of paradox is another notable feature of this poem. The idea of an old man's voice being "decrepit" yet filled with "Joy" is a paradoxical one, as is the idea of "faded flags unfurled." These paradoxes create a sense of tension and complexity in the poem, forcing the reader to think deeply about the themes and ideas presented.

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem "His voice decrepit was with Joy" is a beautiful and powerful piece of literature that explores themes of aging, decay, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Through her use of metaphor, paradox, and unconventional punctuation, Dickinson creates a vivid and emotional portrait of an old man whose voice may be weak and worn, but still has the power to inspire joy and happiness in others. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of literature to touch our hearts and minds, and to help us find meaning and hope in even the darkest of times.

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