'What Twigs We held by—' by Emily Dickinson
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What Twigs We held by—
Oh the View
When Life's swift River striven through
We pause before a further plunge
To take Momentum—
As the Fringe
Upon a former Garment shows
The Garment cast,
Our Props disclose
So scant, so eminently small
Of Might to help, so pitiful
To sink, if We had labored, fond
The diligence were not more blind
How scant, by everlasting Light
The Discs that satisfied Our Sight—
How dimmer than a Saturn's Bar
The Things esteemed, for Things that are!
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
What Twigs We held by Emily Dickinson
As I read Emily Dickinson's "What Twigs We held" for the first time, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and curiosity. What was she trying to convey through this short, yet powerful poem? What is the significance of the twigs?
In this literary criticism and interpretation, I'll explore these questions and more, delving deep into the language and imagery used by Dickinson to uncover the themes and messages hidden within "What Twigs We held".
The Language of Loss
One of the most prominent themes in "What Twigs We held" is the idea of loss. Dickinson uses language that evokes a sense of fragility and impermanence, as if the twigs themselves are symbols of something that was once there but is now gone.
She writes, "What Twigs We held / Were barren though alive / Of breath that may betray that while / They never lived, they never died". These lines are full of contradictions and paradoxes, suggesting that the twigs may appear dead or lifeless but are nevertheless alive in some strange way.
This language of paradox and contradiction is a trademark of Dickinson's poetic style. She often uses words and phrases that seem at odds with one another, creating a sense of tension and ambiguity that allows for multiple interpretations.
In this case, the paradoxical language suggests that the twigs are both alive and dead, representing something that was once alive but is now gone. The breath that may betray their existence is a nod to the fragility of life, and the idea that something can be here one moment and gone the next.
The Significance of Twigs
So why use twigs as a symbol for loss and impermanence? There are a few possible explanations.
First, twigs are a natural symbol of growth and change. Like trees, they start as small, fragile shoots and grow over time into something strong and sturdy. But unlike trees, twigs are easily broken and fragile, suggesting that this growth and change is not always sustainable.
Additionally, twigs are often associated with the changing of the seasons. In the autumn, trees shed their leaves and twigs, leaving behind a barren landscape that suggests death and decay. This seasonal imagery reinforces the idea of loss and impermanence that runs throughout the poem.
The Importance of Breath
Another key element of "What Twigs We held" is the idea of breath. Dickinson writes, "Of breath that may betray that while / They never lived, they never died". This breath is a symbol of life and vitality, suggesting that even though the twigs themselves may be dead or lifeless, they still contain some essence of the living world.
This breath is also a reminder of our own mortality. We all breathe, and we all know that one day we will stop. The fact that the twigs may betray their existence through their breath is a reminder that we too will one day leave behind physical evidence of our existence.
But the breath is also a symbol of hope. It suggests that even though something may appear dead or lifeless, there may still be some chance of revival or renewal. Dickinson leaves this possibility open, suggesting that even though the twigs may appear barren and lifeless, there may still be some potential for growth and change.
Conclusion
In "What Twigs We held", Emily Dickinson uses language and imagery to explore the themes of loss, impermanence, and the fragility of life. Through the use of paradoxical language, seasonal imagery, and the symbolism of twigs and breath, she creates a powerful meditation on the nature of existence and the inevitability of change and loss.
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about this poem is its ability to evoke such a powerful sense of emotion and meaning in just a few short lines. Dickinson's poetic style is spare and minimalist, yet the depth and complexity of her ideas is truly remarkable.
"What Twigs We held" is a reminder that even the smallest things in life can contain great meaning and significance, and that the impermanence of life is what makes it so precious and valuable.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
What Twigs We held by Emily Dickinson: A Deep Dive into the Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, known for her unique style and thought-provoking themes. Her poem "What Twigs We held" is a prime example of her brilliance, as it explores the concept of memory and how it shapes our lives. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the poem, analyzing its structure, language, and meaning.
Structure
"What Twigs We held" is a short poem, consisting of only four stanzas, each with two lines. The poem follows a simple ABAB rhyme scheme, with the first and third lines rhyming, and the second and fourth lines rhyming. The poem's brevity and simplicity are part of its charm, as it allows the reader to focus on the poem's message without getting lost in complex language or structure.
Language
One of the most striking things about "What Twigs We held" is its use of metaphor. The poem compares memories to twigs, which we hold onto tightly, even as they wither and fade away. This metaphor is powerful because it captures the bittersweet nature of memory. On the one hand, memories are precious and valuable, reminding us of the people and experiences that have shaped us. On the other hand, memories are fragile and fleeting, and we can never hold onto them forever.
The poem's language is also notable for its simplicity. Dickinson uses short, straightforward words and phrases, which give the poem a sense of clarity and directness. This simplicity is deceptive, however, as the poem's meaning is anything but straightforward. By using simple language, Dickinson invites the reader to reflect on the poem's deeper meaning and to consider the role that memory plays in our lives.
Meaning
At its core, "What Twigs We held" is a poem about memory and how it shapes our lives. The poem suggests that memories are like twigs that we hold onto tightly, even as they wither and fade away. This metaphor captures the bittersweet nature of memory, as we cherish our memories even as we know that they are fleeting and impermanent.
The poem's message is particularly poignant in light of Dickinson's own life. Dickinson was known for her reclusive nature and her tendency to live in the past. She spent much of her life writing letters and poems to friends and family members, reminiscing about the people and experiences that had shaped her. In "What Twigs We held," Dickinson seems to be acknowledging the transience of memory, even as she clings to it.
The poem also suggests that memories can be both a source of comfort and a source of pain. We hold onto memories because they remind us of the people and experiences that have brought us joy, but memories can also be painful, reminding us of loss and regret. In this way, "What Twigs We held" is a deeply human poem, capturing the complex emotions that we all feel when we think about the past.
Conclusion
"What Twigs We held" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of memory and its role in our lives. Through its use of metaphor, simple language, and poignant message, the poem invites the reader to reflect on their own memories and to consider the ways in which they shape our lives. Dickinson's poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the human experience and to help us make sense of our own lives.
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