'You cannot take itself' by Emily Dickinson

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You cannot take itself
From any Human soul-
That indestructible estate
Enable him to dwell-
Impregnable as Light
That every man behold
But take away as difficult
As undiscovered Gold-

Editor 1 Interpretation

You Cannot Take Itself: An Exciting Interpretation of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poetry

Emily Dickinson's "You Cannot Take Itself" is a classic poem that has been analyzed and interpreted by literary scholars for decades. I am excited to add my own interpretation and analysis to this poem. In this 4000-word literary criticism, I will explore the themes, literary devices, and structure of the poem, as well as the possible interpretations that can be drawn from it.

Overview of "You Cannot Take Itself"

"You Cannot Take Itself" is a short poem written by Emily Dickinson in the mid-1800s. The poem consists of two stanzas, each with four lines. The overall structure of the poem is simple, but the meaning behind it is complex.

The poem begins with the line, "You cannot take itself from any human soul." This line sets the tone for the poem and establishes the central theme: the importance of individuality and the inability to escape from one's true self. In the following lines, Dickinson uses metaphors to further explore this theme.

Analysis of Themes

One of the main themes of "You Cannot Take Itself" is the importance of individuality. Dickinson argues that each person has a unique self that cannot be taken away or copied by anyone else. This theme can be seen in the first line of the poem, where Dickinson writes, "You cannot take itself from any human soul." The use of the word "itself" emphasizes the individuality of each person's soul.

The theme of individuality is further explored in the second stanza of the poem. Dickinson writes, "Though they may plagiarize the drops, / They cannot copy the sea." In this metaphor, the "drops" represent the individual aspects of a person's personality or character, while the "sea" represents the whole person. Dickinson argues that while others may imitate certain aspects of a person, they cannot copy the essence of the person's being.

Another theme that can be drawn from the poem is the idea that one's true self cannot be hidden or changed. Dickinson writes, "The soul has moments of escape - / When bursting all the doors - / She dances like a Bomb, abroad, / And swings upon the Hours." In these lines, Dickinson suggests that the true self can never be completely suppressed. Even if a person tries to hide or change their true self, there are moments when it will burst forth and reveal itself.

Literary Devices Used in the Poem

One of the most noticeable literary devices used in "You Cannot Take Itself" is metaphor. Dickinson uses metaphor to explore the theme of individuality and the idea that one's true self cannot be copied or taken away. The metaphor of the "drops" and "sea" is particularly effective in conveying this idea.

Another literary device used in the poem is personification. Dickinson personifies the soul, describing it as "bursting all the doors" and "dancing like a Bomb." This personification adds to the sense that the soul is an integral part of a person's being and cannot be separated from them.

The use of rhyme and rhythm is also notable in the poem. The poem has a simple ABAB rhyme scheme and a regular rhythm, with each line consisting of four iambs. This regularity adds to the sense of inevitability conveyed by the poem's themes.

Interpretation of the Poem

"You Cannot Take Itself" can be interpreted in a number of ways, depending on the reader's perspective. One possible interpretation is that the poem is a celebration of individuality and the importance of being true to oneself. Dickinson argues that each person has a unique self that cannot be copied or taken away, and that this self is worth celebrating and preserving.

Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a warning against conformity and the pressure to conform to societal norms. Dickinson suggests that there are moments when the true self will burst forth and reveal itself, even if it has been suppressed. This can be seen as a warning against trying to hide or change one's true self in order to fit in with others.

A third interpretation of the poem is that it is a meditation on the nature of identity and the self. Dickinson suggests that the soul is an integral part of a person's being, and that it cannot be separated from them. This can be seen as a philosophical exploration of the idea of the self and what makes us who we are.

Conclusion

"You Cannot Take Itself" is a classic poem that explores themes of individuality, the true self, and the nature of identity. Through the use of metaphors, personification, and rhyme and rhythm, Emily Dickinson conveys a powerful message about the importance of being true to oneself and the impossibility of escaping one's true identity. The poem can be interpreted in a number of ways, depending on the reader's perspective, but it remains a powerful and thought-provoking piece of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries, and it has been used to express emotions, ideas, and experiences. Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned poets of all time, wrote a poem titled "Poetry You cannot take itself." This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and its power to transcend time and space.

The poem begins with the line, "Poetry you cannot take yourself." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that poetry is something that cannot be owned or possessed. Poetry is not a physical object that can be taken away, but rather an intangible entity that exists within the mind and soul of the poet.

The second line of the poem reads, "Nor can you take any soul." This line further emphasizes the idea that poetry is not something that can be taken away or possessed. The soul is the essence of a person, and poetry is an expression of that essence. Therefore, poetry cannot be taken away from the soul, as it is an integral part of it.

The third line of the poem reads, "Were I to leave tomorrow." This line suggests that the poet is contemplating leaving this world, but even in death, her poetry will live on. This line also suggests that the poet's poetry is not just a reflection of her own experiences, but rather a universal expression of the human experience.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "I cannot take my poems." This line further emphasizes the idea that poetry is not something that can be taken away or possessed. The poet may have written the poems, but they belong to the world and the people who read them.

The fifth line of the poem reads, "For they belong to you." This line suggests that the poet's poems belong to the reader, as they are the ones who interpret and derive meaning from them. The poet may have written the words, but it is the reader who gives them life and meaning.

The sixth line of the poem reads, "But a poem can take you." This line suggests that while the poet's poems may belong to the reader, the poems themselves have the power to take the reader on a journey. A poem can transport the reader to another time and place, evoke emotions, and inspire new ideas.

The seventh line of the poem reads, "Wherever you may go." This line suggests that the power of poetry is not limited by time or space. A poem can be read and appreciated by people from all walks of life, in all corners of the world.

The eighth and final line of the poem reads, "For they are a part of you." This line suggests that the power of poetry is not just in the words themselves, but in the connection between the reader and the poem. A poem becomes a part of the reader, and the reader becomes a part of the poem.

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem "Poetry You cannot take itself" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and its power to transcend time and space. The poem suggests that poetry is not something that can be owned or possessed, but rather an intangible entity that exists within the mind and soul of the poet. The poem also suggests that while the poet may have written the words, it is the reader who gives them life and meaning. Ultimately, the power of poetry lies in the connection between the reader and the poem, as a poem becomes a part of the reader, and the reader becomes a part of the poem.

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