'It would have starved a Gnat' by Emily Dickinson

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It would have starved a Gnat—
To live so small as I—
And yet I was a living Child—
With Food's necessity

Upon me—like a Claw—
I could no more remove
Than I could coax a Leech away—
Or make a Dragon—move—

Not like the Gnat—had I—
The privilege to fly
And seek a Dinner for myself—
How mightier He—than I—

Nor like Himself—the Art
Upon the Window Pane
To gad my little Being out—
And not begin—again—

Editor 1 Interpretation

"It would have starved a Gnat" by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like you were reading someone's diary? That's how I felt when I first read "It would have starved a Gnat" by Emily Dickinson. This poem is short and simple, but it's packed with meaning and emotion. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I'll explore the themes, literary devices, and overall message of this classic poem.

The Poem

Before we dive into the analysis, let's take a look at the poem itself:

It would have starved a Gnat—
To live so small as I—
And yet I was a living Child—
With Food’s necessity

This poem consists of four lines, each with a different rhyme scheme. The first line rhymes with the third, while the second line rhymes with the fourth. The poem's structure is simple, but it adds to the overall message of the poem.

The Themes

One of the most prominent themes in "It would have starved a Gnat" is the idea of insignificance. The speaker compares themselves to a gnat, a tiny insect that is often overlooked and ignored. The speaker acknowledges their small size and seemingly unimportant existence, yet they still have basic needs such as food.

Another theme in this poem is the human experience. Despite the speaker's small size, they still experienced life as a child. The speaker acknowledges their own mortality and the fleeting nature of life. This theme creates a sense of urgency and reminds us to appreciate the time we have.

The Literary Devices

Emily Dickinson was a master of literary devices, and "It would have starved a Gnat" is no exception. Let's take a look at some of the literary devices used in this poem:

Metaphor: The comparison between the speaker and a gnat is a metaphor that runs throughout the entire poem. This metaphor highlights the speaker's small size and insignificance.
Rhyme: The poem's rhyme scheme is simple but effective. The rhyming words help to create a cohesive structure and add to the poem's overall message.
Enjambment: There is enjambment between the first and second lines, as well as between the second and third lines. This creates a sense of flow and continuity, as if the poem is one continuous thought.
Personification: In the last line, the speaker personifies food as having a necessity. This adds to the sense of urgency and importance in the poem.

The Message

So, what is the overall message of "It would have starved a Gnat"? To me, this poem is about the importance of acknowledging our own existence, no matter how small we may seem. The speaker may be small and insignificant like a gnat, but they still have basic needs and experiences. The poem urges us to appreciate the time we have and to make the most of our lives, no matter how short they may be.

Conclusion

"It would have starved a Gnat" may be short, but it's a powerful poem that packs a punch. The use of metaphor, rhyme, enjambment, and personification all contribute to the poem's overall message. By acknowledging our own existence, no matter how small we may seem, we can appreciate the time we have and make the most of our lives. Emily Dickinson has once again proven herself to be one of the greatest poets of all time.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

It Would Have Starved a Gnat: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of death, nature, and spirituality. Her poem, "It Would Have Starved a Gnat," is a perfect example of her exceptional talent and creativity.

The poem is short, consisting of only four lines, but it is packed with meaning and depth. At first glance, it may seem like a simple observation about a small creature, but upon closer examination, it reveals a profound insight into the human condition.

The poem reads:

It would have starved a Gnat To live so small as I And yet I was a living Child With Food's necessity

The first line of the poem sets the stage for the rest of the piece. It speaks of a gnat, a tiny insect that is so small that it would starve if it were to live as small as the speaker. This line is significant because it highlights the speaker's sense of insignificance and smallness in the grand scheme of things.

The second line, "To live so small as I," further emphasizes the speaker's feeling of being small and insignificant. It suggests that the speaker is aware of their place in the world and how they compare to others.

The third line, "And yet I was a living Child," is a powerful statement that speaks to the speaker's humanity. Despite feeling small and insignificant, the speaker is still a living, breathing human being with all the complexities and emotions that come with being alive.

The final line, "With Food's necessity," ties the poem together and brings it full circle. It reminds us that, no matter how small or insignificant we may feel, we still have basic needs that must be met in order to survive. This line also serves as a metaphor for the human condition, as we all have basic needs that must be met in order to live a fulfilling life.

Overall, "It Would Have Starved a Gnat" is a powerful poem that speaks to the human experience. It reminds us that, no matter how small or insignificant we may feel, we are still living, breathing human beings with basic needs and desires. It is a testament to Emily Dickinson's exceptional talent and creativity, and it continues to inspire and move readers to this day.

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