'To try to speak, and miss the way' by Emily Dickinson
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To try to speak, and miss the way
And ask it of the Tears,
Is Gratitude's sweet poverty,
The Tatters that he wears—
A better Coat if he possessed
Would help him to conceal,
Not subjugate, the Mutineer
Whose title is "the Soul."
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
To Try to Speak, and Miss the Way: A Detailed Literary Criticism and Interpretation
This poem by Emily Dickinson is often considered to be one of her most enigmatic and thought-provoking pieces. It is a short yet profound meditation on the nature of communication and the inherent limitations of language. In this essay, we will explore the many layers of meaning in this poem, as well as its historical and biographical context.
Context
First, let us consider the context in which this poem was written. Emily Dickinson was a prolific poet who lived in the mid-19th century. She was known for her unconventional style and subject matter, which often dealt with themes of death, nature, and spirituality. Dickinson was also a recluse who rarely left her home, and she was not widely recognized as a major literary figure during her lifetime.
"To Try to Speak, and Miss the Way" was likely written in the early to mid-1860s, a period when Dickinson was particularly productive. During this time, she was grappling with personal and philosophical questions about the meaning of life and the nature of existence. It is therefore not surprising that this poem reflects some of those preoccupations.
Structure and Form
The poem is structured as a single, eight-line stanza, with a simple ABAB rhyme scheme. Each line consists of five to six syllables, creating a sense of brevity and conciseness. Despite its simplicity, however, the poem is incredibly dense with meaning. Each line contains multiple layers of interpretation, which we will explore in detail.
Interpretation
The poem begins with the line "To try to speak, and miss the way." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, suggesting that communication is difficult and fraught with obstacles. The choice of the word "try" implies that even the act of attempting to communicate is a challenge. The phrase "miss the way" suggests that the intended message has gone astray, lost in translation or interpretation.
The second line reads: "And ask it of the tears that weep." Here, Dickinson introduces the idea of tears as a form of communication. Tears are a sign of emotional distress or pain, and they can convey a message without the need for words. The use of the word "ask" suggests that the speaker is seeking answers or clarification through tears, as if tears themselves could speak.
The third line is: "And ask it of the winds that blow." This line expands on the theme of seeking answers from non-human sources. The winds are often associated with change and movement, and they can carry messages across great distances. The use of the word "ask" again implies that the speaker is seeking some sort of guidance or insight.
The fourth line reads: "And ask it of the waves that flow." This line introduces the idea of water as a communication medium. Waves can convey both power and gentleness, and they can be interpreted in a variety of ways. The use of the word "flow" suggests a sense of movement and fluidity, as if the waves are carrying a message through time and space.
The fifth line is: "And ask it of the stars that glow." Here, Dickinson utilizes a celestial metaphor to suggest that even the stars have something to say. The stars are often seen as symbols of guidance or enlightenment, and their brightness can be interpreted as a sign of significance or importance. The word "glow" implies a sense of warmth and radiance, as if the stars are trying to communicate something important.
The sixth line reads: "And ask it of the bird that sings." This line introduces the idea of birdsong as a form of communication. Birds are often associated with freedom and grace, and their songs can convey a wide range of emotions and messages. The use of the word "sings" suggests a sense of joy and beauty, as if the bird's song is a gift to those who hear it.
The seventh line is: "And ask it of the bell that rings." Here, Dickinson introduces the idea of bells as a form of communication. Bells are often used to signal important events or moments in time, and their ringing can convey a sense of urgency or importance. The use of the word "ring" suggests a sense of resonance and power, as if the bell's message is reverberating through the air.
The final line of the poem reads: "And ask it of the sky that throws." This line is perhaps the most enigmatic of all, as it is difficult to know exactly what Dickinson means by "the sky that throws." One interpretation is that she is referring to the sky as a metaphor for the universe, which is constantly throwing out new mysteries and revelations. Another interpretation is that she is referring to the sky as a physical entity, which throws down lightning or other forms of energy.
Conclusion
"To Try to Speak, and Miss the Way" is a poem that invites multiple interpretations and layers of meaning. At its core, however, it is a meditation on the limitations of language and the challenges of communication. Dickinson suggests that even when we try our best to convey a message, there is always a risk that it will be misunderstood or lost in translation. She also suggests that there are other forms of communication beyond language, such as tears, winds, waves, stars, birdsong, bells, and even the sky itself. Ultimately, this poem is a reminder that the search for meaning and understanding is a never-ending journey, full of both beauty and mystery.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
To Try to Speak, and Miss the Way: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most renowned poets in American literature. Her works are known for their unique style, unconventional punctuation, and profound themes. One of her most famous poems is "To Try to Speak, and Miss the Way," which explores the complexities of communication and the limitations of language. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem.
The poem begins with the line, "To try to speak, and miss the way," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is acknowledging the difficulty of expressing oneself and the possibility of failing to communicate effectively. This sentiment is something that many people can relate to, as we have all experienced moments where we struggle to find the right words to convey our thoughts and feelings.
The second line, "The most unquiet thoughts that live," further emphasizes the speaker's frustration with the limitations of language. The phrase "unquiet thoughts" suggests that the speaker's mind is restless and agitated, perhaps because they are unable to express themselves fully. This line also hints at the idea that some thoughts are too complex or abstract to be captured by words alone.
The third line, "Reverberate - and die," is particularly poignant. The word "reverberate" suggests that the speaker's thoughts are echoing or bouncing around in their mind, but ultimately, they "die" or fade away. This line highlights the fleeting nature of thoughts and the difficulty of holding onto them. It also suggests that the speaker is aware of the impermanence of language and the limitations of trying to capture something as ephemeral as a thought or feeling.
The fourth line, "Infinitely vaster than the syllables," is a powerful statement about the inadequacy of language. The speaker is acknowledging that some things are too vast or complex to be expressed through words alone. This line also suggests that the speaker is aware of the limitations of their own vocabulary and the inadequacy of language to capture the full range of human experience.
The fifth line, "Failing - is higher than not trying," is a particularly inspiring statement. The speaker is suggesting that even if they fail to communicate effectively, the act of trying is still valuable. This line highlights the importance of taking risks and putting oneself out there, even if there is a possibility of failure. It also suggests that the speaker values the process of trying more than the outcome.
The final line, "Lips and the heart agree," is a beautiful conclusion to the poem. The phrase "lips and the heart" suggests that the speaker's words and emotions are in alignment. This line also suggests that the act of speaking is not just about conveying information, but also about expressing one's true self. The word "agree" suggests a sense of harmony or unity, which is a powerful message about the importance of authenticity and self-expression.
Overall, "To Try to Speak, and Miss the Way" is a powerful poem that explores the complexities of communication and the limitations of language. The poem is particularly relevant in today's world, where communication is more important than ever, but also more challenging due to the proliferation of technology and the increasing polarization of society. The poem reminds us that even if we struggle to find the right words, the act of trying is still valuable, and that ultimately, our words and emotions are inextricably linked.
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