'How fleet—how indiscreet an one—' by Emily Dickinson

AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay

1771

How fleet—how indiscreet an one—
How always wrong is Love—
The joyful little Deity
We are not scourged to serve—

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

How fleet—how indiscreet an one

Introduction

Emily Dickinson's poem "How fleet—how indiscreet an one" is a complex and enigmatic piece of literature that requires a keen eye to understand its true meaning. This classic poem is part of Dickinson's extensive collection of works, and it's a perfect example of her unique writing style that combines wit, humor, and profound insights into the human condition.

The poem

How fleet—how indiscreet an one What shall I liken thee unto? Thou art like a foolish youth, That hasteneth to his woe.

Thou art like a wayward child, That each moment runs astray; Thou art like the passing wind, That none can e'er delay.

Thou art like the fleeting sun, That sinks beneath the wave; Thou art like the failing stream, That dwindles to a grave.

How fleet—how indiscreet an one What shall I liken thee unto? Thou art like the restless sea, That seeketh but a tomb.

Literary criticism and interpretation

The poem "How fleet—how indiscreet an one" is a masterful piece of literature that requires a careful analysis of the author's use of language, style, and imagery to understand its meaning. The poem is written in a simple and direct style that belies its complexity and depth, and it's structured in a way that highlights the central theme of the poem, namely, the fleeting nature of human existence.

The poem starts with the speaker asking a rhetorical question: "What shall I liken thee unto?" The use of this question is significant because it sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a series of comparisons that the speaker draws to describe the subject of the poem, which is the fleeting and indiscreet nature of human existence.

The first comparison that the speaker draws is to a foolish youth that hastens to his woe. This comparison is significant because it suggests that human beings are inherently foolish and that their actions often lead to their own destruction. This idea is further reinforced by the second comparison, which is to a wayward child that each moment runs astray. This comparison suggests that human beings are inherently wayward and that their actions are often misguided and ill-advised.

The third comparison is to the passing wind, which suggests that human existence is fleeting and ephemeral. This idea is further reinforced by the fourth comparison, which is to the fleeting sun that sinks beneath the wave, and the fifth comparison, which is to the failing stream that dwindles to a grave. These comparisons suggest that human existence is transitory and that all things must pass.

The final comparison is to the restless sea that seeketh but a tomb. This comparison is significant because it suggests that human existence is ultimately futile and that death is the only true release from the restless and unrelenting nature of life.

Overall, the poem "How fleet—how indiscreet an one" is a profound meditation on the fleeting nature of human existence. The poem is structured in a way that highlights the central theme of the poem, and the use of comparisons and imagery is highly effective in conveying the author's message.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the poem "How fleet—how indiscreet an one" is a classic example of Emily Dickinson's unique writing style that combines wit, humor, and profound insights into the human condition. The poem is highly effective in conveying the central theme of the fleeting nature of human existence, and the author's use of language, style, and imagery is highly effective in conveying her message. Overall, the poem is a masterpiece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

How Fleet - How Indiscreet an One: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of death, nature, and spirituality. Her poem "How Fleet - How Indiscreet an One" is a perfect example of her style, as it delves into the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living in the present moment.

The poem begins with the line "How fleet - how indiscreet an one," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "fleet" suggests speed and movement, while "indiscreet" implies a lack of caution or thoughtfulness. Together, these words create a sense of urgency and recklessness, as if the speaker is warning us that time is running out and we must act quickly.

The next line, "How needful of celerity," reinforces this idea of urgency. The word "celerity" means swiftness or speed, and the speaker is telling us that we must act quickly if we want to make the most of our time on earth. This sense of urgency is further emphasized in the third line, which reads, "The things we thought secure." Here, the speaker is reminding us that nothing in life is truly secure or permanent, and that we must seize the moment before it's too late.

The fourth line, "Are treacherous to defend," adds another layer of complexity to the poem. The word "treacherous" suggests that the things we hold dear can turn against us at any moment, and that we must be prepared to defend ourselves against them. This could be interpreted as a warning against becoming too attached to material possessions or relationships, as they can ultimately lead to disappointment and heartbreak.

The fifth line, "And hold so slight a hold," is perhaps the most poignant in the entire poem. Here, the speaker is reminding us that our grip on life is tenuous at best, and that we must cherish every moment we have. The word "hold" is used twice in this line, emphasizing the fragility of life and the importance of holding on to what we have while we still can.

The final line, "We cannot trust the hold," brings the poem full circle. The speaker is reminding us once again that nothing in life is truly secure or permanent, and that we must be prepared to let go of the things we hold dear. This could be interpreted as a call to live in the present moment and appreciate what we have, rather than constantly striving for more.

Overall, "How Fleet - How Indiscreet an One" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that encourages us to live in the present moment and appreciate the fleeting nature of life. Through her use of language and imagery, Emily Dickinson reminds us that nothing in life is truly secure or permanent, and that we must be prepared to let go of the things we hold dear. This is a message that is as relevant today as it was when the poem was first written, and it is a testament to Dickinson's enduring legacy as one of the greatest poets of all time.

Editor Recommended Sites

Recommended Similar Analysis

Words by Sappho analysis
The Oxen by Thomas Hardy analysis
Housewife by Anne Sexton analysis
Proud Music Of The Storm by Walt Whitman analysis
UPON JULIA'S CLOTHES by Robert Herrick analysis
Portrait of a Lady by Thomas Stearns Eliot analysis
A Psalm of Life by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow analysis
Her Eyes are Wild by William Wordsworth analysis
The Survival by Rudyard Kipling analysis
A Martian Sends A Postcard Home by Craig Raine analysis