'Who never wanted-maddest Joy' by Emily Dickinson

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Who never wanted-maddest Joy
Remains to him unknown-
The Banquet of Abstemiousness
Defaces that of Wine-Within its reach, though yet ungrasped
Desire's perfect Goal-
No nearer-lest the Actual-
Should disentrall thy soul-

Editor 1 Interpretation

Who never wanted-maddest Joy: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Introduction

Emily Dickinson's poem "Who never wanted-maddest Joy" is a brief but powerful exploration of the human desire for happiness. In just twelve lines, Dickinson explores the idea that those who have never wanted the most extreme form of joy are the ones who are most content with their lot in life. This poem has been widely interpreted throughout the years, with many readers seeing it as a commentary on the nature of happiness and the human condition. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will examine the poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and literary techniques.

Themes

There are several themes present in "Who never wanted-maddest Joy," including happiness, contentment, desire, and perspective. Each of these themes is interconnected, as the poem explores the relationship between desire and contentment, and the role that perspective plays in shaping our feelings about our lives.

At its core, "Who never wanted-maddest Joy" is a poem about happiness. Dickinson is examining the nature of happiness, and the human desire for it. The poem suggests that the most contented people are those who are satisfied with what they have, rather than always striving for more. This theme is echoed in the lines, "The contented heart that holds / Tract and vaster sees." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that those who are contented are able to see the bigger picture, and recognize the value in what they have, rather than always seeking more.

Another key theme in the poem is desire. Dickinson suggests that it is our desires that keep us from being content, and that those who have never wanted the most extreme form of joy are the ones who are most contented with their lives. This theme is explored in the lines, "Who has never wished the calm / That comes to us in dreams." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that our desires often lead us away from contentment, and that those who are contented are those who have learned to let go of their desires.

Throughout the poem, Dickinson also explores the theme of perspective. She suggests that the way we view our lives has a significant impact on our happiness. Those who are contented are able to see the bigger picture, and recognize the value in what they have, while those who are always striving for more are unable to appreciate what they already have. This theme is explored in the lines, "The contented heart that holds / Tract and vaster sees." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that those who are contented are able to see beyond their immediate circumstances, and recognize the value in what they have.

Imagery

The imagery in "Who never wanted-maddest Joy" is simple but evocative. Dickinson uses natural imagery to explore the theme of happiness, suggesting that contentment is found in the simple pleasures of life. The poem opens with the lines, "Who never wanted-maddest Joy / Remains to him unknown." Here, Dickinson is using the image of joy to suggest that happiness is something that we all desire.

Throughout the poem, Dickinson also uses the image of a calm sea to explore the theme of contentment. She suggests that those who are contented are like a calm sea, while those who are always striving for more are like a restless sea. This image is explored in the lines, "The contented heart that holds / Tract and vaster sees / And when the opposite arrives / It waits tranquility." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that those who are contented are able to weather the storms of life, while those who are always striving for more are constantly tossed about by the waves.

Another key image in the poem is that of dreams. Dickinson suggests that the calm that comes to us in dreams is something that we all desire, and that those who have never wished for it are the ones who are most contented with their lives. This image is explored in the lines, "Who has never wished the calm / That comes to us in dreams / And then-all-too-impossible-that we should wake." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that our desires often lead us away from contentment, and that those who are contented are those who have learned to let go of their desires.

Literary Techniques

Dickinson uses several literary techniques in "Who never wanted-maddest Joy" to explore the poem's themes and imagery. The most notable of these techniques is her use of repetition. Throughout the poem, Dickinson repeats the phrase "Who never wanted-maddest Joy," emphasizing the importance of this idea to the poem as a whole. This repetition also serves to reinforce the poem's central theme – that those who have never wanted the most extreme form of joy are the ones who are most contented with their lives.

Dickinson also uses enjambment to great effect in this poem. By breaking her lines in unexpected places, she creates a sense of momentum and urgency that drives the poem forward. This technique is particularly effective in the lines, "And then-all-too-impossible-that we should wake / Behold the daylight breaking!" Here, Dickinson's use of enjambment creates a sense of urgency, emphasizing the impossibility of the calm that comes to us in dreams.

Finally, Dickinson uses a simple and straightforward diction to convey her message. The simplicity of her language is in stark contrast to the complexity of her ideas, emphasizing the depth and power of her message. This simplicity is particularly evident in the lines, "The contented heart that holds / Tract and vaster sees." Here, Dickinson is using simple language to convey a complex idea, emphasizing the power of contentment to shape our perspective on life.

Conclusion

"Who never wanted-maddest Joy" is a powerful exploration of the human desire for happiness. Through her use of themes, imagery, and literary techniques, Emily Dickinson creates a poem that is both simple and profound, exploring the relationship between desire, contentment, and perspective. The poem's message is clear – that those who are contented are the ones who are most able to appreciate the simple pleasures of life, and that our desires often lead us away from contentment. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet, and to her ability to explore complex ideas with simplicity and elegance.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Who Never Wanted-Maddest Joy: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Poem

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, is known for her unique style and unconventional themes. Her poem "Who never wanted-maddest Joy" is no exception. In this 16-line poem, Dickinson explores the idea of joy and how it can be both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. In this analysis, we will take a closer look at the poem and try to understand its meaning and significance.

The poem begins with the line "Who never wanted-maddest Joy." The use of the word "maddest" immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It suggests that the joy being described is not just any ordinary joy, but rather a joy that is extreme and almost uncontrollable. The use of the word "wanted" also implies that this joy is something that people actively seek out and desire.

The second line of the poem reads, "The wildest Wish-to Heaven run." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that the desire for this maddest joy is so strong that it can make people want to run to heaven. The use of the word "wildest" further emphasizes the intensity of this desire.

In the third and fourth lines, Dickinson writes, "And every day dare something new/To entice the Lady-fair." The Lady-fair is likely a reference to the goddess of love, Venus. Dickinson is suggesting that people who seek out this maddest joy are constantly trying to entice Venus by doing something new and exciting every day. This further reinforces the idea that the joy being described is not just any ordinary joy, but rather a joy that is almost otherworldly.

The fifth and sixth lines of the poem read, "Emulous of thee/Who, from an ample nation." Here, Dickinson is likely referring to a specific person who is known for their ability to experience this maddest joy. The use of the word "emulous" suggests that the speaker is envious of this person and wants to experience the same joy that they do.

In the seventh and eighth lines, Dickinson writes, "Lost the seas, and then the skies/All he bloodless lands surneying." The use of the word "lost" suggests that this person has gone beyond the boundaries of what is considered normal or safe. They have explored the seas and the skies, and have even gone beyond the boundaries of the land. The use of the word "bloodless" is interesting here, as it suggests that this person has gone beyond the realm of the living and into the realm of the dead.

In the ninth and tenth lines, Dickinson writes, "Cherishing each little clause/Every clause heroic proving." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that this person cherishes every little detail of their experiences, and sees even the smallest things as heroic. This further reinforces the idea that the joy being described is something that is almost otherworldly and beyond the realm of normal human experience.

In the eleventh and twelfth lines, Dickinson writes, "Till the tender predicate/Grows a sterner provocation!" Here, Dickinson is suggesting that even the most gentle and tender aspects of life can become a provocation for this person. The use of the word "sterner" suggests that this person is constantly seeking out new challenges and experiences, even if they are difficult or dangerous.

In the thirteenth and fourteenth lines, Dickinson writes, "Still, the knowing ones insist/She is safer in the Grave." Here, Dickinson is likely referring to people who believe that this maddest joy is dangerous and should be avoided. The use of the word "knowing" suggests that these people believe they know what is best for others, even if they have not experienced this joy themselves.

Finally, in the fifteenth and sixteenth lines, Dickinson writes, "Where the Ceaseless, myriads/Of the souls that passed before." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that those who have experienced this maddest joy will join the countless souls who have passed before them. The use of the word "ceaseless" suggests that this joy is something that will continue on forever, even after death.

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem "Who never wanted-maddest Joy" is a powerful exploration of the idea of joy and how it can be both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. Through her use of vivid imagery and unconventional language, Dickinson creates a poem that is both beautiful and haunting. The poem suggests that those who seek out this maddest joy are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is considered normal or safe, and that they are willing to risk everything in order to experience it. Ultimately, the poem suggests that this joy is something that is beyond the realm of normal human experience, and that those who experience it will join the countless souls who have passed before them.

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