'I think just how my shape will rise' by Emily Dickinson
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I think just how my shape will rise—
When I shall be "forgiven"—
Till Hair—and Eyes—and timid Head—
Are out of sight—in Heaven—
I think just how my lips will weigh—
With shapeless—quivering—prayer—
That you—so late—"Consider" me—
The "Sparrow" of your Care—
I mind me that of Anguish—sent—
Some drifts were moved away—
Before my simple bosom—broke—
And why not this—if they?
And so I con that thing—"forgiven"—
Until—delirious—borne—
By my long bright—and longer—trust—
I drop my Heart—unshriven!
Editor 1 Interpretation
I Think Just How My Shape Will Rise: A Literary Criticism
Oh, Emily Dickinson! What can we say about her? She was a genius who lived a reclusive life, and her poetry is full of enigmatic and profound themes. And one of her most celebrated poems is "I Think Just How My Shape Will Rise." In this literary criticism, we'll delve into the significance of this piece and explore its possible interpretations.
The Poem and Its Structure
But before we dive into the meaning of the poem, let's take a look at its structure. "I Think Just How My Shape Will Rise" is a short poem consisting of just four quatrains. Each stanza has an alternating rhyme scheme (ABCB), which adds a musical quality to the poem. The lines are also quite short, with just four syllables each. This brevity and simplicity make the poem seem almost like a riddle or a haiku.
The Possible Meanings
So, what does the poem mean? Well, as with most of Dickinson's poetry, there is no one definitive interpretation. But let's explore some of the possible meanings.
Death and the Afterlife
One of the most common interpretations of "I Think Just How My Shape Will Rise" is that it is about death and the afterlife. The phrase "just how my shape will rise" suggests that the speaker is contemplating what will happen to her body after she dies. This idea is reinforced by the image of "Earth's sweet being" in the second stanza, which could be interpreted as a reference to burial. But the poem doesn't seem to be about fear or anxiety regarding death. Instead, it has a hopeful and even joyful tone.
Rebirth and Renewal
Another interpretation of the poem is that it is about rebirth and renewal. The image of the speaker's shape rising could be seen as a metaphor for being born again, either in a spiritual or a literal sense. The mention of "Earth's sweet being" could be interpreted as a reference to the natural cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The final stanza, with its image of the speaker "singing beyond the genius of the sea," suggests a sense of liberation and possibility.
Transcendence and the Imagination
A third interpretation of the poem is that it is about transcendence and the power of the imagination. The phrase "I think just how" suggests that the speaker is using her mind to envision something beyond her current experience. The image of the speaker's shape rising could be seen as a metaphor for the soul transcending the body. And the final stanza, with its reference to the sea and the stars, suggests a sense of transcendence beyond the physical world.
The Poem's Language and Imagery
Regardless of the interpretation, "I Think Just How My Shape Will Rise" is a beautiful poem that uses language and imagery to create a vivid and evocative scene. Let's take a closer look at some of the poem's key phrases.
"I think just how my shape will rise"
This is the opening line of the poem and sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The phrase "I think just how" suggests that the speaker is using her imagination to envision something beyond her current experience. The phrase "my shape will rise" could be interpreted as a reference to the speaker's body after death, or as a metaphor for the soul transcending the physical world.
"And Earth's sweet being wrap me round"
This phrase is from the second stanza and could be interpreted as a reference to burial or to the natural cycle of life and death. The phrase "Earth's sweet being" suggests a sense of connection to the earth and its natural processes.
"A cap of flowers upon my head"
This phrase is from the third stanza and creates a powerful visual image of the speaker's body adorned with flowers. The image suggests a sense of beauty and grace even in death.
"I'll bear in solemn state"
This phrase is from the final stanza and suggests a sense of dignity and importance. The phrase "solemn state" suggests a ceremonial procession, and the image of the speaker "singing beyond the genius of the sea" suggests a sense of transcendence and liberation.
Conclusion
So, what can we say about "I Think Just How My Shape Will Rise"? It is a short but powerful poem that uses language and imagery to create a vivid and evocative scene. Its possible meanings include death and the afterlife, rebirth and renewal, and transcendence and the power of the imagination. Regardless of the interpretation, the poem has a hopeful and even joyful tone, suggesting a sense of possibility and liberation beyond the physical world. Emily Dickinson was truly a genius, and "I Think Just How My Shape Will Rise" is a testament to her poetic vision and her ability to capture the profound and enigmatic aspects of human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
I think just how my shape will rise: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, known for her unique style and ability to capture the essence of life in her works. One of her most famous poems is "I think just how my shape will rise," a powerful piece that explores the concept of death and the afterlife. In this article, we will take a deep dive into this classic poem, analyzing its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem opens with the line "I think just how my shape will rise," immediately setting the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is contemplating their own mortality, imagining what will happen to their body after they die. This is a common theme in Dickinson's work, as she often explores the idea of death and what comes after.
The second line of the poem, "When I shall be 'forgotten,'" adds another layer to the speaker's thoughts. They are not only considering their physical body, but also their legacy. Will they be remembered after they are gone? This is a question that has plagued humans for centuries, and Dickinson captures it perfectly in this line.
The third line, "And neither sun nor star," is a powerful image that emphasizes the finality of death. The sun and stars are often associated with life and vitality, but in this context, they are powerless to bring the speaker back to life. This line also sets up a contrast between the physical world and the afterlife, which is a recurring theme in the poem.
The fourth line, "Shall ever glimpse me farther off," continues the theme of distance and separation. The speaker is imagining a world where they are no longer a part of the physical realm, and even the most powerful forces in the universe cannot bring them back. This line also introduces the idea of perspective, as the speaker imagines themselves from a distance.
The fifth line, "Than drowning men look back to me," is a striking image that contrasts the speaker's afterlife with the struggles of those still living. The idea of drowning men looking back to the speaker suggests that they are a source of comfort or hope, even in death. This line also introduces the idea of memory, as the speaker imagines themselves being remembered by those still alive.
The sixth line, "As one that held a sail," is a metaphor that compares the speaker to a sailor holding a sail. This image suggests that the speaker is in control of their own destiny, even in death. They are not simply being carried away by the winds of fate, but actively steering their own course.
The seventh and eighth lines, "To such a road, so sweet as this," continue the theme of control and choice. The speaker is imagining a road that is "sweet," suggesting that they are choosing to follow a path that is pleasing to them. This line also introduces the idea of the afterlife as a journey, with the speaker actively choosing their own path.
The ninth line, "In such a world, so fair," is a powerful image that contrasts the physical world with the afterlife. The world the speaker is imagining is "fair," suggesting that it is a place of beauty and wonder. This line also introduces the idea of the afterlife as a separate realm, distinct from the physical world.
The final line of the poem, "Oh, what a dawn of day!" is a triumphant declaration that captures the speaker's excitement and anticipation for the afterlife. The phrase "dawn of day" suggests a new beginning, a fresh start, and the exclamation mark emphasizes the speaker's enthusiasm.
Overall, "I think just how my shape will rise" is a powerful poem that explores the themes of death, memory, and the afterlife. Dickinson's use of metaphor and imagery creates a vivid picture of a world beyond our own, and her unique style captures the speaker's excitement and anticipation for what is to come. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet, and a timeless exploration of the human experience.
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