'Take all away—' by Emily Dickinson
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Take all away—
The only thing worth larceny
Is left—the Immortality—
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
Take all away by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Emily Dickinson was a prolific writer of poetry, and her work has been celebrated for its depth, complexity, and beauty. One of her most famous poems is "Take all away," which explores themes of love, loss, and mortality. This literary criticism and interpretation will delve into the poem's language, structure, and meaning, examining the ways in which Dickinson employs poetic techniques to convey her message.
Overview and Background
Before diving into the analysis of the poem, it is worth providing a brief background on Emily Dickinson's life and work. She was born in 1830 in Amherst, Massachusetts, and lived a reclusive life, rarely leaving her family's home. Despite her seclusion, Dickinson was a prolific writer, producing nearly 1,800 poems during her lifetime. However, only a handful of her poems were published during her lifetime, and it was not until after her death in 1886 that her work gained widespread recognition.
"Take all away" was likely written in the 1860s, during a period of intense creativity for Dickinson. The poem was not formally titled by the poet, but is often referred to by its opening line. It is a short, four-line poem that employs Dickinson's characteristic use of slant rhyme, unconventional punctuation, and imagery.
Analysis
Language
One of the most striking features of "Take all away" is its economy of language. The poem consists of just four lines, with each line containing only four words. Despite this brevity, Dickinson manages to convey a profound sense of loss and despair. The poem's opening line, "Take all away," sets the tone for the rest of the poem, suggesting that the speaker has experienced a great loss. The word "all" is a powerful one, suggesting that the speaker has lost everything that mattered to them.
The second line, "Take all away," repeats the opening line, emphasizing the speaker's sense of desperation. The repetition of the phrase also creates a sense of rhythm, with the words "take" and "away" serving as a kind of refrain.
The third line, "The sun, for ever," introduces a new image into the poem. The sun is a common symbol of hope and renewal, but here it is presented as something that has been taken away. The use of the phrase "for ever" suggests that the speaker believes this loss is permanent and absolute.
The final line, "And gone, by Grief," introduces the cause of the speaker's loss: grief. The use of the word "Grief" with a capital "G" suggests that it is a powerful force, almost like a deity. The word "gone" reinforces the sense of finality created by the third line, suggesting that the speaker's loss is irreversible.
Structure
In addition to its economy of language, "Take all away" is also notable for its structure. The poem consists of two couplets, with each line containing four syllables. This creates a sense of symmetry and balance, reinforcing the poem's themes of loss and restoration.
The repetition of the phrase "Take all away" in the first and second lines creates a kind of call-and-response structure, with the second line echoing the first. This reinforces the sense of desperation and urgency in the poem, as if the speaker is pleading with an unseen force to return what has been lost.
Imagery
Finally, "Take all away" is notable for its use of imagery. The poem is rich in metaphor and symbolism, with Dickinson using vivid images to convey the speaker's sense of loss and despair.
The first two lines, "Take all away / Take all away," suggest a stripping away of something precious. The use of the word "all" is particularly powerful, suggesting that the speaker has lost everything that mattered to them.
The third line, "The sun, for ever," introduces a new image. The sun is a common symbol of hope and renewal, but here it is presented as something that has been taken away. This creates a sense of emptiness and desolation, as if the speaker is living in perpetual darkness.
The final line, "And gone, by Grief," introduces the cause of the speaker's loss: grief. The use of the word "gone" reinforces the sense of finality created by the third line, suggesting that the speaker's loss is irreversible.
Interpretation
So what does "Take all away" mean? At its core, the poem is about loss and grief. The speaker has experienced a profound loss, and they are pleading with an unseen force to return what has been taken away. The use of the word "all" suggests that this loss is absolute and all-encompassing, leaving the speaker with nothing.
The image of the sun being taken away is particularly powerful, as it suggests a loss of hope and renewal. The sun is a common symbol of these things, but here it is presented as something that has been taken away by Grief. This reinforces the sense of emptiness and despair that pervades the poem.
Overall, "Take all away" is a powerful meditation on loss and grief. Despite its brevity, it manages to convey a profound sense of despair and desperation, while also suggesting the possibility of restoration and renewal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Take all away" is a remarkable poem, both for its economy of language and its profundity of meaning. Through its use of metaphor, imagery, and structure, Dickinson manages to convey a powerful sense of loss and grief, while also hinting at the possibility of hope and renewal. As with all great poetry, "Take all away" rewards careful reading and interpretation, inviting readers to explore its depths and discover new meanings with each reading.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Take all away— The heart you gave me; I shall not complain, Though life should be As blank as death Without your love.
Emily Dickinson’s poem, “Take all away,” is a powerful expression of love and loss. In just four short lines, Dickinson captures the essence of what it means to love someone so deeply that life without them feels like death. This poem is a testament to the power of love and the pain of its absence.
The first line, “Take all away,” sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It is a bold statement, a declaration of surrender. Dickinson is saying that she is willing to give up everything, to have everything taken away from her, as long as she can keep the heart that was given to her. This heart, which represents love, is the most important thing to her. It is what gives her life meaning and purpose.
The second line, “The heart you gave me,” is a reminder of the source of Dickinson’s love. It is not something she created on her own, but rather something that was given to her by someone else. This line also suggests that the heart is not something that can be taken away easily. It is a gift that was freely given, and it is something that Dickinson cherishes deeply.
The third line, “I shall not complain,” is a testament to Dickinson’s strength of character. Even if everything else is taken away from her, she will not complain. She will not give up on love, even if it means enduring great pain and suffering. This line also suggests that Dickinson is willing to accept the consequences of her love, no matter how difficult they may be.
The fourth line, “Though life should be as blank as death without your love,” is the most powerful line in the poem. It is a vivid image of what life without love would be like for Dickinson. It is a life that is empty, devoid of meaning and purpose. It is a life that is not worth living. This line also suggests that Dickinson’s love is so strong that it has become an integral part of her identity. Without it, she would cease to exist.
Overall, “Take all away” is a powerful expression of love and loss. It is a reminder of the importance of love in our lives and the pain that comes with its absence. Dickinson’s use of language is simple yet powerful, and her message is clear. Love is worth fighting for, even if it means enduring great pain and suffering. This poem is a timeless reminder of the power of love and the human spirit.
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