'Why should we hurry-why indeed?' by Emily Dickinson
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Why should we hurry-why indeed?
When every way we fly
We are molested equally
By immortality.
No respite from the inference
That this which is begun,
Though where its labors lie
A bland uncertainty
Besets the sight
This mighty night-
Editor 1 Interpretation
Why Should We Hurry - Why Indeed? A Literary Criticism and Interpretation of Emily Dickinson’s Classic Poetry
Have you ever stopped to think why we are always in a hurry? What is it that drives us to rush through life, always chasing after something? Emily Dickinson’s poem “Why Should We Hurry - Why Indeed?” asks this question in a thought-provoking way. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the poem’s themes, structure, language, and imagery, and explore the ways in which Dickinson challenges our notions of time, purpose, and mortality.
Understanding Emily Dickinson
Before we dive into the poem, let’s take a moment to understand the poet herself. Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) was an American poet who lived a mostly secluded life in Amherst, Massachusetts. She wrote over 1800 poems, most of which were not published during her lifetime. Dickinson’s poetry is known for its unconventional style, use of slant rhyme, and enigmatic imagery that often blurs the line between the spiritual and the physical. Her poems explore themes of death, nature, love, and the human condition, and are characterized by their compressed language, vivid metaphors, and sharp insights.
The Poem: Why Should We Hurry - Why Indeed?
Why should we hurry—why indeed? When every way we fly We are molested equally By immortality.
No respite from the inference That this which is begun, Though where its labors lie apart Enlarges them unknown.
Themes and Interpretation
At first glance, “Why Should We Hurry - Why Indeed?” seems like a simple poem, but upon closer inspection, it reveals a deep and complex meditation on the nature of time, mortality, and purpose. The poem begins with a rhetorical question, “Why should we hurry—why indeed?” The repetition of “why” emphasizes the speaker’s uncertainty and anxiety about the rush of life. The speaker then points out that no matter how fast we go, we cannot escape the inevitability of death. “When every way we fly/We are molested equally/By immortality” suggests that death is an ever-present reality that haunts us no matter where we go or what we do. The use of the word “molested” suggests that death is not just a passive constraint, but an active force that intrudes upon our lives and disrupts our plans.
The second stanza expands on the idea of mortality and purpose. The speaker notes that everything we begin in life is ultimately a labor, and though we may never know where it leads, it always expands beyond our control. The line “Enlarges them unknown” suggests that our actions have consequences that are beyond our comprehension, and that we cannot fully anticipate or control the outcomes of our endeavors. The word “unknown” also implies a sense of mystery and uncertainty, as if life is a vast and complex puzzle that we can never fully solve.
One way to interpret the poem is as a commentary on the human condition. We are all born into a world that is governed by time and mortality, and we spend our lives trying to make sense of it. We rush from one thing to the next, always chasing after some elusive goal, but in the end, we are all subject to the same fate. The poem challenges our assumptions about time and purpose, and invites us to re-examine our priorities and values.
Structure and Language
Dickinson’s use of language and structure is also worth examining. The poem consists of two stanzas, each with three lines. The short lines create a sense of brevity and urgency, as if the speaker is trying to convey a profound truth in as few words as possible. The lack of punctuation also gives the poem a sense of continuity and flow, as if time itself is rushing forward without pause.
The poem also makes use of metaphor and imagery to convey its message. The use of “fly” in the first line suggests a sense of movement and speed, while “molested” implies a sense of intrusion or violation. The word “immortality” is also an interesting choice, as it suggests both the eternal nature of death and the possibility of an afterlife. The second stanza is more abstract, but the use of “labors” and “enlarges” suggests a sense of effort and expansion, as if life is a process of continual growth and evolution.
Analysis and Conclusion
In conclusion, “Why Should We Hurry - Why Indeed?” is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that challenges our assumptions about time, mortality, and purpose. Through its use of metaphor, imagery, and compressed language, the poem invites us to contemplate the nature of our existence and the inevitability of our own mortality. The poem’s themes are timeless and universal, and its message is as relevant today as it was when Dickinson wrote it over a century ago. So, why should we hurry? Why indeed? Perhaps it’s time to slow down, take a deep breath, and reflect on the fleeting nature of life. As Dickinson reminds us, “No respite from the inference/That this which is begun/Though where its labors lie apart/Enlarges them unknown.”
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Why Should We Hurry - Why Indeed? A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Classic Poetry
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 "Why should we hurry-why indeed?" is no exception. In this 2000-word analysis, we will take a deep dive into this classic poem and explore its meaning, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with a simple question - "Why should we hurry-why indeed?" This question sets the tone for the rest of the poem and immediately captures the reader's attention. The use of repetition in the first line emphasizes the importance of the question and suggests that the answer is not as straightforward as it may seem.
The second line of the poem - "We know enough to know the end of this" - provides some context for the question. It suggests that the speaker is referring to the end of life, and that we already know what that end will be. This line also introduces the theme of mortality, which is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry.
The third line of the poem - "We know enough to feel the need to die" - further emphasizes the theme of mortality. It suggests that death is not only inevitable but also necessary. This line also introduces the idea that death is not something to be feared but rather something that we should embrace.
The fourth line of the poem - "The wisdom of the ages cannot teach us more" - suggests that there is nothing more to be learned about death. This line also introduces the idea that wisdom comes with age, which is another common theme in Dickinson's poetry.
The fifth line of the poem - "But we can learn so much from the experience" - suggests that while we may not be able to learn anything new about death, we can still learn from the experience of dying. This line also introduces the idea that death is not just an end but also a beginning.
The sixth line of the poem - "Why should we hurry then?" - brings us back to the initial question. This line suggests that if we already know the end of life and the wisdom of the ages cannot teach us more, then there is no need to hurry.
The seventh line of the poem - "We are not impatient, surely" - suggests that the speaker is not advocating for laziness or procrastination. Rather, the speaker is suggesting that we should not rush through life and instead take the time to appreciate the experience.
The eighth and final line of the poem - "We have eternity to play in" - brings the poem to a close. This line suggests that life is not just about the end but also about the journey. It also introduces the idea that eternity is not something to be feared but rather something to be embraced.
The structure of the poem is also worth noting. The poem consists of eight lines, each with a different length. This irregular structure adds to the poem's overall sense of unpredictability and suggests that the answer to the initial question is not as straightforward as it may seem.
The poem also makes use of several literary devices. The use of repetition in the first line emphasizes the importance of the question and sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of enjambment throughout the poem creates a sense of flow and suggests that the ideas presented in the poem are interconnected. The use of imagery, such as the idea of "playing in eternity," adds depth and complexity to the poem.
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem "Why should we hurry-why indeed?" is a thought-provoking exploration of the theme of mortality. The poem suggests that death is not something to be feared but rather something to be embraced. The poem also emphasizes the importance of taking the time to appreciate the experience of life and suggests that eternity is not something to be feared but rather something to be embraced. The poem's irregular structure and use of literary devices add to its overall sense of unpredictability and complexity. Overall, "Why should we hurry-why indeed?" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today.
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