'We introduce ourselves' by Emily Dickinson

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We introduce ourselves
To Planets and to Flowers
But with ourselves
Have etiquettes
Embarrassments
And awes

Editor 1 Interpretation

Introduction

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literary history. Her poems are renowned for their unconventional form, profound insights and startling imagery. "We introduce ourselves" is one such poem that stands out for its philosophical depth, poignant symbolism and haunting beauty. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various themes, literary devices and interpretations of this masterpiece.

The Poem

We introduce ourselves To Planets and to Flowers But with ourselves Have etiquettes Embarrassments

And awes

Theme of Self-Discovery

The poem begins with a deceptively simple statement: "We introduce ourselves". This seemingly innocuous phrase, however, has profound implications for the themes of the poem. At its core, the poem is about self-discovery and the various ways in which we make ourselves known to the world. From the very beginning, we see that this process of self-introduction is not limited to human beings alone. Rather, it extends to "Planets and Flowers" as well. By including these seemingly disparate elements, Dickinson suggests that everything in the universe is connected, and that the process of self-discovery is a universal one.

The Significance of Etiquettes

The second line of the poem introduces a new element: "But with ourselves/Have etiquettes". Here, Dickinson is highlighting the fact that the process of self-discovery is not a straightforward one. Instead, it is fraught with "etiquettes" – rules and conventions that govern how we present ourselves to the world. In other words, the process of self-discovery is not just about discovering who we are, but also about how we are perceived by others.

Embarrassments and Awes

The next two lines of the poem – "Embarrassments/And awes" – further emphasize the complexity of the process of self-discovery. Dickinson suggests that this process is not always pleasant, and that it can be accompanied by feelings of embarrassment and awe. These emotions are significant because they suggest that self-discovery is not just a matter of introspection, but also of confronting the external world and its judgments.

Symbolism of Planets and Flowers

The inclusion of "Planets and Flowers" in the first line of the poem is not just arbitrary. Rather, it serves as a powerful symbol for the themes of the poem. Planets and flowers are both natural objects that exist in the world without any need for self-introduction. However, by including them in the poem, Dickinson is suggesting that even these seemingly self-contained objects have something to say about themselves. In other words, everything in the universe is constantly engaged in the process of self-discovery.

Literary Devices

Dickinson's poetry is renowned for its use of unconventional form, startling imagery and profound insights. "We introduce ourselves" is no exception to this. The poem is structured as a single stanza of five lines, with no rhyme scheme or regular meter. This lack of structure is deliberate, as it reflects the complexity and unpredictability of the process of self-discovery. Similarly, the poem is filled with evocative imagery, such as the planets and flowers, that serve to deepen the themes of the poem.

Interpretations

Like many of Dickinson's poems, "We introduce ourselves" is open to multiple interpretations. Some readers may see the poem as a meditation on the nature of identity, and how we construct ourselves through our interactions with the world. Others may interpret the poem as a commentary on the nature of self-expression, and the various obstacles that we encounter in the process of making ourselves known to others. Still others may see the poem as a celebration of the diversity of existence, and the fact that everything in the universe has a unique voice and perspective.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "We introduce ourselves" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of self-discovery, identity, and self-expression. Through its use of evocative imagery, unconventional structure, and profound insights, the poem challenges readers to rethink their assumptions about the nature of existence and the complexities of the human experience. As such, it remains a timeless masterpiece of American poetry, and a testament to Emily Dickinson's enduring legacy as one of the greatest poets of all time.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a medium of expression for the human soul. It is a form of art that transcends time and space, and Emily Dickinson's "We introduce ourselves" is a classic example of this. In this poem, Dickinson explores the complexities of human identity and the ways in which we present ourselves to the world.

The poem begins with the line, "We introduce ourselves," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. It is as if the speaker is addressing a group of people, introducing themselves and inviting others to do the same. This creates a sense of community and inclusivity, which is a recurring theme throughout the poem.

The next line, "The years too late," suggests that the speaker is reflecting on their life and the choices they have made. It is as if they are acknowledging that they have lived for a long time, and only now are they truly introducing themselves to the world. This line also hints at the idea that it is never too late to discover who we truly are and to share that with others.

The third line, "Of navy or of noon," is a reference to time and the different stages of life. Navy represents the night, while noon represents the day. This line suggests that the speaker has experienced both the darkness and the light in life, and that they are now ready to share their experiences with others.

The fourth line, "Of twilight or of cock," is another reference to time, but this time it is more specific. Twilight represents the time between day and night, while cock represents the early morning. This line suggests that the speaker has experienced the transitions in life, and that they are now ready to share their wisdom with others.

The fifth line, "As many as the fence," is a metaphor for the different identities we have. Just as a fence has many posts, each with its own identity, so do we have many identities that make up who we are. This line suggests that we are not just one thing, but rather a combination of many things.

The sixth line, "As many as the house," continues the metaphor of the fence, but this time it is a house. Just as a house has many rooms, each with its own purpose, so do we have many identities that serve different purposes in our lives. This line suggests that our identities are not static, but rather they change and evolve over time.

The seventh line, "Or rooms within the soul," takes the metaphor of the house one step further. This line suggests that our identities are not just external, but also internal. We have many rooms within our souls, each with its own identity and purpose. This line suggests that our true selves are not just what we present to the world, but also what we keep hidden within ourselves.

The eighth line, "Unto ourselves be seen," is a call to authenticity. It is a reminder that we should not hide who we truly are, but rather we should be true to ourselves and let our true selves be seen by others. This line suggests that we should not be afraid to be vulnerable and share our true selves with others.

The ninth line, "The very house of life," is a reference to the metaphor of the house. This line suggests that our identities are not just a part of us, but rather they are the very foundation of our lives. Our identities shape who we are and how we interact with the world around us.

The final line, "The porch for us suffice," is a call to simplicity. It is a reminder that we do not need to be grand or extravagant in our presentation of ourselves. The porch is a simple and humble place, and it is enough for us to be ourselves and share our true selves with others.

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "We introduce ourselves" is a powerful exploration of human identity and the ways in which we present ourselves to the world. Through the use of metaphors and imagery, Dickinson reminds us that our identities are complex and multifaceted, and that we should not be afraid to share our true selves with others. This poem is a timeless reminder that authenticity and vulnerability are the keys to true connection and community.

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