'Her little Parasol to lift' by Emily Dickinson
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Her little Parasol to lift
And once to let it down
Her whole Responsibility—
To imitate be Mine.
A Summer further I must wear,
Content if Nature's Drawer
Present me from sepulchral Crease
As blemishless, as Her.
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Her little Parasol to lift" by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
Emily Dickinson is a renowned American poet whose works have left a profound impact on the literary world. Her poems often deal with themes of death, nature, and spirituality, and are known for their unique style and unconventional punctuation. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will be discussing one of her lesser-known works, "Her little Parasol to lift". This poem is a short but powerful piece that explores the idea of innocence and the fleeting nature of childhood.
Analysis
"Her little Parasol to lift" is a four-line poem that consists of two couplets. The poem describes a young girl who is lifting her parasol, presumably to shield herself from the sun. While this may seem like a simple and innocent image, Dickinson imbues it with deeper meaning through her use of language and imagery.
The first line of the poem, "Her little Parasol to lift", sets the scene and introduces us to the young girl. The word "little" suggests that the girl is young and small, while "parasol" evokes a sense of elegance and refinement. The fact that the girl is lifting the parasol implies that she is taking charge of her own protection, which could be seen as a metaphor for growing up.
The second line, "And once to let it down", is where the poem begins to take on a more complex meaning. The use of "once" suggests that the girl is only going to lower the parasol once, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of childhood. Childhood is a time that passes quickly and cannot be reclaimed once it is gone.
The third line, "Her gentle hand to hold it fast", adds another layer to the poem. The use of "gentle" suggests that the girl is delicate and vulnerable, while "hold it fast" implies that she is trying to hold onto something that is slipping away from her. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the struggle to hold onto innocence and purity in a world that is often harsh and corrupt.
The final line, "And then away she goes", is a poignant ending to the poem. The use of "away" suggests that the girl is leaving something behind, while "she goes" implies that she is moving forward. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for growing up and leaving behind the innocence of childhood.
Interpretation
"Her little Parasol to lift" is a poem that explores the idea of innocence and the passage of time. Through her use of language and imagery, Dickinson creates a powerful metaphor for the fleeting nature of childhood and the struggle to hold onto innocence in a world that can be harsh and unforgiving.
The young girl in the poem represents innocence and purity, while the parasol could be seen as a metaphor for protection and shelter. The fact that the girl is lifting the parasol herself suggests that she is taking charge of her own protection, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for growing up and taking responsibility for one's own life.
The use of "once" in the second line is particularly significant, as it suggests that childhood is a time that passes quickly and cannot be reclaimed once it is gone. This could be seen as a warning to the reader to cherish their youth and not take it for granted.
The image of the girl holding the parasol "fast" is another powerful metaphor, as it suggests that innocence and purity are something that must be fiercely protected in a world that is often harsh and corrupt. The fact that the girl's hand is described as "gentle" adds an element of vulnerability to the poem, as it implies that innocence is something that can be easily lost or taken away.
The final line of the poem, "And then away she goes", is a poignant ending that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. The use of "away" suggests that the girl is leaving something behind, while "she goes" implies that she is moving forward. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for growing up and leaving behind the innocence of childhood. The fact that the girl is moving forward suggests that there is no going back, and that the reader must come to terms with the fact that childhood is a fleeting and precious time that cannot be reclaimed once it is gone.
Conclusion
"Her little Parasol to lift" is a short but powerful poem that explores the idea of innocence and the passage of time. Through her use of language and imagery, Dickinson creates a powerful metaphor for the fleeting nature of childhood and the struggle to hold onto purity and innocence in a world that can be harsh and unforgiving. The poem serves as a warning to the reader to cherish their youth and to never take their innocence for granted. Overall, "Her little Parasol to lift" is a powerful and poignant work that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems is "Her little Parasol to lift," a beautiful and poignant piece that explores themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of life. In this analysis, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and explore its meaning, symbolism, and significance.
The poem begins with the line "Her little Parasol to lift," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The image of a parasol being lifted suggests a sense of lightness and movement, as if the speaker is watching someone walking or dancing with a parasol in hand. This image is further reinforced by the use of the word "little," which suggests that the parasol is delicate and perhaps even whimsical.
As the poem continues, we learn that the speaker is watching a woman who is carrying the parasol. The woman is described as being "fair," which suggests that she is beautiful and perhaps even ethereal. The speaker is clearly enamored with this woman, as evidenced by the way they describe her movements and the parasol she is carrying.
However, the poem takes a darker turn when the speaker notes that the woman is "gone." This sudden shift in tone is jarring and suggests that something tragic has happened. The use of the word "gone" is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the woman has passed away or left the speaker's life in some other way.
Despite this loss, the speaker continues to focus on the parasol, which they describe as being "light as a leaf." This image is significant because it suggests that even though the woman is no longer present, her memory lives on through the parasol. The use of the word "leaf" is also interesting, as it suggests that the parasol is a natural object that is connected to the earth and the cycles of life and death.
The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful, as the speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of life. They note that "Life's little, less than little, When love is done." This line is significant because it suggests that even though life may seem small and insignificant, love has the power to make it meaningful and profound. The use of the word "done" is also interesting, as it suggests that love is something that can be completed or finished, much like a task or a project.
Overall, "Her little Parasol to lift" is a beautiful and poignant poem that explores themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of life. Through the use of vivid imagery and powerful language, Emily Dickinson creates a sense of longing and nostalgia that is both haunting and beautiful. The poem reminds us that even though life may be short and fleeting, the memories and experiences we share with those we love can last a lifetime.
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