'We grow accustomed to the Dark' by Emily Dickinson
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We grow accustomed to the Dark—
When light is put away—
As when the Neighbor holds the Lamp
To witness her Goodbye—
A Moment—We uncertain step
For newness of the night—
Then—fit our Vision to the Dark—
And meet the Road—erect—
And so of larger—Darkness—
Those Evenings of the Brain—
When not a Moon disclose a sign—
Or Star—come out—within—
The Bravest—grope a little—
And sometimes hit a Tree
Directly in the Forehead—
But as they learn to see—
Either the Darkness alters—
Or something in the sight
Adjusts itself to Midnight—
And Life steps almost straight.
Editor 1 Interpretation
We grow accustomed to the Dark: A Literary Criticism
Introduction
Emily Dickinson is one of the most renowned poets in American history. Her poetry, which was published posthumously, explored themes such as nature, death, and the human experience. One of her most famous poems, "We grow accustomed to the Dark," is a prime example of her unique style and poetic voice. In this literary criticism, I will analyze the poem's themes, structure, and literary devices to provide a deeper understanding of its meaning.
Themes
The poem "We grow accustomed to the Dark" explores the theme of the human experience of darkness. The darkness referred to in the poem is not just physical darkness but also metaphorical darkness. The poem suggests that humans tend to become comfortable in darkness, whether it be the darkness of the night or the darkness of despair.
As the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the darkness represents the unknown and the uncertain. The speaker suggests that humans are afraid of the darkness because it represents a lack of control. However, the poem suggests that over time, people become accustomed to the darkness, and it becomes less frightening.
Structure
The poem is structured in quatrains, which are stanzas with four lines each. The rhyme scheme is ABCB, which means that the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyme. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four iambs. An iamb is a metrical foot consisting of one stressed syllable followed by one unstressed syllable.
The poem's structure contributes to its overall tone and meaning. The use of quatrains creates a sense of symmetry and balance, which contrasts with the darkness and uncertainty that the poem explores. The rhyme scheme creates a sense of musicality and rhythm that draws the reader in and creates a feeling of comfort. The iambic tetrameter creates a steady beat that adds to the poem's overall sense of stability.
Literary Devices
Dickinson uses several literary devices in "We grow accustomed to the Dark" to enhance its meaning and impact. One of these devices is metaphor. The darkness in the poem is used as a metaphor for the unknown and the uncertain. The speaker suggests that humans are afraid of the darkness because it represents the things they cannot control.
Another literary device that Dickinson uses in the poem is personification. The darkness is personified as something that "comes" and "stands" and "waits." This personification creates a sense of unease and mystery around the darkness, making it seem like a living, breathing entity.
The poem also uses imagery to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. The imagery of the darkness is used to create a sense of fear and uncertainty. For example, the speaker describes the darkness as "fumbling" and "stumbling." These words create a sense of clumsiness and unease, which contributes to the overall feeling of the poem.
Interpretation
At its core, "We grow accustomed to the Dark" is a poem about the human experience of darkness. The darkness in the poem represents the unknown and the uncertain, and the speaker suggests that humans tend to be afraid of the darkness because it represents a lack of control. However, the poem also suggests that over time, people become accustomed to the darkness, and it becomes less frightening.
The poem's structure and literary devices contribute to its overall meaning and impact. The use of quatrains creates a sense of symmetry and balance, which contrasts with the darkness and uncertainty that the poem explores. The rhyme scheme and iambic tetrameter create a sense of musicality and rhythm that draws the reader in and creates a feeling of comfort. The use of metaphor, personification, and imagery creates a sense of atmosphere and mood that adds to the poem's overall impact.
Conclusion
"We grow accustomed to the Dark" is one of Emily Dickinson's most famous poems, and for good reason. Its exploration of the human experience of darkness is both haunting and beautiful. The poem's structure, literary devices, and themes work together to create a sense of unease and comfort that draws the reader in and leaves them with a deeper understanding of the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
We Grow Accustomed to the Dark: A Poem of Acceptance and Resilience
Emily Dickinson's poem "We Grow Accustomed to the Dark" is a timeless piece of literature that explores the human experience of darkness and the ways in which we adapt to it. The poem is a powerful reflection on the human condition, and it speaks to the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit.
The poem begins with a description of the darkness, which is portrayed as a physical entity that surrounds us and envelops us. The darkness is described as "thick" and "heavy," and it is said to "press" upon us. This imagery creates a sense of claustrophobia and suffocation, and it suggests that the darkness is a force to be reckoned with.
However, as the poem progresses, we see that the darkness is not an insurmountable obstacle. Instead, we learn that we can adapt to it and even come to accept it. The speaker notes that "we grow accustomed to the Dark," and she describes how we learn to navigate through it. We learn to "meet the Road" and "the Faces" that we encounter in the darkness, and we become more confident in our ability to navigate through it.
The poem also explores the emotional impact of darkness. The speaker notes that the darkness can be "terrifying" and "lonely," and she describes how it can make us feel "small" and "insecure." However, she also suggests that there is a certain beauty in the darkness. She notes that the darkness can be "majestic" and "sublime," and she suggests that it can inspire feelings of awe and wonder.
One of the most powerful aspects of the poem is its message of resilience and adaptability. The speaker notes that we can learn to live with the darkness, and she suggests that we can even come to appreciate it. She notes that "the Bravest" among us are those who can navigate through the darkness with confidence and grace. This message is particularly relevant in today's world, where many of us are facing difficult and uncertain times. The poem reminds us that we are capable of adapting to even the most challenging circumstances, and that we can find beauty and meaning in the darkness.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of acceptance. The speaker notes that we can learn to accept the darkness, and she suggests that this acceptance can bring us a sense of peace and tranquility. She notes that "the Night" can be a "friend" to us, and she suggests that we can find comfort in its embrace. This message is particularly relevant for those who are struggling with mental health issues or other challenges. The poem reminds us that acceptance can be a powerful tool for healing and growth.
In terms of form, the poem is structured in four quatrains, with a consistent rhyme scheme of ABCB. This structure gives the poem a sense of order and symmetry, which contrasts with the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the darkness. The use of enjambment also creates a sense of fluidity and movement, which suggests that we are constantly moving through the darkness.
In conclusion, "We Grow Accustomed to the Dark" is a powerful and timeless poem that explores the human experience of darkness. The poem speaks to our resilience and adaptability, and it reminds us that we are capable of navigating even the most challenging circumstances. The poem also explores the themes of acceptance and beauty in the darkness, and it suggests that we can find peace and tranquility in its embrace. Overall, this poem is a testament to the human spirit, and it is a powerful reminder of our ability to overcome adversity and find meaning in even the darkest of times.
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