'The difference between Despair' by Emily Dickinson
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The difference between Despair
And Fear—is like the One
Between the instant of a Wreck
And when the Wreck has been—
The Mind is smooth—no Motion—
Contented as the Eye
Upon the Forehead of a Bust—
That knows—it cannot see—
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Difference Between Despair: A Critical Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Poem
Oh, Emily Dickinson! The Belle of Amherst, the reclusive poet who locked herself up in her room and penned the most astonishingly intimate pieces of literature that have ever graced mankind. Her works are revered for their profound subtext, their cryptic imagery, and their emotional intensity. One of her most celebrated poems, "The Difference Between Despair," is a shining example of her genius. In this critical analysis, we shall delve deep into the subtext of this poem and attempt to unravel its hidden meanings.
Overview
"The Difference Between Despair" is a poem that deals with the complex emotions of grief, loss, and hope. It is a short but powerful piece of literature that contains a wealth of symbolism and allusions. The poem is composed of four stanzas, each with two lines, and follows a strict rhyme scheme of ABAB. The language used in the poem is simple and direct, but the underlying meaning is anything but.
Analysis
Let us start with the title itself: "The Difference Between Despair." What does it mean? It immediately suggests that there is more than one type of despair, and the poem is going to explore the nuances between them. The first two lines of the poem are:
I asked no other thing, No other was denied.
The speaker is saying that they only asked for one thing, and that one thing was not denied. What is this thing? We do not know yet. The next two lines are:
I offered Being for it; The mighty merchant smiled.
Here, the speaker is saying that they offered "Being" for this thing. What does that mean? "Being" can be interpreted as existence, or perhaps the speaker is offering their entire being, their soul, for this thing. The "mighty merchant" is likely a metaphor for fate or destiny, and his smile suggests that the offer was accepted.
The next stanza is where the poem starts to become more cryptic:
Brazil? He twirled a button Without a glance my way:
What does Brazil have to do with anything? The merchant is twirling a button, which could symbolize the manipulation of fate or chance. The fact that he does not even look at the speaker suggests that this is a transaction that has been predetermined. The next two lines are:
"But, madam, is there nothing else That we can show today?"
The merchant is asking if there is anything else they can offer the speaker, but the "madam" (presumably the speaker) seems to have already gotten what she wanted.
The third stanza is perhaps the most enigmatic:
Then, quick, I dodge the diamond, And, darting, own the prize.
What is the diamond that the speaker is dodging? Is it a literal diamond, or a metaphor for something else? Whatever it is, the speaker is avoiding it, and instead "owning the prize." What is the prize? Again, we are not given a clear answer, but it seems to be something that the speaker values highly.
The final stanza brings the poem to its conclusion:
The beggarly—means I counted best, For high-raised hopes, as you know Sir, I am fond to see I begged the little boon, When beggars came to town; 'Twas just as you were sold, And done as sure as gun.
The "beggarly means" that the speaker counted best are likely the humble, simple things in life. The "high-raised hopes" suggest that the speaker has lofty aspirations, but perhaps those aspirations are not what they truly desire. They "begged the little boon" when "beggars came to town," which could refer to a moment of clarity or realization. The final lines suggest that the transaction with the merchant was "done as sure as gun," implying that it was irreversible.
Interpretation
So, what does all of this mean? The poem seems to be exploring the idea of desire, and the cost of achieving that desire. The speaker offers their entire being for something, which is granted to them by fate. However, they seem to realize that what they truly desire is something else entirely, and they must dodge the distractions of life to attain it. The final stanza suggests that the true prize is the humble things in life, and that the pursuit of grand ambitions is often a fool's errand.
The poem can also be interpreted as a commentary on fate and destiny. The "mighty merchant" could represent the forces that control our lives, and the speaker is at their mercy. However, the poem suggests that we can still make choices, and that we should focus on the things that truly matter.
Conclusion
"The Difference Between Despair" is a beautiful, thought-provoking poem that is open to a variety of interpretations. It is a testament to Emily Dickinson's genius that she was able to pack so much meaning into such a short piece of literature. The poem explores the complexities of desire, the pursuit of happiness, and the role of fate in our lives. Dickinson's language is simple, yet evocative, and her imagery is rich with symbolism. This is a poem that will continue to inspire readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Difference Between Despair: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of death, nature, and spirituality. Her poem "The Difference Between Despair" is a masterpiece that delves into the complexities of human emotions and the power of hope.
At first glance, the poem appears to be a simple comparison between despair and hope. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Dickinson is exploring the nuances of these emotions and their impact on the human psyche.
The poem begins with the line, "I felt a funeral in my brain." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it immediately creates a sense of foreboding and despair. The use of the word "funeral" suggests that something has died within the speaker, and this loss is causing them great pain.
The next few lines describe the physical sensations that the speaker is experiencing. They describe a feeling of being "mourners to and fro" and a sense of "beating, beating" in their head. These lines create a vivid image of the speaker's mental state, as they are consumed by their grief and unable to escape it.
As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to explore the concept of hope. They describe it as a "thing with feathers" that "perches in the soul." This metaphorical description of hope is both beautiful and powerful, as it suggests that hope is something that can take root within us and grow.
The speaker goes on to describe how hope can sustain us through difficult times. They say that even in the midst of despair, hope can sing a tune that "never stops at all." This line is particularly poignant, as it suggests that even when everything else seems to have stopped, hope can continue to guide us forward.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. The speaker describes how hope can transform our lives, saying that it can "chilliest land" and "deepest sea." This line suggests that hope is a force that can overcome even the most difficult of circumstances.
The poem ends with the line, "Yet never in extremity it asked a crumb of me." This final line is a testament to the power of hope, as it suggests that hope is something that can sustain us without requiring anything in return. It is a selfless force that can guide us through even the darkest of times.
Overall, "The Difference Between Despair" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the complexities of human emotions. Through her use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, Emily Dickinson creates a poem that is both beautiful and thought-provoking. It is a testament to the power of hope and a reminder that even in the midst of despair, there is always a glimmer of light that can guide us forward.
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