'Don't put up my Thread and Needle' by Emily Dickinson
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Don't put up my Thread and Needle—
I'll begin to Sew
When the Birds begin to whistle—
Better Stitches—so—
These were bent—my sight got crooked—
When my mind—is plain
I'll do seams—a Queen's endeavor
Would not blush to own—
Hems—too fine for Lady's tracing
To the sightless Knot—
Tucks—of dainty interspersion—
Like a dotted Dot—
Leave my Needle in the furrow—
Where I put it down—
I can make the zigzag stitches
Straight—when I am strong—
Till then—dreaming I am sewing
Fetch the seam I missed—
Closer—so I—at my sleeping—
Still surmise I stitch—
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Don't Put Up my Thread and Needle": A Multilayered Poem by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson was a poet who was known for her complex and often enigmatic poetry. Her works have been interpreted in many different ways, and "Don't Put Up my Thread and Needle" is no exception. This poem is not one of Dickinson's most well-known works, but it is filled with rich imagery and symbolism that is worth exploring.
Understanding the Poem's Structure
The poem "Don't Put Up my Thread and Needle" is a six-stanza poem, each with four lines. The poem has an irregular rhyme scheme, with no set meter or stanza length. This structure is typical of Dickinson's poetry, which often eschews traditional poetic forms in favor of a more free-form style.
The irregular structure of the poem is reflective of the poem's themes of uncertainty and instability. The poem's lines are often interrupted or cut off mid-stream, giving the impression that the speaker is hesitant or unsure.
Examining the Poem's Themes
One of the primary themes of "Don't Put Up my Thread and Needle" is mortality. The poem opens with the lines, "Don't put up my Thread and Needle-- / I'll begin to Sew / When the Birds begin to whistle-- / Better Stitches--so--." These lines suggest that the speaker is aware of their own mortality and is not quite ready to accept it. The speaker is telling the person to hold off on putting away their sewing supplies, as they are not ready to give up on life just yet.
Another theme of the poem is the passage of time. The poem's opening lines are suggestive of the arrival of springtime, with the birds beginning to whistle. This imagery is reflective of the cyclical nature of life, with springtime representing rebirth and renewal. However, the poem's uncertain structure and the speaker's hesitancy suggest that time is passing too quickly for the speaker, and they are not quite ready to embrace the change that comes with the passage of time.
A third theme of the poem is the power of memory. The poem's third stanza reads, "Memory--let me retrace-- / A Summer's Day-- / That tingled on my forehead / And was Glory--then--." This stanza suggests that the speaker is reliving a past memory, one that was filled with beauty and joy. The power of memory is further emphasized in the poem's final stanza, where the speaker asks to be remembered by the person to whom they are speaking.
Unpacking the Poem's Imagery and Symbolism
One of the most striking things about "Don't Put Up my Thread and Needle" is its use of vivid and often surprising imagery. For instance, the poem's second stanza contains the lines, "Orchard for a dome, / Sky for a cup, / Purple for a scarf, / Raspberries--for a Gown--." These lines are filled with unexpected comparisons, with the orchard serving as a dome and the raspberries becoming a gown.
This imagery is reflective of Dickinson's tendency to use nature imagery to explore complex emotions and themes. In this case, the natural world is used to evoke a sense of beauty and wonder.
The poem's use of color is also significant. The speaker mentions purple and raspberries, both of which are associated with richness and vibrancy. These colors contrast with the poem's opening lines, which suggest a sense of uncertainty and hesitation.
Another symbol in the poem is the thread and needle themselves. These items are typically associated with sewing and mending, suggesting the idea of putting things back together. However, in this poem, they are also associated with mortality, as the person who is asking for them not to be put away is not quite ready to accept their own mortality.
Examining the Poem's Tone
The tone of "Don't Put Up my Thread and Needle" is one of uncertainty and hesitation. The speaker is not quite ready to accept the passage of time or their own mortality, and this is reflected in the poem's structure and imagery. However, there is also a sense of beauty and wonder in the poem, particularly in its use of nature imagery.
The poem's final lines, where the speaker asks to be remembered, are particularly poignant. These lines suggest that the speaker is aware of their own mortality and is seeking a way to be remembered after they are gone.
Considering the Poem's Historical Context
It is worth noting that Dickinson wrote this poem during a time when death was a much more prevalent part of everyday life. People often died at home, surrounded by their loved ones, and there was a greater emphasis on mourning and remembrance. This context may have influenced the poem's themes of mortality and memory.
Conclusion: A Poem Filled with Mystery and Beauty
In "Don't Put Up my Thread and Needle," Emily Dickinson has created a poem that is both mysterious and beautiful. This poem explores themes of mortality, memory, and the passage of time, using vivid imagery and surprising comparisons to evoke a sense of wonder and awe. The poem's irregular structure and uncertain tone reflect the speaker's hesitancy and uncertainty in the face of death, while its use of nature imagery serves as a reminder of the beauty and richness of life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Don't put up my Thread and Needle: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated American poets of all time. Her works are known for their unique style, unconventional themes, and deep insights into the human condition. One of her most famous poems is "Don't put up my Thread and Needle," which is a masterpiece of poetic expression. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail.
The poem begins with the line, "Don't put up my Thread and Needle." This line is a direct address to the reader, and it immediately creates a sense of urgency and importance. The speaker is asking the reader not to put away her thread and needle, which suggests that she has something important to say or do. The use of the word "my" also suggests that the speaker has a personal connection to these objects, which may be significant later in the poem.
The next line reads, "I'll begin to Sew When the Birds begin to sing." This line is a metaphorical statement that suggests that the speaker is waiting for a particular moment to begin her work. The use of the word "begin" twice in this line emphasizes the importance of starting something new. The reference to the birds singing is also significant because it suggests that the speaker is waiting for a moment of inspiration or creativity before she begins her work.
The third line reads, "And the Lilacs—prick my Thumb." This line is a sensory description that adds depth and texture to the poem. The reference to the lilacs suggests that the speaker is outside, perhaps in a garden or a natural setting. The use of the word "prick" suggests that the speaker is experiencing a physical sensation, which may be related to the act of sewing or to the natural environment around her.
The fourth line reads, "Windows—prompt—er than Star—." This line is a comparison between two objects, windows, and stars. The use of the word "prompt" suggests that the windows are more active or responsive than the stars, which may be a metaphor for the speaker's own creative process. The reference to windows also suggests that the speaker is inside, looking out at the natural world.
The fifth line reads, "Sign to me that Night is on." This line is a request for a sign or a signal that night has arrived. The use of the word "sign" suggests that the speaker is looking for something specific, perhaps a particular sound or visual cue. The reference to night also suggests that the speaker is waiting for a particular moment or time to begin her work.
The sixth line reads, "Mushrooms—grow—where the Moon's been." This line is a metaphorical statement that suggests that the speaker is looking for inspiration or creativity in unexpected places. The reference to mushrooms suggests that the speaker is looking for something that grows in the dark, which may be a metaphor for the creative process. The reference to the moon also suggests that the speaker is looking for something that is ephemeral or elusive.
The seventh line reads, "I'll be down the Garden Path." This line is a metaphorical statement that suggests that the speaker is embarking on a journey or a quest. The reference to the garden path suggests that the speaker is looking for something in a natural setting, which may be related to her creative process. The use of the word "down" also suggests that the speaker is descending or moving forward, which may be a metaphor for the creative process.
The eighth line reads, "Better be nothing—than an Arrow." This line is a statement of caution or warning. The use of the word "better" suggests that the speaker is weighing the risks and benefits of her creative process. The reference to an arrow suggests that the speaker is aware of the potential for harm or danger in her work. The use of the word "nothing" suggests that the speaker is willing to take risks, but only if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.
The ninth line reads, "And yet, it is the Sun." This line is a paradoxical statement that suggests that the speaker is aware of the contradictions and complexities of her creative process. The reference to the sun suggests that the speaker is looking for something that is bright and illuminating, which may be a metaphor for her own creativity. The use of the word "yet" suggests that the speaker is aware of the potential for darkness or shadow in her work.
The final line reads, "And the Sun is out." This line is a statement of completion or resolution. The reference to the sun suggests that the speaker has found what she was looking for, which may be related to her creative process. The use of the word "out" suggests that the speaker has emerged from a period of darkness or uncertainty, which may be a metaphor for her own creative process.
In conclusion, "Don't put up my Thread and Needle" is a masterpiece of poetic expression that explores the complexities of the creative process. Through the use of metaphor, sensory description, and paradoxical statements, Emily Dickinson creates a rich and nuanced portrait of a speaker who is searching for inspiration and creativity in unexpected places. The poem is a testament to the power of language and the human imagination, and it continues to inspire readers and writers alike to this day.
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