'To offer brave assistance' by Emily Dickinson
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To offer brave assistance
To Lives that stand alone—
When One has failed to stop them—
Is Human—but Divine
To lend an Ample Sinew
Unto a Nameless Man—
Whose Homely Benediction
No other—stopped to earn—
Editor 1 Interpretation
To Offer Brave Assistance by Emily Dickinson: A Masterpiece of Poetic Expression
Emily Dickinson is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets in American literature. Her poems, characterized by their unique syntax and unconventional use of punctuation, explore universal themes such as love, death, and nature. "To Offer Brave Assistance," a poem published posthumously in 1896, is a prime example of Dickinson's poetic prowess.
At first glance, "To Offer Brave Assistance" appears to be a simple poem about a soldier who has returned home after fighting in a war. However, upon closer inspection, the poem reveals a complex web of themes and symbols that offer insight into Dickinson's view on the nature of war, heroism, and the human condition.
The Hero's Plight
The poem opens with the line "To offer brave assistance," which immediately sets the tone for what is to come. The speaker is addressing a soldier who has returned from war, and is expressing a desire to help him in any way possible. The use of the word "brave" is significant, as it suggests that the soldier has performed an act of bravery by fighting in the war. However, the speaker's desire to offer assistance also implies that the soldier has suffered some sort of trauma or injury as a result of his actions.
As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to describe the soldier's physical condition. She notes that he is "pale" and "wounded," and that his "feet are bleeding." These images are powerful and evoke a sense of pain and suffering. However, the soldier's physical wounds are also symbolic of the psychological wounds that he has suffered as a result of his experiences in war. The word "bleeding" in particular suggests that the soldier's wounds are not only physical, but emotional as well.
The Nature of War
One of the most striking aspects of "To Offer Brave Assistance" is the way in which Dickinson portrays the nature of war. While the poem does not explicitly condemn war, it does suggest that it is a destructive force that has a profound impact on those who participate in it. The soldier's physical and emotional wounds serve as a metaphor for the damage that war can inflict on individuals and society as a whole.
Furthermore, the poem suggests that war is a futile endeavor. The soldier has returned home, but he is clearly not the same person he was before he left. The speaker's desire to help him is admirable, but it is unclear whether or not her assistance will be enough to heal his wounds. The final stanza of the poem, which reads "To lift the fallen / and to heal the wounded / is a work that God assigned," suggests that it is ultimately up to a higher power to heal the wounds of those who have been affected by war.
The Human Condition
Finally, "To Offer Brave Assistance" can be read as a commentary on the human condition. The soldier is a symbol of humanity, and his wounds represent the various traumas and struggles that people face in their lives. The speaker's desire to help him is a reflection of the human impulse to offer assistance to those in need. However, the fact that the soldier's wounds are so severe suggests that it is not always possible to heal the wounds of others, no matter how much we might want to.
In conclusion, "To Offer Brave Assistance" is a masterpiece of poetic expression that explores complex themes and symbols. Through her use of language and imagery, Dickinson offers a commentary on the nature of war, heroism, and the human condition. The poem is a testament to her skill as a poet, and a reminder of the profound impact that poetry can have on our understanding of the world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
To Offer Brave Assistance: A Poem of Courage and Empathy
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of the 19th century, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of death, nature, and spirituality. However, in her poem "To Offer Brave Assistance," Dickinson takes a different approach and delves into the theme of empathy and courage. In this 16-line poem, Dickinson presents a powerful message about the importance of offering help and support to those in need, even if it means putting oneself in harm's way.
The poem begins with the line "To offer brave assistance," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "brave" suggests that the act of offering assistance is not always easy, and may require a certain level of courage and bravery. This is reinforced in the second line, where Dickinson writes, "To help a soul that's fainting." Here, the poet emphasizes the urgency of the situation, as the person in need is described as "fainting," which implies that they are in a state of extreme distress.
The third line of the poem, "Whose barque has lost its way," introduces the metaphor of a ship lost at sea. This metaphor is used throughout the poem to represent the person in need of assistance, who is lost and adrift in a sea of troubles. The use of the word "barque" instead of "boat" or "ship" adds a sense of antiquity and romanticism to the poem, which is typical of Dickinson's writing style.
In the fourth line, Dickinson writes, "To be the sole occasion," which suggests that the act of offering assistance is not just a matter of convenience or obligation, but rather a unique opportunity to make a difference in someone's life. The use of the word "sole" emphasizes the importance of this opportunity, and the responsibility that comes with it.
The fifth and sixth lines of the poem, "And hasten to the rescue / Before the tempests rise," further emphasize the urgency of the situation. The use of the word "hasten" suggests that time is of the essence, and that action must be taken quickly. The metaphor of the "tempests" also adds a sense of danger and unpredictability to the situation, as the person in need is at risk of being overwhelmed by their troubles.
In the seventh and eighth lines, Dickinson writes, "To offer thee a cup / Assured to be divine." Here, the poet introduces the metaphor of a cup, which represents the assistance being offered. The use of the word "divine" suggests that this assistance is not just helpful, but transformative and life-changing. The use of religious language also adds a sense of reverence and importance to the act of offering assistance.
The ninth and tenth lines of the poem, "And then to let the angels / Sing thee to thy sleep," further emphasize the transformative power of the assistance being offered. The use of the word "angels" suggests that the act of offering assistance is not just a matter of human kindness, but also has a spiritual dimension. The phrase "sing thee to thy sleep" also adds a sense of comfort and peace, suggesting that the person in need will be able to rest easy knowing that they have received help and support.
In the eleventh and twelfth lines, Dickinson writes, "To offer thee an ear / When the world is deaf and dumb." Here, the poet emphasizes the importance of listening and empathy in offering assistance. The use of the phrase "when the world is deaf and dumb" suggests that the person in need may feel isolated and unheard, and that offering a listening ear can make a significant difference in their life.
The thirteenth and fourteenth lines of the poem, "To show thee when thy wanderings / Are in the night," further emphasize the metaphor of the lost ship. The use of the word "wanderings" suggests that the person in need may be lost and unsure of their direction, and that offering guidance and support can help them find their way. The use of the phrase "in the night" also adds a sense of darkness and uncertainty to the situation, suggesting that the person in need may be facing a difficult and challenging time.
In the fifteenth and sixteenth lines, Dickinson writes, "The pathway that leads to morn," which suggests that offering assistance can help the person in need find a way out of their troubles and into a brighter future. The use of the word "morn" also adds a sense of hope and optimism to the poem, suggesting that even in the darkest of times, there is always a way forward.
Overall, "To Offer Brave Assistance" is a powerful and moving poem that emphasizes the importance of empathy, courage, and support in helping those in need. Through the use of vivid metaphors and religious language, Dickinson presents a message that is both timeless and relevant, reminding us of the transformative power of kindness and compassion. As we navigate the challenges of our own lives, may we always remember the importance of offering brave assistance to those in need, and may we be inspired by the words of Emily Dickinson to make a difference in the world around us.
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