'I shall keep singing!' by Emily Dickinson


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I shall keep singing!
Birds will pass me
On their way to Yellower Climes—
Each—with a Robin's expectation—
I—with my Redbreast—
And my Rhymes—

Late—when I take my place in summer—
But—I shall bring a fuller tune—
Vespers—are sweeter than Matins—Signor—
Morning—only the seed of Noon—

Editor 1 Interpretation

I Shall Keep Singing! by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism

I am thrilled to write about Emily Dickinson's poem "I Shall Keep Singing!" It is a powerful statement of strength and resilience. In this 12-line poem, Dickinson speaks about the importance of staying true to oneself, even in the face of adversity. The poem is deceptively simple, yet it carries a deep meaning that speaks to the human spirit.

The Poem

Here is the text of the poem:

I shall keep singing!
Birds will pass me
On their way to Yellower Climes—
Each—with a Robin's expectation—
I—with my Redbreast—
And "his"—with Souls
Gentler than—before—
And fonder—than Ours—
The Vines—rewind their Stems—
And no one remembers it—
Contented—nodding—by the way—
While everything—is mine!—

Interpretation

The poem begins with Dickinson declaring that she will "keep singing." This simple statement is a declaration of her determination to continue living, even when faced with difficult circumstances. It is a statement of resilience that speaks to the strength of the human spirit.

The image of birds passing by on their way to "Yellower Climes" is a metaphor for the passage of time. The birds are moving on to a new season, just as time moves forward. Dickinson positions herself alongside the birds, as though she is also moving forward in her life. The image is one of continuity and change, and it suggests that even when things seem to be shifting, there is a sense of stability in the natural world.

Each bird has an expectation, and so does Dickinson. She is accompanied by her "Redbreast," which represents her own expectation. The bird is a symbol of hope, and it represents the possibility of new beginnings. Dickinson is saying that even when things seem dark and uncertain, there is always the possibility of something new and better.

The line "And 'his'—with Souls" is a reference to the other people in her life. The "his" is likely a reference to a loved one who has passed away. Dickinson is saying that even though they are gone, their soul lives on. The use of the word "Souls" suggests that Dickinson believes in the afterlife, and that she finds comfort in the idea that those who have passed on still exist in some form.

The final stanza of the poem is particularly powerful. Dickinson writes, "While everything—is mine!—" This line is a statement of ownership, but it is not a possession of material things. Instead, Dickinson is claiming ownership of her own life. She is saying that even when things seem uncertain, she still has control over her own fate. The use of the exclamation point adds emphasis to the line, and it suggests that Dickinson is feeling a sense of triumph in this moment.

Literary Devices

Dickinson uses a number of literary devices in this poem to convey her message. One of the most striking is the use of metaphor. The birds and the vines are both used as metaphors for the passage of time. The birds represent the movement of time, and the vines represent the cyclical nature of life. Dickinson uses these metaphors to create a sense of continuity and change throughout the poem.

Another literary device that Dickinson employs is repetition. The phrase "Each—with a Robin's expectation—" is repeated twice in the poem. This repetition serves to emphasize the importance of hope and expectation in the face of adversity.

Dickinson also uses imagery to convey her message. The image of the birds passing by on their way to "Yellower Climes" is a vivid and evocative image that creates a sense of movement and change. The image of the vines rewinding their stems is also a powerful image that speaks to the cyclical nature of life.

Conclusion

"I Shall Keep Singing!" is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. Dickinson's use of metaphor, repetition, and imagery create a vivid and evocative picture of a person who refuses to give up in the face of adversity. The poem is a testament to the power of hope and the importance of staying true to oneself. It is a timeless message that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

I Shall Keep Singing! - A Timeless Ode to Resilience and Hope

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of the 19th century, was known for her unconventional style and her ability to capture the essence of human emotions in her poetry. Her poem, "I Shall Keep Singing!" is a timeless ode to resilience and hope, and it continues to inspire readers even today.

The Poem

I shall keep singing! Birds will pass me On their way to Yellower Climes— Each—with a Robin's expectation— I—with my Redbreast— And my Rhymes—

Late—when I take my place in summer— But—I shall bring a fuller tune— Vespers—are sweeter than Matins— Signor— Morning—only the seed of Noon—

Analysis

The poem begins with the speaker declaring her intention to keep singing, no matter what. The birds may pass her by on their way to "Yellower Climes," but she will continue to sing, just like the robin with its expectation. The speaker identifies herself with the "Redbreast" and her "Rhymes," indicating that her singing is a form of self-expression, just like the birds' singing.

In the second stanza, the speaker acknowledges that her singing may not be as full or complete as it could be. She may be late in taking her place in summer, but she promises to bring a "fuller tune" when she does. This suggests that the speaker is aware of her limitations, but she is determined to overcome them and improve her singing.

The third stanza is perhaps the most significant in the poem. The speaker compares vespers, the evening prayers, to matins, the morning prayers. She suggests that vespers are sweeter than matins, implying that the evening is a time of greater peace and tranquility than the morning. The speaker then addresses someone called "Signor," who may be a religious figure or simply a person of authority. She suggests that morning is only the seed of noon, implying that the morning is just the beginning of a new day, and that there is much more to come.

Themes

The poem touches on several themes that are relevant even today. One of the most prominent themes is resilience. The speaker is determined to keep singing, no matter what. She acknowledges her limitations but is determined to overcome them and improve her singing. This resilience is a quality that is essential for success in any field, whether it is music, art, or business.

Another theme that the poem touches on is hope. The speaker's determination to keep singing is a sign of hope. She believes that she can improve her singing and that there is a brighter future ahead. This hope is essential for anyone who wants to achieve success in life.

The poem also touches on the theme of self-expression. The speaker identifies herself with the "Redbreast" and her "Rhymes," indicating that her singing is a form of self-expression. This theme is relevant even today, as people continue to express themselves through various forms of art, music, and writing.

Conclusion

"I Shall Keep Singing!" is a timeless ode to resilience and hope. The poem's message is as relevant today as it was when it was written over a century ago. The speaker's determination to keep singing, no matter what, is a sign of resilience that is essential for success in any field. Her hope for a brighter future is also essential for anyone who wants to achieve success in life. Finally, the poem's emphasis on self-expression is a reminder that we all have a unique voice that deserves to be heard.

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