'Somehow myself survived the Night' by Emily Dickinson
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Somehow myself survived the Night
And entered with the Day—
That it be saved the Saved suffice
Without the Formula.
Henceforth I take my living place
As one commuted led—
A Candidate for Morning Chance
But dated with the Dead.
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
Somehow myself survived the Night: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Emily Dickinson's poem "Somehow myself survived the Night" is a haunting and evocative exploration of the human psyche in the face of trauma and adversity. In just twelve short lines, Dickinson manages to convey a sense of profound despair, resilience, and ultimately, hope. Through her masterful use of language and imagery, she invites the reader to join her on a journey of self-discovery and inner strength.
Context and Background
Before delving into the poem itself, it is important to consider the historical and biographical context in which Dickinson was writing. Born in Amherst, Massachusetts in 1830, Dickinson grew up in a highly religious and conservative household. Despite her privileged upbringing, she was plagued by illness and emotional turmoil throughout her life, which led her to become reclusive and introspective.
Dickinson's poetry reflects her innermost thoughts and feelings, and is characterized by its unconventional syntax, vivid imagery, and frequent use of metaphysical themes. Although she wrote over 1,700 poems during her lifetime, only a handful were published before her death in 1886. It was not until several years later that her work began to gain recognition, and today she is widely regarded as one of the greatest American poets of all time.
Analysis
The poem begins with a simple, declarative statement: "Somehow myself survived the Night." At first glance, this line seems straightforward enough; the speaker is simply stating that they have managed to make it through a difficult time. However, as the poem unfolds, it becomes clear that there is much more at play here than a mere expression of relief.
The second line, "Somehow myself though numb" introduces a sense of detachment and disorientation that runs throughout the poem. The speaker is not just physically numb, but emotionally as well, suggesting that they have been through something deeply traumatic. The use of the word "myself" is also significant; it suggests a sense of self-reliance and independence that will be explored further later in the poem.
In the third and fourth lines, the speaker describes the world around them as "strange" and "dim." Here, Dickinson's use of imagery is particularly powerful. The words "strange" and "dim" create a sense of disorientation and uncertainty, as if the speaker has been thrust into a world that is unfamiliar and unsettling. This is reinforced in the fifth line, where the speaker states that they "found no scar" to mark their journey. This suggests that whatever the speaker has been through has left no physical evidence, leaving them feeling lost and alone.
The turning point of the poem comes in the sixth line, where the speaker declares, "Yet alive." Here, we see a glimmer of hope shining through the darkness. Despite all the adversity and trauma that the speaker has faced, they are still alive, and still capable of experiencing the world around them. The use of the word "alive" is particularly significant, as it suggests not just physical survival, but a sense of vitality and resilience.
In the seventh and eighth lines, the speaker describes themselves as "amidst unbroken Sea" and "unconscious May." Here, Dickinson's use of nature imagery is particularly powerful. The sea is a classic metaphor for the unknown and the unknowable, while May is a symbol of new beginnings and fresh starts. Taken together, these two images suggest a sense of being adrift in a world that is both vast and full of possibility.
The ninth and tenth lines feature a shift in tone, as the speaker declares, "Compelled to be" and "Compassed by the Night." Here, we see a sense of resignation and acceptance creeping in. The speaker is no longer fighting against their circumstances, but rather acknowledging them and accepting them as they are. The use of the word "compelled" suggests a sense of inevitability, as if the speaker has no choice but to be where they are.
Finally, in the last two lines of the poem, the speaker declares, "Breathing, and aware / Alive!" Here, we see a sense of triumph and resilience shining through. Despite everything that the speaker has been through, they are still breathing, still aware, and still alive. The repetition of the word "alive" reinforces this sense of vitality and resilience, and suggests that the speaker has emerged from their ordeal stronger and more self-reliant than ever before.
Interpretation
At its core, "Somehow myself survived the Night" is a poem about resilience and inner strength in the face of adversity. The speaker has been through something deeply traumatic, but through it all they have managed to hold on to their sense of self and their will to survive. The poem is also about the power of acceptance and self-awareness. Rather than fighting against their circumstances, the speaker has learned to accept them and find meaning and purpose in them.
Perhaps most importantly, "Somehow myself survived the Night" is a poem about hope. Despite all the darkness and uncertainty that the speaker has faced, they have emerged from their ordeal stronger and more alive than ever before. The final repetition of the word "alive" suggests that the speaker has found a sense of purpose and meaning in their struggle, and that they are ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
Conclusion
Emily Dickinson's "Somehow myself survived the Night" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the human psyche in the face of trauma and adversity. Through her masterful use of language and imagery, Dickinson invites the reader to join her on a journey of self-discovery and resilience. Ultimately, the poem is a testament to the power of hope and self-awareness in the face of even the darkest of circumstances.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Somehow myself survived the Night: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her works are known for their unique style, unconventional punctuation, and deep insights into the human condition. One of her most famous poems is "Somehow myself survived the Night," which is a powerful reflection on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and language.
The poem begins with the line "Somehow myself survived the Night," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is reflecting on a difficult experience, one that they have managed to survive. The use of the word "somehow" suggests that the speaker is not entirely sure how they managed to make it through the night, which adds to the sense of uncertainty and vulnerability in the poem.
The next line reads, "Somehow myself survived the Day." Here, the speaker is acknowledging that surviving the night was only the first step. They have also managed to make it through the day, which suggests that the difficult experience they are reflecting on lasted for at least 24 hours. The repetition of the word "somehow" emphasizes the speaker's sense of disbelief that they were able to survive such a challenging ordeal.
The third line reads, "Somehow myself beyond the Sea." This line is particularly interesting because it introduces a new element to the poem. Up until this point, the speaker has been reflecting on their own survival, but now they are looking beyond themselves. The use of the phrase "beyond the Sea" suggests that the speaker has traveled a great distance, both physically and metaphorically. They have moved beyond their own personal experience and are now contemplating the wider world.
The fourth line reads, "Somehow myself believed." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker has found a way to believe in themselves and their ability to overcome adversity. The use of the word "somehow" again emphasizes the speaker's sense of uncertainty, but the fact that they have found a way to believe in themselves is a powerful statement of resilience.
The fifth and final line of the poem reads, "And life redeemed its pledge." This line is a powerful conclusion to the poem. The use of the word "redeemed" suggests that the speaker has been able to overcome their difficulties and find a sense of redemption. The phrase "life redeemed its pledge" suggests that the speaker has been able to find meaning and purpose in their life, despite the challenges they have faced.
One of the most striking aspects of this poem is its use of imagery. The phrase "beyond the Sea" is particularly evocative, suggesting a sense of vastness and distance. The use of the word "believed" is also significant, as it suggests a sense of faith or trust in oneself. The phrase "life redeemed its pledge" is also powerful, suggesting that life has kept its promise to the speaker, despite the difficulties they have faced.
The language of the poem is also significant. The repetition of the word "somehow" emphasizes the speaker's sense of uncertainty and vulnerability, while the use of the word "believed" suggests a sense of hope and resilience. The phrase "life redeemed its pledge" is also significant, as it suggests that the speaker has been able to find meaning and purpose in their life, despite the challenges they have faced.
In conclusion, "Somehow myself survived the Night" is a powerful reflection on the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The poem's use of imagery, language, and repetition all contribute to its overall impact, creating a sense of uncertainty, vulnerability, and ultimately, resilience. Emily Dickinson's unique style and insights into the human condition continue to inspire readers today, making her one of the most celebrated poets in American literature.
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