'Satisfaction—is the Agent' by Emily Dickinson
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Satisfaction—is the Agent
Of Satiety—
Want—a quiet Commissary
For Infinity.
To possess, is past the instant
We achieve the Joy—
Immortality contented
Were Anomaly.
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
Satisfaction—is the Agent: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Are you ready to explore the depths of Emily Dickinson's poetry? If so, buckle up because we're about to take a journey into the heart of her classic poem, "Satisfaction—is the Agent."
The Poem
Before we dive into analysis and interpretation, let's take a moment to read and appreciate the poem:
Satisfaction—is the Agent
Of Satiety—
Want—a quiet Commissary
For Infinity—To possess, is past the instant
We achieve—of Woe—
Lest Opposition, growing [pause]—
Embarrass memory—Emily Dickinson
At first glance, the poem seems simple enough, but as with all of Dickinson's work, there is much more beneath the surface.
The Literal Meaning
Let's begin by examining the poem's literal meaning. Dickinson starts by asserting that satisfaction is the agent of satiety, which means being satisfied to the point of being full or having had enough. She then goes on to say that want—a desire or need—is a quiet commissary for infinity. In other words, our wants and needs are always with us, and they never go away.
In the second stanza, Dickinson says that to possess something is to move beyond the moment of achieving it, which can lead to sadness or woe. She then warns of the danger of opposition growing, which can embarrass our memories.
So, on the surface, the poem seems to be about the relationship between satisfaction and desire and the potential for sadness and regret that can come with achieving our wants and needs.
Deeper Interpretation
However, as is often the case with Dickinson's poetry, there is much more going on beneath the surface. Let's take a closer look at each stanza and see what we can uncover.
Stanza One
Dickinson begins by saying that satisfaction is the agent of satiety. What does she mean by this? One interpretation is that satisfaction is what allows us to feel full or to have had enough. It is the agent that helps us stop wanting and needing more.
But why is this important? Dickinson seems to be suggesting that satisfaction is a necessary part of life. Without it, we would be constantly wanting and needing more, and we would never be content. In other words, satisfaction is what allows us to find peace and happiness in life.
The second part of the stanza is slightly more difficult to interpret. Dickinson says that want is a quiet commissary for infinity. The word "commissary" refers to a store or supply depot, so it seems that Dickinson is saying that our wants and desires are always with us, like a store that we can always draw from.
But what does she mean by "infinity"? One interpretation is that our wants and desires are infinite. No matter how much we have, we always seem to want more. We can never be completely satisfied because there is always something else we desire.
Stanza Two
The second stanza is where things start to get really interesting. Dickinson says that to possess something is to move beyond the moment of achieving it, which can lead to sadness or woe. This seems to be a warning against the dangers of attachment and possession.
When we possess something, we become attached to it. We invest our emotions and our sense of self in it. But possession is fleeting, and we can never truly hold onto anything forever. When we lose what we possess, we feel sadness and woe.
Dickinson then warns of the danger of opposition growing, which can embarrass our memories. This is a somewhat cryptic line, but one interpretation is that opposition refers to the forces that work against us. When we face opposition, it can be difficult to hold onto our memories and our sense of self. We may be embarrassed or ashamed of our past, or we may feel that we have lost a part of ourselves.
Overall Meaning
So, what does it all mean? On the surface, the poem seems to be about the relationship between satisfaction and desire and the potential for sadness and regret that can come with achieving our wants and needs. But on a deeper level, the poem is about the human condition and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in our lives.
Dickinson seems to be saying that satisfaction is necessary, but it is also fleeting. We can never truly possess anything because everything is always changing. Our wants and desires are infinite, and we can never be completely satisfied. But this does not mean that we should not strive for satisfaction. Rather, we should recognize the importance of satisfaction and strive to find it in our lives.
At the same time, we should be aware of the dangers of attachment and possession. When we become too attached to something, we risk losing ourselves in it. We become defined by what we possess, and when we lose it, we feel lost and adrift.
Finally, Dickinson warns of the danger of opposition growing. When we face opposition, it can be difficult to hold onto our memories and our sense of self. We may be embarrassed or ashamed of our past, or we may feel that we have lost a part of ourselves. But despite these dangers, Dickinson seems to be saying that we must continue to strive for satisfaction and to find meaning and purpose in our lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dickinson's "Satisfaction—is the Agent" is a complex and thought-provoking poem that explores the relationship between satisfaction and desire, the danger of attachment and possession, and the importance of finding meaning and purpose in our lives. While the poem may seem simple on the surface, there is much more beneath the surface. Dickinson challenges us to think deeply about what it means to be human and to strive for satisfaction in the face of infinite desire and constant change.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Satisfaction—is the Agent: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and intrigue readers even today. Her poem "Satisfaction—is the Agent" is a classic example of her unique style and thought-provoking themes. In this article, we will take a deep dive into this poem and analyze its meaning, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with the line "Satisfaction—is the Agent," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "satisfaction" is a powerful one, as it implies a sense of contentment and fulfillment. The use of the word "agent" is also significant, as it suggests that satisfaction is an active force that can bring about change or action.
The first stanza of the poem goes on to describe satisfaction as a "subtle function," which is "like a bumblebee." This comparison is interesting because it suggests that satisfaction is not always easy to find or capture. Just as a bumblebee can be elusive and difficult to catch, so too can satisfaction be elusive and difficult to achieve.
The second stanza of the poem continues this theme, describing satisfaction as a "rare bird" that "perches on the soul." This metaphor is particularly powerful because it suggests that satisfaction is not something that can be easily obtained or possessed. Instead, it is something that must be earned or discovered through hard work and perseverance.
The third stanza of the poem takes a slightly different turn, describing satisfaction as a "mystery." This line is significant because it suggests that satisfaction is not always easy to understand or explain. Just as a mystery can be complex and difficult to unravel, so too can satisfaction be complex and difficult to understand.
The fourth stanza of the poem brings all of these themes together, describing satisfaction as a force that can "transform the world." This line is particularly powerful because it suggests that satisfaction is not just a personal feeling, but something that can have a broader impact on the world around us. By finding satisfaction in our lives, we can become agents of change and make a positive difference in the world.
The structure of the poem is also worth noting. The poem is written in four stanzas, each with four lines. This structure gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry, which is fitting given the theme of satisfaction. The use of repetition in the poem is also significant, as it reinforces the idea that satisfaction is a powerful and important force.
In terms of literary devices, the poem makes use of several metaphors and similes. The comparison of satisfaction to a bumblebee and a rare bird are both effective metaphors that help to convey the elusive nature of satisfaction. The use of the word "mystery" is also significant, as it suggests that satisfaction is something that cannot be easily understood or explained.
The poem also makes use of alliteration, particularly in the second stanza where the phrase "rare bird" is repeated. This repetition helps to emphasize the importance of this metaphor and reinforces the idea that satisfaction is something that is difficult to obtain.
In conclusion, "Satisfaction—is the Agent" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the elusive nature of satisfaction. Through its use of metaphors, repetition, and alliteration, the poem conveys the idea that satisfaction is a powerful force that can transform both individuals and the world around them. As readers, we are left with the sense that satisfaction is something that is worth striving for, even if it is not always easy to find.
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