'Of God we ask one favor' by Emily Dickinson
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Of God we ask one favor,
That we may be forgiven—
For what, he is presumed to know—
The Crime, from us, is hidden—
Immured the whole of Life
Within a magic Prison
We reprimand the Happiness
That too competes with Heaven.
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
Of God We Ask One Favor: A Literary Analysis
Emily Dickinson, the prolific poet of the 19th century, was known for her unique style and unconventional themes. Her poem, "Of God We Ask One Favor," is no exception. This poem, with its simple language and short lines, packs a powerful punch in its exploration of human desires and the nature of prayer.
Analysis of the Poem
The poem opens with the speaker's plea to God, asking for one favor: "Of God we ask one favor, / That we may be forgiven." The tone is humble and earnest, a reflection of the speaker's desire for redemption. The use of the first-person plural pronoun "we" suggests that the speaker is not alone in this plea, but is instead speaking on behalf of a larger group of individuals.
The next two lines of the poem reveal the reason for this request: "For what, he knows, / Who only asks in Heaven." Here, the speaker acknowledges that God knows the reasons behind their request, and that they trust in God's wisdom and understanding. This trust is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry, as she often explored the idea of faith and its role in our lives.
The third stanza of the poem shifts the focus from the speaker's request to a more introspective exploration of human nature. The speaker asks, "Is it to be forgiven / That we enlist the prayer?" This line suggests that the act of prayer itself is a means of seeking forgiveness, regardless of the specifics of the request.
The fourth stanza of the poem explores the nature of prayer in more detail. The speaker asks, "Or is it to be pitied, / That you remunerate?" Here, the speaker is questioning whether the act of prayer is a plea for pity or a request for reward. The use of the word "remunerate" suggests that the speaker is considering the possibility that prayer is a transactional exchange, rather than a selfless act of faith.
The fifth and final stanza of the poem returns to the original request for forgiveness. The speaker says, "We trust the heart thus leaning / Safe on its tripod base." Here, the speaker is expressing their faith in the heart as a reliable guide, and their belief that this request for forgiveness is rooted in a genuine desire for spiritual growth.
Interpretation of the Poem
At its core, "Of God We Ask One Favor" is a poem about faith and the human desire for redemption. Through its exploration of prayer and the nature of forgiveness, Dickinson is questioning the motivations behind our spiritual practices and the role they play in our lives.
One possible interpretation of the poem is that Dickinson is challenging the transactional nature of prayer. By asking if prayer is a plea for pity or a request for reward, the speaker is suggesting that our requests for forgiveness may be motivated by a desire for personal gain, rather than a genuine desire for spiritual growth.
Another interpretation of the poem is that Dickinson is exploring the relationship between faith and the human heart. By trusting the heart as a reliable guide, the speaker is expressing their belief that spiritual growth is rooted in a genuine desire for redemption, rather than a desire for personal gain.
Overall, "Of God We Ask One Favor" is a thought-provoking exploration of faith and the nature of prayer. Through its examination of human desires and the role they play in our spiritual practices, Dickinson is challenging us to reflect on our own motivations and the ways in which we seek spiritual growth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Of God We Ask One Favor" is a powerful poem that speaks to the human desire for redemption and the role of prayer in our spiritual lives. Through its exploration of faith and human nature, Dickinson challenges us to reflect on our own spiritual practices and the motivations behind them. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet, and a reminder of the enduring power of her work.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Of God we ask one favor, a classic poem by Emily Dickinson, is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece of literature that has stood the test of time. In this poem, Dickinson explores the concept of prayer and the relationship between God and humanity. The poem is a testament to the power of faith and the importance of seeking guidance from a higher power.
The poem begins with the line, "Of God we ask one favor, / That we may be forgiven." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the idea that we are all in need of forgiveness and that we must turn to God for this forgiveness. The use of the word "we" in this line also suggests that the speaker is not alone in their need for forgiveness, but that all of humanity shares this need.
The next line, "Of man, that he may be forgiving," shifts the focus from God to humanity. Here, Dickinson suggests that forgiveness is not only something that we seek from God, but also something that we must extend to others. This line also highlights the importance of forgiveness in human relationships and the role that it plays in promoting peace and harmony.
The third line, "Of favors, those he grants to all," brings the focus back to God and suggests that God is a benevolent and generous deity who grants favors to all who ask. This line also implies that we should not be afraid to ask God for what we need, as he is always willing to help us.
The fourth line, "But most of all, the boon to live," is perhaps the most powerful line in the poem. Here, Dickinson suggests that the greatest favor that we can ask of God is the gift of life itself. This line reminds us of the preciousness of life and the importance of cherishing every moment that we have.
The final two lines of the poem, "By blessing, him that gives, / And him that takes," bring the poem to a close and reinforce the idea that forgiveness and gratitude are essential components of a healthy relationship with God and with others. These lines suggest that we should be grateful for both the blessings that we receive and the opportunities that we have to give to others.
Overall, Of God we ask one favor is a beautiful and inspiring poem that reminds us of the importance of prayer, forgiveness, and gratitude in our lives. Through her use of language and imagery, Dickinson encourages us to seek guidance from a higher power and to extend forgiveness and gratitude to those around us. This poem is a timeless reminder of the power of faith and the importance of living a life filled with love and compassion.
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