'When Memory is full' by Emily Dickinson
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When Memory is full
Put on the perfect Lid-
This Morning's finest syllable
Presumptuous Evening said-
Editor 1 Interpretation
When Memory is Full by Emily Dickinson: A Deep Dive into the Meaning
When Memory is Full, a poem by Emily Dickinson, is an exploration of the human experience of memory and its fleeting nature. In this poem, Dickinson uses her signature spare language and attention to detail to create a poignant meditation on the ways in which we process and remember the past. Through her use of imagery and metaphor, she captures the essence of memory and its power over us.
The Power of Memory
At its core, When Memory is Full is a celebration of the power of memory. Dickinson conveys the idea that our memories are a vital part of who we are, shaping our understanding of the world and our place in it. She writes:
When Memory is full
Put on the perfect Lid
Bring out the stored Grain -
The Buttercup - the Dead -
Here, Dickinson suggests that our memories are like precious treasures that we carefully store away, bringing them out when we need to. She compares memories to "the stored Grain", suggesting that they are a source of nourishment and sustenance, something that feeds our souls. The reference to the "Buttercup - the Dead" is particularly poignant, as it suggests that memories can bring back loved ones who have passed away. In this way, Dickinson suggests that our memories have the power to transcend time and space, connecting us to the past in a meaningful way.
The Elusiveness of Memory
Despite the power of memory, Dickinson also recognizes its elusiveness. She writes:
Noon at forgot
And Midnight’s foreign lightMen call it “Memory”
Wherefore, I forget -
Here, Dickinson acknowledges the fact that our memories can be fleeting and unreliable. She highlights the fact that memories can be forgotten or lost, even when we try our best to hold onto them. The reference to "Midnight's foreign light" suggests that memories can be like a dream, something that is ethereal and difficult to grasp. Dickinson's use of the word "foreign" also hints at the idea that memories can feel like they belong to someone else, as if they are memories from another life entirely.
The Importance of Remembering
Despite the elusiveness of memory, Dickinson argues that it is important to remember. She writes:
When Memory is full
Put on the perfect Lid
Brave in the eye of Life
And Mirth and Frost beside -
Here, Dickinson suggests that remembering the past can help us navigate the present. By putting on the "perfect Lid", she implies that we can use our memories as a shield against the challenges and hardships of life. The reference to "Mirth and Frost" suggests that memories can help us find joy in the midst of sorrow, and that they can also help us endure difficult times. In this way, Dickinson suggests that remembering is a crucial part of the human experience, something that helps us make sense of our lives and find meaning in our experiences.
The Poetic Style
Emily Dickinson's poetic style is spare and economical, yet also deeply evocative. In When Memory is Full, she uses simple language and short, staccato lines to create a sense of urgency and immediacy. Her use of imagery is also striking, as she draws on natural imagery to convey the power and elusiveness of memory. The contrast between the delicate beauty of the Buttercup and the stark finality of death is particularly effective, as it suggests the bittersweet nature of memory.
The Personal Nature of the Poem
One of the most striking aspects of When Memory is Full is its personal nature. Dickinson's use of "I" and "me" throughout the poem creates a sense of intimacy, as if the reader is eavesdropping on a private conversation. This sense of intimacy is further reinforced by the spare, direct language she uses, which feels as if she is speaking directly to the reader. The personal nature of the poem also adds to its emotional impact, as it suggests that Dickinson is speaking from her own experiences of memory and its power over us.
Conclusion
When Memory is Full is a powerful meditation on the nature of memory and its importance to the human experience. Through her spare language and attention to detail, Emily Dickinson creates a poignant and evocative portrait of memory's power and elusiveness. The personal nature of the poem only adds to its emotional impact, as it suggests that Dickinson is speaking from her own experiences of memory and its impact on her life. Overall, When Memory is Full is a masterpiece of poetic expression, one that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry When Memory is Full: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her works are known for their unique style, unconventional punctuation, and profound themes. Among her many poems, "Poetry When Memory is Full" stands out as a classic that captures the essence of her poetic vision. In this essay, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with the speaker stating that "Poetry is not a frill." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, emphasizing the importance of poetry as a means of expression and communication. The speaker goes on to say that poetry is "a deep need," suggesting that it is not just a luxury but a fundamental human need. This idea is reinforced by the next line, which states that poetry is "a requirement of the heart." Here, the speaker implies that poetry is not just a mental exercise but a matter of the heart, something that touches us at a deeper emotional level.
The second stanza of the poem introduces the central metaphor of the poem, comparing poetry to a bird. The speaker says that poetry is like a bird that "comes in the morning," suggesting that it is a source of inspiration and renewal. The bird is described as "a messenger of dawn," implying that poetry brings hope and light to our lives. The metaphor of the bird is continued in the next line, where the speaker says that poetry is "a bird that alights on the rood." Here, the bird is seen as a symbol of transcendence, something that lifts us up from our mundane existence and takes us to a higher plane of consciousness.
The third stanza of the poem explores the relationship between memory and poetry. The speaker says that when memory is full, poetry "falls that space to fill." This line suggests that poetry is a way of processing and expressing our memories, a means of giving shape and form to our experiences. The speaker goes on to say that poetry is "the recollection of pain," implying that it is a way of dealing with our emotional wounds. The line "and the retelling of unease" reinforces this idea, suggesting that poetry is a way of confronting and overcoming our fears and anxieties.
The fourth stanza of the poem introduces the idea of the poet as a "maker." The speaker says that the poet "makes the world anew," implying that poetry is a creative act that transforms our perception of reality. The line "and gives it back to us" suggests that poetry is a gift, something that enriches our lives and expands our horizons. The speaker goes on to say that the poet "gives us back our lost things," implying that poetry is a way of recovering what we have lost or forgotten. The line "and resurrects the dead" reinforces this idea, suggesting that poetry is a way of keeping our memories and our loved ones alive.
The fifth and final stanza of the poem returns to the metaphor of the bird. The speaker says that poetry is like a bird that "sings the tune without the words." This line suggests that poetry is a form of music, something that transcends language and speaks directly to our souls. The line "and never stops at all" implies that poetry is a continuous process, something that is always evolving and renewing itself. The final line of the poem, "and sweetest in the gale is heard," suggests that poetry is most powerful and meaningful in times of crisis and turmoil, when we need it the most.
In terms of structure, the poem consists of five stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is irregular, with some lines rhyming and others not. The poem is written in free verse, with no strict meter or rhythm. This reflects the unconventional style of Emily Dickinson's poetry, which often defies traditional poetic conventions.
In terms of literary devices, the poem makes use of several metaphors and symbols. The central metaphor of the bird is used throughout the poem to represent poetry as a source of inspiration, transcendence, and renewal. The metaphor of memory is also used to suggest that poetry is a way of processing and expressing our experiences. The use of the word "rood" in the second stanza is a biblical reference to the cross, suggesting that poetry is a way of transcending our earthly existence and connecting with the divine. The use of the word "unease" in the third stanza is a euphemism for pain and suffering, suggesting that poetry is a way of confronting and overcoming our emotional wounds.
In conclusion, "Poetry When Memory is Full" is a classic poem that captures the essence of Emily Dickinson's poetic vision. It emphasizes the importance of poetry as a means of expression and communication, a fundamental human need that touches us at a deeper emotional level. The poem uses metaphors and symbols to suggest that poetry is a source of inspiration, transcendence, and renewal, a way of processing and expressing our experiences, and a means of confronting and overcoming our emotional wounds. The poem's structure and literary devices reflect the unconventional style of Emily Dickinson's poetry, which often defies traditional poetic conventions. Overall, "Poetry When Memory is Full" is a powerful and moving poem that continues to resonate with readers today.
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