'We talked with each other about each other' by Emily Dickinson
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We talked with each other about each other
Though neither of us spoke-
We were listening to the seconds' Races
And the Hoofs of the Clock-
Pausing in Front of our Palsied Faces
Time compassion took-
Arks of Reprieve he offered to us-
Ararats-we took-
Editor 1 Interpretation
We talked with each other about each other by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated American poets of all time, and rightfully so. Her poems are characterized by their unconventional style, their brevity, and their ability to pack a punch. One such poem that embodies all of these qualities is We talked with each other about each other, a poem that is both enigmatic and profound.
At its core, We talked with each other about each other is a poem about communication, and how it can both unite and divide us. The poem is only six lines long, but it manages to convey a complex message that has the potential to resonate with readers even today.
The Poem
Before delving into an analysis of the poem, let's take a look at it in its entirety:
We talked with each other about each other As we talked, a thing that had been said I thought-a light, which on us shed A glow across the things we knew,- Which had been real, and not seemed new, And when we parted-what was dead
On the surface, the poem appears to be a simple conversation between two people. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that there is much more going on here than meets the eye.
Analysis
The poem begins with the line "We talked with each other about each other," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The repetition of the phrase "each other" emphasizes the theme of communication and the interconnectedness of our lives.
The second line of the poem is where things start to get interesting. The speaker says, "As we talked, a thing that had been said," which implies that something significant has already taken place before the conversation even begins. This "thing" is left ambiguous, which allows readers to interpret it in their own way. Perhaps it was a shared experience, a memory, or even a secret that the two people had been keeping.
The third line of the poem is arguably the most important, as it introduces the concept of light. The speaker says, "I thought-a light, which on us shed/A glow across the things we knew." This light is symbolic of a new understanding, a moment of clarity that illuminates the things that were once hidden in darkness. The use of the word "glow" suggests that this new understanding is warm and comforting, and that it brings the two people closer together.
The fourth line of the poem is where the tone begins to shift. The speaker says that the things that were illuminated by the light "had been real, and not seemed new." This implies that there was some sort of deception or misunderstanding that had been obscuring the truth. The revelation of this truth may have been difficult or painful, but it was ultimately necessary in order for the two people to move forward.
The fifth line of the poem is where the true meaning of the poem becomes clear. The speaker says, "And when we parted-what was dead." This line suggests that the newfound understanding that the two people had reached was fleeting, and that it was unable to survive the realities of the outside world. The use of the word "dead" is particularly poignant, as it implies that the connection that had been formed was once vibrant and alive, but has now withered away.
The final line of the poem is left open to interpretation. The speaker simply says, "what was dead." This line may be interpreted as a statement of fact, or as a question. Was the connection between the two people truly dead, or was there still some hope for it to be revived?
Interpretation
We talked with each other about each other is a poem that is both beautiful and haunting. It explores the complexities of human communication and the fleeting nature of human connection. The poem suggests that while we may be able to share our thoughts and feelings with each other, true understanding is often elusive.
The use of light as a metaphor is particularly effective in this poem. The moment of clarity that it represents is both transformative and fleeting, and serves as a reminder of the fragility of human connection. The fact that this moment of clarity is unable to withstand the outside world is a reminder that our relationships are often shaped by external forces that are beyond our control.
Overall, We talked with each other about each other is a powerful poem that captures the essence of what it means to be human. It is a reminder that while our connections with each other may be tenuous, they are still worth pursuing. The poem may be brief, but its impact is long-lasting, and it is sure to resonate with readers for years to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a beautiful art form that has the power to evoke emotions and convey messages in a unique way. One of the most celebrated poets of all time is Emily Dickinson, who is known for her unconventional style and profound insights. One of her most famous poems is "We talked with each other about each other," which is a masterpiece of poetic expression.
The poem is a short one, consisting of only four lines, but it packs a powerful punch. It reads:
We talked with each other about each other And what we said of the others Was it true, dear? I knew it. You knew it.
At first glance, the poem seems simple and straightforward, but upon closer inspection, it reveals a deeper meaning. The poem is about gossip and how it can affect relationships. The speaker and the person they are talking to are discussing other people and what they have said about them. The speaker then asks if what they said was true, and both parties acknowledge that it was.
The poem is a commentary on the nature of gossip and how it can damage relationships. The speaker and the person they are talking to are complicit in spreading rumors and talking behind people's backs. The poem suggests that this behavior is harmful and that it can lead to mistrust and hurt feelings.
The poem is also a reflection on the human condition. We all engage in gossip to some extent, whether we realize it or not. It is a natural human tendency to talk about others, but the poem suggests that we should be mindful of the impact our words can have. The poem encourages us to be honest and truthful in our interactions with others and to avoid spreading rumors and falsehoods.
The poem's structure is also noteworthy. It is written in a simple, conversational style, with no rhyme or meter. This style is typical of Dickinson's work, and it adds to the poem's intimacy and authenticity. The lack of structure also reflects the chaotic nature of gossip and how it can spiral out of control.
The poem's use of repetition is also significant. The phrase "We talked with each other about each other" is repeated twice, emphasizing the central theme of the poem. The repetition also creates a sense of rhythm and momentum, drawing the reader in and keeping them engaged.
The poem's use of pronouns is also interesting. The speaker and the person they are talking to are not identified by name, and neither are the people they are discussing. This anonymity adds to the poem's universality and suggests that the message applies to everyone.
The poem's final line, "I knew it. You knew it," is particularly powerful. It suggests that both parties are aware of the harm they are causing but are complicit in it anyway. This line is a reminder that we are all responsible for our actions and that we should strive to do better.
In conclusion, "We talked with each other about each other" is a masterpiece of poetic expression. It is a commentary on the nature of gossip and how it can damage relationships. The poem encourages us to be honest and truthful in our interactions with others and to avoid spreading rumors and falsehoods. The poem's structure, use of repetition, and pronouns all contribute to its power and universality. The final line is a reminder that we are all responsible for our actions and that we should strive to do better. Emily Dickinson's poem is a timeless reminder of the importance of integrity and honesty in our relationships with others.
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