'All I may, if small' by Emily Dickinson

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All I may, if small,
Do it not display
Larger for the Totalness—
'Tis Economy

To bestow a World
And withhold a Star—
Utmost, is Munificence—
Less, tho' larger, poor.

Editor 1 Interpretation

All I may, if small by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism

Oh my, where do I even begin with Emily Dickinson's "All I may, if small"? This poem is a masterpiece that showcases her ability to craft poetry that is both simple and complex at the same time. In this literary criticism, I will dive deep into the poem and offer my interpretation of its meaning and significance.

First of all, let's take a look at the title: "All I may, if small." At first glance, it may seem like a simple phrase, but upon closer inspection, it carries a lot of weight. The use of "may" suggests that the speaker is limited in some way, that they are only able to do so much. The word "small" reinforces this idea of limitation. It seems as though the speaker is acknowledging their own limitations but is still determined to do what they can.

Moving on to the first line, "All I may, if small, accomplish," we see the speaker immediately setting the tone for the rest of the poem. They are acknowledging that they may not be able to accomplish everything they want, but they will do what they can. The use of the word "accomplish" suggests that the speaker has goals and aspirations, and they are determined to achieve them, even if it means starting small.

In the second line, the speaker says, "I'll cling to like a crumb." This line is interesting because it introduces the metaphor of a crumb. Why a crumb? Well, a crumb is something small, insignificant, and often overlooked. However, to the speaker, this crumb is something to cling to, something to hold onto. It seems to represent hope or inspiration, something small but powerful.

The next few lines of the poem continue to build on this idea of starting small and working towards a greater goal. The speaker says, "With no less earnestness than might / Depart a giant's limb / If all the little livelong day / I'll play the same 'tis play." Here, the speaker is comparing their own efforts to those of a giant. Even though they may be small and limited, they are still approaching their goals with the same earnestness and determination as a giant would. The line "If all the little livelong day / I'll play the same 'tis play" suggests that the speaker will continue to work towards their goals, day in and day out.

The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful. The speaker says, "And perish on my small / Accountless best / A daily toil, a daily task / 'Tis all that I request." Here, the speaker seems to be accepting their own mortality. They understand that they may not be remembered for their accomplishments or their efforts, but they are still determined to work towards their goals anyway. The use of the word "accountless" suggests that the speaker is not concerned with being remembered or recognized. They are simply focused on doing what they can with the time they have.

So, what does all of this mean? To me, this poem is about the importance of perseverance and determination, even in the face of limitations. It's easy to get discouraged when we feel like we can't do everything we want to do, but this poem encourages us to start small and work towards our goals with earnestness and dedication. It also reminds us that our efforts may not always be recognized or remembered, but that doesn't mean they aren't important.

Overall, Emily Dickinson's "All I may, if small" is a powerful poem that offers a lot of insight into the human experience. It's a reminder that even the smallest efforts can have a big impact, and that we should never give up on our goals and aspirations. I highly recommend this poem to anyone who needs a little inspiration or motivation to keep going.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

All I may, if small - A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, one of the greatest poets of all time, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with her unique style and profound insights. Her poetry is characterized by its brevity, wit, and depth of emotion. One of her most famous poems, "All I may, if small," is a perfect example of her genius.

The poem is only four lines long, but it packs a powerful punch. It reads:

All I may, if small, Do it not display Larger for the creature That prays unceasingly.

At first glance, the poem may seem cryptic and difficult to understand. However, a closer examination reveals the depth of meaning and the beauty of the language.

The poem begins with the phrase "All I may, if small," which suggests that the speaker is limited in some way. This could refer to her physical size, her social status, or her abilities. Whatever the case may be, the speaker acknowledges her limitations and accepts them.

The second line, "Do it not display," suggests that the speaker is not interested in showing off or drawing attention to herself. She is content to do what she can, even if it goes unnoticed by others.

The third line, "Larger for the creature," is a bit more difficult to interpret. It could refer to the idea that the speaker's actions, though small, have a larger impact on the world around her. Alternatively, it could refer to the idea that the speaker's actions are significant in the eyes of a higher power, such as God.

The final line, "That prays unceasingly," suggests that the speaker is motivated by a sense of devotion or faith. She is not doing what she does for personal gain or recognition, but rather out of a sense of duty or love.

Overall, the poem is a meditation on the nature of humility and the power of small actions. The speaker recognizes her limitations but does not let them hold her back. She is content to do what she can, even if it goes unnoticed by others. Her actions are motivated by a sense of devotion or faith, rather than personal gain or recognition.

The language of the poem is simple but powerful. The use of the word "creature" in the third line suggests a sense of humility and reverence for all living things. The repetition of the word "small" throughout the poem emphasizes the theme of humility and the idea that even small actions can have a significant impact.

In conclusion, "All I may, if small" is a masterpiece of poetry that demonstrates Emily Dickinson's genius. The poem is a meditation on the nature of humility and the power of small actions. The language is simple but powerful, and the themes are universal and timeless. It is a poem that speaks to the human condition and reminds us of the importance of doing what we can, even if it goes unnoticed by others.

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