'I Came to buy a smile—today' by Emily Dickinson
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I Came to buy a smile—today—
But just a single smile—
The smallest one upon your face
Will suit me just as well—
The one that no one else would miss
It shone so very small—
I'm pleading at the "counter"—sir—
Could you afford to sell—
I've Diamonds—on my fingers—
You know what Diamonds are?
I've Rubies—live the Evening Blood—
And Topaz—like the star!
'Twould be "a Bargain" for a Jew!
Say—may I have it—Sir?
Editor 1 Interpretation
"I Came to buy a smile—today" by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Emily Dickinson is one of the most revered American poets of all time. She is known for her unique style, marked by unconventional punctuation, syntax, and imagery that often left her contemporaries confused. However, her poetry has stood the test of time and continues to captivate readers today. One of her most memorable poems is "I Came to buy a smile—today," a work that speaks to the human condition and its eternal search for happiness.
The Poem
"I Came to buy a smile—today" is a short poem, consisting of just four lines, with an ABAB rhyme scheme. Dickinson's use of the dash is notable here, as it gives the poem a sense of urgency and immediacy. The poem reads as follows:
I Came to buy a smile—today—
But just a single smile—
The smallest one upon your face
Will suit me just as well—
At first glance, the poem seems deceptively simple. The speaker is looking to buy a smile, but they only need a small one. However, upon closer inspection, the poem reveals much more.
The Interpretation
The poem can be interpreted in a number of ways, but at its core, it speaks to the human desire for happiness. The speaker is in search of a smile, not because they are happy, but because they are seeking happiness. The fact that they only need a small smile suggests that they are not expecting much. It is as if they are simply searching for a glimmer of joy amidst the darkness.
The fact that the poem is so short and the rhyme scheme so simple creates a sense of urgency. The speaker is not content to wait for happiness to come to them. They are actively seeking it out, and they are willing to pay for it. The line "But just a single smile—" is especially poignant. It suggests that the speaker has been searching for happiness for a long time and has yet to find it.
The final two lines of the poem are also significant. The speaker states that the smallest smile on the face of the person they are addressing will suit them just as well. This suggests that the speaker is not looking for anything grand or dramatic. They are simply seeking a small moment of joy to brighten their day.
The fact that the poem is addressed to someone else is also important. The speaker is not attempting to find happiness within themselves. They are looking to others for help. This speaks to the human need for connection and community. We cannot find happiness alone. We need others to help us find it.
The Literary Criticism
The simplicity of the poem is one of its greatest strengths. Dickinson's use of short lines and a simple rhyme scheme creates a sense of immediacy and urgency. The fact that the poem is so short makes it easy to read and easy to remember. This is one of the reasons why Dickinson's poetry has remained popular for so long. Her ability to capture complex emotions in simple language is truly remarkable.
The use of the dash in the poem is also significant. It creates a sense of fragmentation and interruption, as if the speaker is struggling to express their thoughts. The dash also creates a sense of urgency and immediacy. It is as if the speaker is interrupting themselves in order to express their need for happiness.
The fact that the poem is so short and so simple also raises questions about the role of poetry. Does poetry need to be complex and difficult to be worthwhile? Can simplicity be just as effective? "I Came to buy a smile—today—" suggests that it can. Dickinson's ability to capture complex emotions in simple language is a testament to the power of poetry.
Conclusion
"I Came to buy a smile—today" is a powerful poem that speaks to the human condition and its eternal search for happiness. Dickinson's use of simple language and a simple rhyme scheme creates a sense of urgency and immediacy that draws the reader in. The poem is a reminder that happiness can be found in small moments and that we need others to help us find it. Dickinson's ability to capture complex emotions in simple language is truly remarkable and a testament to the power of poetry. In short, this poem is a must-read for anyone seeking a moment of joy in a difficult world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
I Came to buy a smile—today: A Joyful Exploration of Life by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and delight readers around the world. One of her most famous poems is "I Came to buy a smile—today," which is a joyful exploration of life and the power of positivity. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and explore its themes, imagery, and language.
The poem begins with the speaker announcing their intention to "buy a smile" on this particular day. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with optimism and a sense of hope. The speaker is clearly in a positive frame of mind, and they are actively seeking out happiness and joy.
The first stanza of the poem sets the scene and establishes the speaker's mindset. They are walking through a "crowded street" filled with people and noise, but they are not bothered by this. Instead, they are focused on finding a smile and are determined to do so. The use of the word "crowded" suggests that the speaker is not alone in their quest for happiness, and that many people are also seeking out joy in their lives.
The second stanza of the poem introduces the idea of "buying" a smile. This is an interesting choice of words, as it suggests that happiness is something that can be purchased or acquired. However, the speaker is not looking to buy a physical object, but rather an emotional state. They are seeking out a smile, which is a symbol of happiness and contentment.
The third stanza of the poem is where the imagery really comes to life. The speaker describes the world around them as "bright" and "fair," and they are filled with a sense of wonder and awe. They see the "sunshine" and the "flowers" and are struck by their beauty. This is a powerful image, as it suggests that happiness can be found in the simple things in life. The speaker is not looking for grand gestures or extravagant displays of wealth, but rather the beauty that can be found in nature.
The fourth stanza of the poem introduces the idea of "paying" for the smile. This is another interesting choice of words, as it suggests that happiness is not free. The speaker is willing to pay for their happiness, which suggests that they value it highly. However, the payment that the speaker is willing to make is not a monetary one, but rather an emotional one. They are willing to give up their worries and fears in order to find happiness.
The final stanza of the poem is where the message of the poem really comes to life. The speaker announces that they have found their smile, and that it was "cheap" and "easy." This is a powerful message, as it suggests that happiness is not something that is difficult to find or expensive to acquire. It is something that is within reach of everyone, if only they are willing to look for it.
Overall, "I Came to buy a smile—today" is a powerful and uplifting poem that celebrates the power of positivity and the beauty of life. The imagery is vivid and evocative, and the language is simple yet profound. The poem is a reminder that happiness is not something that is out of reach, but rather something that is within our grasp if we are willing to seek it out. It is a message that is as relevant today as it was when Emily Dickinson wrote it over a century ago.
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