'It did not surprise me' by Emily Dickinson
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It did not surprise me—
So I said—or thought—
She will stir her pinions
And the nest forgot,
Traverse broader forests—
Build in gayer boughs,
Breathe in Ear more modern
God's old fashioned vows—
This was but a Birdling—
What and if it be
One within my bosom
Had departed me?
This was but a story—
What and if indeed
There were just such coffin
In the heart instead?
Editor 1 Interpretation
"It did not surprise me" by Emily Dickinson: A Poem of Epiphany and Self-Discovery
When Emily Dickinson was alive, her poetry was largely unknown to the world. Today, however, she is regarded as one of America's greatest and most influential poets. Her work, which often explores themes of death, love, and nature, is known for its unique style and use of unconventional punctuation and syntax. One of her most intriguing poems is "It did not surprise me," a short but powerful piece that offers insight into Dickinson's own struggles with self-discovery and the complexities of life.
The Poem: "It did not surprise me"
It did not surprise me— So I said—or felt— She don't want me—It contented me— To this Augmented—Peace— It was the calm—All magnified— Islands of the sea— And the silence—Of the Cordillera— Translated—into me—
The Themes of "It did not surprise me"
At its core, "It did not surprise me" is a poem about self-discovery and acceptance. The speaker of the poem (presumably Dickinson herself) reflects on a situation in which she has been rejected by someone she loves. She initially feels hurt and rejected, but eventually comes to a place of acceptance and peace. The poem suggests that this process of acceptance and self-discovery is not always easy, but it is ultimately necessary for growth and inner peace.
The Structure of "It did not surprise me"
The structure of "It did not surprise me" is simple and straightforward. The poem consists of four stanzas, each containing four lines. The poem is written in free verse, meaning that it does not adhere to a particular rhyme scheme or meter. This gives the poem a sense of openness and freedom, which is appropriate given its themes of self-discovery and acceptance.
Analysis of "It did not surprise me"
The opening line of the poem, "It did not surprise me," immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is not surprised by what has happened, suggesting that she has already come to some level of acceptance. This acceptance is further reinforced in the second line, where the speaker says that she "said—or felt" that the other person did not want her. This suggests that the speaker has already done some internal work to come to this conclusion.
The next line, "She don't want me," is simple and declarative. There is no embellishment or metaphor here. The speaker is stating a fact. However, the following line, "It contented me," is more complex. The speaker is saying that she is content with the situation, even though it may not be what she wants. This suggests that the speaker has come to a place of acceptance and peace with the situation.
The third stanza of the poem is particularly striking. The speaker describes the calm and magnified feeling she experiences, which is like "Islands of the sea." This imagery suggests that the speaker has found a sense of inner peace and tranquility, even in the midst of pain and rejection. The final line of the stanza, "And the silence—Of the Cordillera—Translated—into me," is particularly powerful. The Cordillera is a mountain range that stretches from the Andes to Alaska, and is known for its ruggedness and beauty. The fact that the speaker is able to translate this silence into herself suggests that she has found a sense of strength and resilience in the face of rejection.
The final stanza of the poem reinforces the idea of self-discovery and acceptance. The speaker says that she has "augmented" her sense of peace through this experience. The use of the word "augmented" suggests that the speaker has not only found peace, but has actually increased her sense of it through this process. The final line of the poem, "Translated—into me," suggests that the speaker has undergone a transformation through this experience, and has found a sense of inner peace and acceptance that was not there before.
Conclusion
In "It did not surprise me," Emily Dickinson offers a powerful meditation on the complexities of self-discovery and acceptance. Through simple language and vivid imagery, Dickinson captures the pain of rejection, but also the potential for growth and inner peace that can come from it. The poem is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a writer, and to her ability to capture the complexities of the human experience in a few short lines.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
It Did Not Surprise Me: A Deep Dive into 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 "It Did Not Surprise Me," a short but powerful piece that explores the nature of love and its ability to endure even in the face of adversity. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and analyze its themes, structure, and language.
The poem begins with a simple statement: "It did not surprise me." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, suggesting that the speaker is not shocked by what has happened. The next line, "So I said to myself," reveals that the speaker is talking to herself, perhaps trying to make sense of her emotions. The use of the first-person point of view creates a sense of intimacy between the speaker and the reader, as if we are being let in on a personal conversation.
The next two lines, "That you were always the same," suggest that the speaker has known the subject of the poem for some time. The use of the word "always" implies a long-standing relationship, and the fact that the speaker is not surprised by what has happened suggests that she knows the subject well. This creates a sense of familiarity and comfort, as if the speaker is talking to an old friend.
The next line, "And I would have it no other way," reveals the speaker's feelings towards the subject. She is content with the way things are and does not want them to change. This creates a sense of stability and security, as if the speaker has found a sense of peace in her relationship with the subject.
The next two lines, "For love is a thing that endures," reveal the central theme of the poem. Love, according to the speaker, is something that can withstand the test of time and adversity. This creates a sense of hope and optimism, as if the speaker believes that love can conquer all.
The final line, "And I am content in its embrace," reinforces the speaker's feelings of contentment and security. She is happy to be in love and feels safe in its embrace. This creates a sense of warmth and comfort, as if the speaker is basking in the glow of her love.
The structure of the poem is simple but effective. It consists of six lines, each with a similar length and rhythm. The use of short lines creates a sense of brevity and conciseness, as if the speaker is getting straight to the point. The use of a consistent rhythm creates a sense of stability and order, as if the speaker is confident in her feelings and beliefs.
The language of the poem is also simple but powerful. The use of everyday words and phrases creates a sense of accessibility, as if the speaker is speaking directly to the reader. The use of repetition, such as the repetition of the phrase "It did not surprise me," creates a sense of emphasis and importance, as if the speaker is trying to drive home a point. The use of metaphor, such as the metaphor of love as an enduring thing, creates a sense of depth and complexity, as if the speaker is trying to convey a deeper truth.
In conclusion, "It Did Not Surprise Me" is a classic poem by Emily Dickinson that explores the nature of love and its ability to endure. The poem is simple but powerful, with a structure and language that create a sense of intimacy and depth. The central theme of the poem is hope and optimism, as the speaker believes that love can conquer all. Overall, this poem is a testament to the enduring power of love and its ability to bring us comfort and joy.
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