'To own a Susan of my own' by Emily Dickinson


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1401

To own a Susan of my own
Is of itself a Bliss—
Whatever Realm I forfeit, Lord,
Continue me in this!

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

To own a Susan of my own by Emily Dickinson: A Deep Dive

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time. Her works continue to inspire and intrigue readers worldwide. One of her most interesting works is the poem "To own a Susan of my own." This poem is intriguing in many ways, and in this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.

Themes

The poem "To own a Susan of my own" has several themes, including longing, loneliness, and unrequited love. The speaker in the poem is expressing her desire for someone named Susan. She longs to have her "own" Susan, suggesting that she does not currently possess Susan's friendship or companionship.

The theme of loneliness is also evident in the poem. The speaker's desire for Susan suggests that she is alone and does not have any close friends or companions. The line "To have a friend is to be one" further emphasizes the speaker's loneliness. She believes that having a friend is the same as being a friend, suggesting that she is currently neither.

Finally, the poem explores the theme of unrequited love. The speaker's desire for Susan suggests that she has feelings for her. However, there is no indication that Susan feels the same way. The speaker's longing for Susan may be unrequited, adding another layer of sadness and loneliness to the poem.

Structure

The poem "To own a Susan of my own" is structured in four stanzas, each with four lines. The stanzas follow an ABAB rhyme scheme, with the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyming. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, with eight syllables per line.

The structure of the poem is simple, which allows the reader to focus on the poem's themes and literary devices. The repetitive nature of the poem's structure also emphasizes the speaker's longing for Susan. Each stanza repeats the same desire for a Susan of her own, suggesting that the speaker's desire is constant and unchanging.

Literary Devices

Emily Dickinson uses several literary devices in "To own a Susan of my own" to convey the poem's themes and emotions. One of the most notable devices is imagery. The speaker uses several images to describe her desire for Susan. She compares her longing to "own" Susan to the desire for the sun or the sea. These images create a vivid picture in the reader's mind and add depth and emotion to the poem.

Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. As mentioned earlier, each stanza repeats the same desire for a Susan of her own. This repetition emphasizes the speaker's longing and creates a sense of longing in the reader as well. The repetition also creates a sense of rhythm in the poem, making it flow smoothly and melodically.

Finally, the poem uses symbolism. Susan may represent more than just a friend or companion. She may represent the speaker's desire for acceptance, love, and connection. The speaker's desire for Susan may be a symbol of her desire for these things in her life.

Interpretation

The poem "To own a Susan of my own" can be interpreted in several ways. One interpretation is that the speaker is expressing her desire for a close friend or companion. The poem suggests that the speaker is alone and longing for someone to share her life with. The desire for Susan may represent the speaker's longing for acceptance and love.

Another interpretation is that the speaker is expressing her desire for a romantic partner. The poem's themes of longing, loneliness, and unrequited love suggest that the speaker may be in love with Susan. The desire for Susan may represent the speaker's desire for a romantic partner.

Finally, the poem may be interpreted as a commentary on society's expectations of women. The speaker's desire for a Susan of her own may represent her desire for independence and freedom from societal expectations. The poem suggests that women are expected to have close friends or companions and that the speaker's lack of these things is causing her to feel lonely and unfulfilled.

Conclusion

"To own a Susan of my own" is a beautiful and poignant poem by Emily Dickinson. The poem's themes of longing, loneliness, and unrequited love are expertly conveyed through the poem's structure and literary devices. The poem's structure and rhythm create a sense of longing and repetition that emphasize the speaker's desire for a Susan of her own. The use of imagery, repetition, and symbolism adds depth and emotion to the poem, making it a powerful and moving work of art.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

To Own a Susan of My Own: A Poem by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems is "To Own a Susan of My Own," a beautiful and poignant piece that explores the themes of love, longing, and the desire for companionship.

At its core, "To Own a Susan of My Own" is a love poem, but it is not a conventional one. Rather than focusing on the physical aspects of love or the romantic gestures that often accompany it, Dickinson's poem delves into the emotional and psychological aspects of love, particularly the need for companionship and the fear of loneliness.

The poem begins with the speaker expressing her desire to "own a Susan of my own," a phrase that may seem puzzling at first. Who or what is Susan, and why does the speaker want to own her? As the poem progresses, it becomes clear that Susan is a metaphor for a companion, someone to share life's joys and sorrows with.

The speaker goes on to describe the qualities she would want in her Susan, such as "a gentle heart" and "a loving eye." These traits suggest that the speaker is not looking for a mere acquaintance or casual friend, but rather someone with whom she can form a deep and meaningful connection.

As the poem continues, the speaker reveals her fear of being alone, stating that "the thought of her, the savior, / Would be my sole repose." This line is particularly powerful, as it highlights the speaker's vulnerability and need for comfort and support. The word "savior" suggests that the speaker sees her Susan as someone who can rescue her from the loneliness and isolation that she fears.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant, as the speaker acknowledges that her desire for a Susan may never be fulfilled. She states that "the dream is stopped, not ended," suggesting that while her longing for companionship may never be fully realized, it will always be a part of her.

Overall, "To Own a Susan of My Own" is a beautiful and moving poem that speaks to the universal human desire for companionship and connection. Through her use of metaphor and imagery, Dickinson captures the essence of this longing in a way that is both powerful and relatable.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of language. Dickinson's writing is known for its economy and precision, and "To Own a Susan of My Own" is no exception. Every word and phrase is carefully chosen to convey the speaker's emotions and desires, and the result is a poem that is both concise and deeply affecting.

Another notable feature of the poem is its structure. "To Own a Susan of My Own" is written in quatrains, with each stanza consisting of four lines. This structure gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry, which is fitting given its themes of harmony and companionship.

In addition to its literary qualities, "To Own a Susan of My Own" is also notable for its historical context. Emily Dickinson lived in a time when women were often expected to marry and have children, and those who did not were often viewed with suspicion or pity. It is possible that the speaker's longing for a companion in the poem reflects Dickinson's own experiences of loneliness and isolation as a single woman in the 19th century.

In conclusion, "To Own a Susan of My Own" is a beautiful and powerful poem that speaks to the universal human desire for companionship and connection. Through her use of metaphor, imagery, and precise language, Emily Dickinson captures the essence of this longing in a way that is both timeless and deeply affecting. Whether read as a love poem or a meditation on the human condition, "To Own a Susan of My Own" is a work of art that continues to resonate with readers today.

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