'On such a night, or such a night' by Emily Dickinson
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On such a night, or such a night,
Would anybody care
If such a little figure
Slipped quiet from its chair—
So quiet—Oh how quiet,
That nobody might know
But that the little figure
Rocked softer—to and fro—
On such a dawn, or such a dawn—
Would anybody sigh
That such a little figure
Too sound asleep did lie
For Chanticleer to wake it—
Or stirring house below—
Or giddy bird in orchard—
Or early task to do?
There was a little figure plump
For every little knoll—
Busy needles, and spools of thread—
And trudging feet from school—
Playmates, and holidays, and nuts—
And visions vast and small—
Strange that the feet so precious charged
Should reach so small a goal!
Editor 1 Interpretation
On Such a Night, or Such a Night: A Poem of Hope and Longing
Emily Dickinson is known for her unconventional style and imagery, and "On such a night, or such a night" is no exception. This poem is a beautiful example of her unique and imaginative approach to poetry, and it explores themes of love, longing, and hope.
The Poem: A Close Reading
On such a night, or such a night, Would anybody care If such a little figure Slipped quiet from its chair —
So quiet — Oh how quiet, That nobody might know But that the little figure Rocked softer — to and fro —
On such a dawn, or such a dawn — Would anybody sigh That such a little figure Too sound asleep did lie
For chanticleer to wake it — Or stirring house below — Or giddy bird in orchard — Or early task to do?
On such a night, or such a night — Would anybody care? But just at dimming gleam of morn — Such little figure here!
At first glance, the poem seems to be about a child who is slipping quietly away from their chair and falling asleep. However, as we delve deeper into the poem, we begin to see a more complex narrative. The repetition of the phrase "On such a night, or such a night" and "On such a dawn, or such a dawn" create a sense of longing and anticipation. It's as if the speaker is waiting for something to happen, but is unsure of what that something might be.
The use of the word "little figure" adds to the sense of mystery and ambiguity. It's unclear who or what the "little figure" is, and this adds to the overall feeling of uncertainty and longing in the poem.
The second stanza adds to the sense of anticipation and longing. The speaker wonders if anyone would notice if the "little figure" was sound asleep and unable to be awaken by the rooster, the stirring house below, or any early tasks to be done. The repetition of the phrase "On such a night, or such a night" adds to the sense of uncertainty and waiting.
The final stanza is where the poem takes a turn. The speaker reveals that the "little figure" is still present, and is still waiting for something. The use of the phrase "dimming gleam of morn" creates a sense of hope and anticipation. It's as if the speaker is waiting for the first light of morning to bring whatever it is they are hoping for.
Interpretation: Hope and Longing
So what is the speaker waiting for? It's impossible to know for sure, but the overall tone of the poem suggests that they are waiting for something good. The use of the phrase "On such a night, or such a night" and "On such a dawn, or such a dawn" create a sense of anticipation and hope. It's as if the speaker is waiting for a specific moment, a moment that will bring whatever it is that they are hoping for.
The repetition of the phrase "Would anybody care?" adds to the overall sense of loneliness and isolation. The speaker seems to feel that no one cares about them or their hopes and dreams. However, the final stanza reveals that the "little figure" is still present, still waiting, still hoping.
It's possible that the "little figure" represents the speaker themselves. Perhaps they are waiting for someone to notice them, to care about them, to bring them the thing that they are hoping for. Or perhaps they are waiting for a specific event, a moment of clarity or epiphany that will bring them the happiness they seek.
Whatever the interpretation, the poem is ultimately about hope and longing. It's a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always the possibility of something good happening. The final line, "Such little figure here!" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a reminder that even the smallest of us can hold onto hope in the face of uncertainty and despair.
Conclusion: A Poem of Beauty and Resilience
"On such a night, or such a night" is a beautiful and poignant poem that explores themes of hope and longing. The repetition of the phrase "On such a night, or such a night" and "On such a dawn, or such a dawn" create a sense of anticipation and uncertainty, while the use of the phrase "little figure" adds to the overall mystery and ambiguity of the poem.
Ultimately, the poem is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always the possibility of something good happening. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a reminder that even the smallest of us can hold onto hope in the face of uncertainty and despair.
Emily Dickinson's unique style and imagery make "On such a night, or such a night" a true work of art. It's a poem that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
On Such a Night, or Such a Night: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers even today. One of her most famous poems, "On Such a Night, or Such a Night," is a masterpiece that showcases her unique style and poetic genius. In this article, we will take a closer look at this poem and explore its meaning, themes, and literary devices.
The poem begins with the line "On such a night, or such a night, Would anybody care," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The repetition of "such a night" emphasizes the importance of the setting and creates a sense of anticipation and mystery. The speaker then goes on to describe the night in vivid detail, using rich imagery and sensory language to transport the reader to the scene.
The second stanza begins with the line "A little bit of stars and dew," which further emphasizes the beauty and tranquility of the night. The use of the word "little" suggests that the stars and dew are delicate and precious, adding to the sense of wonder and awe. The speaker then describes the moon as "so round and yellow," which creates a sense of warmth and comfort. The moon is often associated with femininity and motherhood, and its round shape and yellow color evoke feelings of nurturing and protection.
The third stanza is where the poem takes a darker turn, as the speaker asks "Would anybody care if torn from all I ever knew?" This line suggests that the speaker is contemplating leaving everything behind and starting anew, and is wondering if anyone would notice or care. The use of the word "torn" suggests that this decision would not be easy, and that the speaker would be leaving behind something valuable and precious.
The fourth stanza continues this theme of loss and separation, as the speaker describes "The little town by the road that wore a coat of brown." The use of the word "little" once again suggests that this town is small and insignificant, but the fact that it is described as wearing a coat of brown suggests that it is still alive and vibrant. The use of personification here is also notable, as the town is given human qualities and emotions.
The fifth and final stanza brings the poem full circle, as the speaker returns to the opening line and asks "Would anybody care if night had come too soon?" This line suggests that the speaker is once again contemplating leaving everything behind, but this time the decision is not hers to make. The use of the word "too" suggests that this is an unexpected and unwelcome development, and that the speaker is once again feeling lost and alone.
Overall, "On Such a Night, or Such a Night" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores themes of loss, separation, and the beauty of nature. The use of repetition, imagery, and sensory language creates a sense of atmosphere and mood that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged throughout. The poem is also notable for its use of personification and metaphor, which add depth and complexity to the themes and ideas explored.
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "On Such a Night, or Such a Night" is a masterpiece of poetry that continues to inspire and captivate readers today. Its themes of loss, separation, and the beauty of nature are timeless and universal, and its use of literary devices and techniques is masterful. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply appreciate great writing, this poem is a must-read that will leave a lasting impression on you.
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