'Let me not thirst with this Hock at my Lip' by Emily Dickinson


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1772

Let me not thirst with this Hock at my Lip,
Nor beg, with Domains in my Pocket—

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

Let me not thirst with this Hock at my Lip: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

As a lover of poetry, I have always been fascinated with the works of Emily Dickinson. Her poems are known for their unique style, complex themes, and powerful imagery. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will analyze one of her classic poems, "Let me not thirst with this Hock at my Lip," and explore its meaning, literary devices, and significance in the literary canon.

The Poem

Let me not thirst with this Hock at my Lip,
Nor beg for Coin
To stint, for thee,
Of Bowl or Loop
Or toast, or sip!

To some, this may seem like a simple poem about the speaker's desire for a drink. However, as with any Dickinson poem, there is much more to uncover. Let's dive deeper into the meaning behind these words.

Interpretation

At its core, "Let me not thirst with this Hock at my Lip" is a poem about desire and the fear of lacking. The speaker is asking for relief from their thirst, but they are not just asking for any drink. They specifically mention "Hock," a type of wine, which suggests a desire for something of higher quality or value. However, they also express a fear of not being able to afford this desire, as they mention the possibility of having to beg for "Coin" to provide for it.

The use of the words "Bowl or Loop" further emphasizes the speaker's desire for luxury. A "Bowl" could refer to a bowl of food, and a "Loop" could refer to a loop of ribbon, both of which suggest a certain level of indulgence. The mention of "toast" and "sip" also suggests a desire for a leisurely, enjoyable experience.

But why is the speaker so desperate for this luxury? It could be interpreted as a desire for escapism or a need for distraction from their current circumstances. The repetition of the word "thirst" suggests a deeper, metaphorical thirst that cannot be quenched by just any drink. The mention of "stint" also suggests a fear of lack, as if the speaker believes that without this luxury, they will be unable to survive.

The poem's title, "Let me not thirst with this Hock at my Lip," further emphasizes this longing for something just out of reach. The phrase "Hock at my Lip" suggests that the speaker is experiencing a physical, tangible thirst, but the word "let" implies that there is some force or entity preventing them from satisfying this thirst. This could be interpreted as a societal or cultural barrier, preventing certain individuals from accessing luxury or enjoyment.

Literary Devices

As with any Dickinson poem, "Let me not thirst with this Hock at my Lip" is full of literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. One of the most notable devices in this poem is repetition. The repetition of the word "thirst" emphasizes the speaker's desperation and emphasizes the metaphorical thirst that cannot be quenched by just any drink.

Another notable device is alliteration, particularly in the phrase "Bowl or Loop." The repetition of the "o" sound creates a sense of indulgence and luxury, emphasizing the speaker's desire for something beyond their current circumstances.

The use of metaphor is also prevalent in this poem. The phrase "Hock at my Lip" is a metaphor for a desire that is just out of reach, while the mention of begging for "Coin" emphasizes the idea of lack and desire for something unattainable.

Significance

"Let me not thirst with this Hock at my Lip" may seem like a simple poem about a desire for a drink, but it is much more than that. It explores themes of desire, lack, and societal barriers, all of which are still relevant today. The use of literary devices enhances the poem's impact and adds depth to its meaning.

Furthermore, this poem is significant in the literary canon as an example of Dickinson's unique style and complex themes. Her use of short, simple lines combined with complex metaphors and themes make her work stand out among other poets of her time.

In conclusion, "Let me not thirst with this Hock at my Lip" is a powerful exploration of desire and lack, enhanced by Dickinson's use of literary devices. Its significance in the literary canon lies in its unique style and complex themes, making it a classic example of Dickinson's work.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Let me not thirst with this Hock at my Lip: A Poem by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her poems are known for their unique style, unconventional punctuation, and deep philosophical themes. One of her most famous poems, Let me not thirst with this Hock at my Lip, is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that explores the themes of desire, temptation, and mortality.

The poem begins with a simple statement: "Let me not thirst with this Hock at my Lip." At first glance, this line may seem straightforward, but upon closer examination, it reveals a deeper meaning. The word "Hock" refers to a type of wine, and the phrase "at my Lip" suggests that the speaker is about to drink it. However, the word "thirst" implies that the speaker is not just thirsty for wine, but for something more profound.

The second line of the poem, "Let me not burst in ignorance of thee," further emphasizes the speaker's desire for something beyond the physical world. The word "burst" suggests that the speaker is on the verge of some kind of emotional or spiritual explosion, and the phrase "in ignorance of thee" implies that the speaker is seeking knowledge or understanding of a higher power.

The third line of the poem, "Old, thirsty moments, pricked by thee," adds another layer of meaning to the poem. The word "old" suggests that the speaker has been struggling with this thirst for a long time, and the phrase "pricked by thee" implies that the speaker's desire has been awakened or intensified by some external force.

The fourth and final line of the poem, "Do not, my soul, forget thy goal," is a call to action for the speaker's soul. The word "goal" suggests that the speaker has a purpose or destination in mind, and the phrase "do not forget" implies that the speaker is in danger of losing sight of that goal.

Overall, Let me not thirst with this Hock at my Lip is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the human desire for something beyond the physical world. The use of wine as a metaphor for this desire adds a layer of complexity to the poem, as it suggests that the speaker's thirst is not just for knowledge or understanding, but for something that can only be found through experience.

The poem also touches on the themes of temptation and mortality. The phrase "thirsty moments" suggests that the speaker is struggling with a temptation that is difficult to resist, and the word "burst" implies that the consequences of giving in to that temptation could be catastrophic. The phrase "in ignorance of thee" also suggests that the speaker is aware of the risks of pursuing this desire, but is willing to take them anyway.

Finally, the poem's call to action for the speaker's soul suggests that the desire for something beyond the physical world is not just a passing fancy, but a fundamental aspect of human nature. The word "goal" implies that the speaker's thirst is not just a random impulse, but a purposeful pursuit that is essential to the speaker's identity.

In conclusion, Let me not thirst with this Hock at my Lip is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of desire, temptation, and mortality. Emily Dickinson's use of metaphor and language creates a rich and complex tapestry of meaning that invites readers to explore their own desires and aspirations. Whether read as a meditation on spirituality, a commentary on human nature, or simply a beautiful piece of poetry, Let me not thirst with this Hock at my Lip is a timeless work that continues to inspire and captivate readers today.

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