'I found the phrase to every thought' by Emily Dickinson

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I found the phrase to every thought
I ever had, but one;
And that defies me,--as a hand
Did try to chalk the sun

To races nurtured in the dark;--
How would your own begin?
Can blaze be done in cochineal,
Or noon in mazarin?

Editor 1 Interpretation

I Found the Phrase to Every Thought by Emily Dickinson: An Analysis

Oh, Emily Dickinson, how you have captured the hearts of many with your thought-provoking poetry! One of her most famous pieces, "I Found the Phrase to Every Thought," is a perfect example of the depth and complexity of her writing. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem.

Background Information

Before we dive into the poem itself, it is important to understand a bit about Emily Dickinson and her writing style. Dickinson was born in Amherst, Massachusetts in 1830 and is known for her reclusive nature and unique writing style. She wrote nearly 1,800 poems in her lifetime, but only a handful were published during her lifetime. Her poetry is characterized by its unconventional punctuation, capitalization, and use of slant rhyme.

Now, let's move on to the poem.

The Poem

I found the phrase to every thought
I ever had, but one;
And that defies me,—as a hand
Did try to chalk the sun
To races nurtured in the dark;—
How would your own begin?
Can blaze be done in cochineal,
Or noon in mazarin?

This poem is only four stanzas long, but it is packed with meaning. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Dickinson claims that she has found the phrase to every thought she ever had, except for one. This indicates that the poem is going to be about that one thought that she cannot seem to put into words.

The second stanza is where things get interesting. Dickinson compares this elusive thought to someone trying to "chalk the sun." This is a powerful metaphor because it shows just how impossible it is to capture this thought. Just as someone cannot draw on the sun with chalk, Dickinson cannot put this thought into words.

In the third stanza, Dickinson asks the reader how they would begin to capture their own elusive thoughts. She uses the metaphor of trying to create "blaze" in cochineal and "noon" in mazarin. Cochineal is a red dye made from insects, while mazarin is a blue pigment made from lapis lazuli. Both colors are difficult to create, just as it is difficult to capture certain thoughts.

Finally, in the fourth stanza, Dickinson concludes the poem by acknowledging that some thoughts are simply impossible to put into words. She compares this to trying to "paint a ghost." This is a powerful image because it shows just how intangible these thoughts are.

Analysis and Interpretation

Now that we have a basic understanding of the poem, let's dive into some deeper analysis and interpretation.

One of the most interesting aspects of this poem is the use of metaphor. Dickinson uses several different metaphors to describe the elusive thought she is trying to capture. The most powerful of these is the metaphor of trying to "chalk the sun." This metaphor shows just how impossible it is to capture this thought in words. Just as someone cannot draw on the sun with chalk, Dickinson cannot put this thought into words.

Another interesting aspect of this poem is the use of color. Dickinson uses the colors cochineal and mazarin to describe the difficulty of capturing certain thoughts. Both colors are difficult to create, just as it is difficult to capture certain thoughts. This use of color adds depth and complexity to the poem.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. Dickinson acknowledges that some thoughts are simply impossible to put into words. She compares this to trying to "paint a ghost." This is a powerful image because it shows just how intangible these thoughts are. It also shows that Dickinson is not alone in her struggle to capture certain thoughts.

Overall, "I Found the Phrase to Every Thought" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem. Dickinson's use of metaphor and color adds depth and complexity to the poem, while the final stanza acknowledges the struggle to capture certain thoughts. This poem is a reminder that some things are simply impossible to put into words, and that is okay.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "I Found the Phrase to Every Thought" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem. Through her use of metaphor and color, Dickinson adds depth and complexity to the poem. The final stanza acknowledges the struggle to capture certain thoughts, and the poem is a reminder that some things are simply impossible to put into words. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's unique writing style and her ability to capture the complexity of the human experience in just a few short stanzas.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her unique style and use of language have made her a favorite among readers and scholars alike. One of her most famous lines is "I found the phrase to every thought," which appears in her poem "The Brain - is wider than the Sky." In this article, we will explore the meaning behind this phrase and its significance in Dickinson's poetry.

First, let's take a closer look at the poem in which this line appears. "The Brain - is wider than the Sky" is a short but powerful poem that explores the vastness of the human mind. Dickinson begins by comparing the brain to the sky, suggesting that the brain is even wider than the vast expanse of the heavens. She goes on to describe the brain as "deeper than the sea" and "just the weight of God." These comparisons suggest that the human mind is capable of incredible depth and complexity.

It is in the final stanza of the poem that Dickinson writes the famous line, "I found the phrase to every thought." This line suggests that the speaker has discovered a way to express every thought that has ever crossed their mind. It is a bold claim, but it speaks to the power of language and the human ability to communicate complex ideas.

So, what does this line mean in the context of Dickinson's poetry as a whole? One interpretation is that it speaks to the poet's own struggle to express her thoughts and emotions. Dickinson was known for her reclusive nature and her tendency to keep her poetry private. It is possible that this line represents a breakthrough moment for the poet, a realization that she has the power to put her thoughts into words.

Another interpretation is that the line speaks to the power of poetry itself. Dickinson was a master of language, and her poetry is known for its unique use of syntax and punctuation. By saying that she has found the phrase to every thought, Dickinson is suggesting that poetry has the power to capture the essence of human experience in a way that no other form of communication can.

Finally, it is worth noting that this line is just one example of Dickinson's use of language to explore the human experience. Throughout her poetry, she uses language in innovative ways to express complex emotions and ideas. Her use of dashes, for example, creates a sense of fragmentation and uncertainty that mirrors the human experience of grappling with difficult emotions.

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's line "I found the phrase to every thought" is a powerful statement about the human ability to express complex ideas through language. Whether it speaks to the poet's own struggle to express herself or the power of poetry as a whole, it is a testament to the power of language to capture the essence of the human experience. Dickinson's poetry continues to inspire readers and scholars today, and her use of language remains a model for poets and writers around the world.

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