'Too few the mornings be' by Emily Dickinson

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Too few the mornings be,
Too scant the nights.
No lodging can be had
For the delights
That come to earth to stay,
But no apartment find
And ride away.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Too Few the Mornings by Emily Dickinson: An Exploration of Life, Love and Death

Emily Dickinson's "Too Few the Mornings" is a poem that invites readers to contemplate the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. This deeply poignant and emotive work of poetry is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a writer and her ability to convey complex emotions with simple yet evocative language. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the themes and motifs present in "Too Few the Mornings," exploring the poem's meaning, structure, and style.

Context and Background

Emily Dickinson was one of the most important and influential poets of the 19th century, and her work continues to be celebrated and studied to this day. Born in 1830 in Amherst, Massachusetts, Dickinson lived a relatively reclusive life, rarely venturing outside of her family home. Despite this, she was an avid reader and writer, and her poetry reflects her deep understanding of the human experience.

"Too Few the Mornings" was likely written in the late 1850s or early 1860s, during a particularly productive period in Dickinson's life. As with much of her work, the poem was not published during her lifetime, and it was not until after her death in 1886 that her poetry began to gain widespread recognition.

Analysis of "Too Few the Mornings"

Structure

At first glance, "Too Few the Mornings" appears to be a simple and unassuming poem. It consists of just four stanzas, each with two lines, and there is no discernable rhyme scheme. However, on closer inspection, it becomes clear that Dickinson's use of language and structure is far more complex than it first appears.

The poem's opening line, "Too few the mornings be," immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "too" suggests that there is a sense of lack or insufficiency, and this theme is continued throughout the poem.

Each stanza is comprised of two lines, with the second line of each stanza repeating the first word of the first line. This repetition creates a sense of rhythm and emphasis, drawing the reader's attention to the central themes of the poem.

Themes and Motifs

"Too Few the Mornings" explores a number of themes, including the fleeting nature of life, the inevitability of death, and the power of love. Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses a number of motifs to convey these themes, including the passing of time, the cycle of seasons, and the beauty of nature.

The first stanza focuses on the passing of time, with the line "Too few the mornings be" suggesting that life is short and that we must make the most of the time we have. The use of the word "few" underscores the idea that there is a sense of scarcity, and that every moment should be cherished.

The second stanza continues this theme, using the motif of the changing seasons to convey the idea that life is fleeting and that we must embrace each moment as it comes. The line "Too swift the sundown fleet" suggests that time passes quickly, like the setting sun, and that we must make the most of the time we have.

In the third stanza, Dickinson introduces the theme of death, using the image of the "dew" to represent the transience of life. The line "Too scant the notion seems" suggests that death is difficult to comprehend or accept, and that we must learn to come to terms with our mortality.

The final stanza focuses on the power of love, using the motif of the "rose" to represent the beauty and fragility of life. The line "Too steep, too swift, too far away" suggests that love can be difficult to attain or hold on to, but that it is worth the effort.

Style and Language

One of the most striking aspects of "Too Few the Mornings" is Dickinson's use of language and style. Her sparse yet evocative language creates a sense of intimacy and emotional intensity, drawing the reader into her world and inviting them to contemplate the deeper meaning of the poem.

The use of repetition and parallel structure creates a sense of rhythm and emphasis, drawing attention to the central themes of the poem. Dickinson's use of metaphor and imagery is also particularly effective, using the natural world to convey complex emotions and ideas.

Interpretation

"Too Few the Mornings" is a deeply emotive and powerful work of poetry, inviting readers to contemplate the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. Through her use of language, structure, and imagery, Dickinson creates a sense of intimacy and emotional intensity, drawing the reader into her world and inviting them to contemplate the deeper meaning of the poem.

At its core, "Too Few the Mornings" is a poem about the importance of cherishing every moment we have, and the power of love to give meaning to our lives. It is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a writer and her ability to convey complex emotions with simple yet evocative language.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "Too Few the Mornings" is a deeply poignant and emotive work of poetry, exploring themes of life, love, and death. Through her use of language, structure, and imagery, Dickinson creates a sense of intimacy and emotional intensity, drawing the reader into her world and inviting them to contemplate the deeper meaning of the poem. It is a testament to her skill as a writer and her ability to convey complex emotions with simplicity and grace.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Too few the mornings be is a classic poem written by the renowned American poet, Emily Dickinson. This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style of writing, which is characterized by her use of unconventional punctuation, capitalization, and syntax. In this article, we will analyze and explain the meaning of this poem, exploring its themes, literary devices, and historical context.

The poem begins with the line, "Too few the mornings be," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is lamenting the fact that there are not enough mornings in life, suggesting that life is short and fleeting. This theme of mortality is a common one in Dickinson's poetry, and it is often explored through her use of nature imagery.

The second line of the poem, "Too scant the chesnuts wear," is a reference to the chestnut tree, which is a symbol of longevity and endurance. The fact that the chestnuts are "scant" suggests that they are not as abundant as they once were, further emphasizing the theme of mortality. The use of the word "wear" also suggests that the chestnuts are aging and deteriorating, much like the speaker herself.

The third line of the poem, "Longer than sunrise swells," is a reference to the length of time that the speaker wishes she had. The sunrise is often used as a symbol of new beginnings and hope, but in this context, it represents the fleeting nature of life. The fact that the speaker wishes for "longer than sunrise swells" suggests that she wants more time to experience life and all that it has to offer.

The fourth line of the poem, "Life's little, less than violets," is a reference to the fragility of life. Violets are delicate flowers that are often associated with love and beauty, but they are also short-lived. The fact that life is "less than violets" suggests that it is just as fragile and fleeting as these flowers.

The fifth line of the poem, "Linger longer, little gnat," is a reference to the speaker's desire to hold onto life for as long as possible. The gnat is a small and insignificant creature, but its presence suggests that even the smallest things in life are worth holding onto. The fact that the speaker wants the gnat to "linger longer" suggests that she wants to savor every moment of life, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.

The sixth and final line of the poem, "We scarce remember it, we who wear," is a reference to the fact that life is often forgotten or overlooked. The fact that the speaker uses the word "scarce" suggests that life is not valued as much as it should be, and that people often take it for granted. The use of the word "wear" also suggests that life is something that is worn or used up, further emphasizing its fleeting nature.

Overall, Too few the mornings be is a powerful and poignant poem that explores the theme of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. Through her use of nature imagery and unconventional syntax, Dickinson is able to convey a sense of longing and regret, while also emphasizing the importance of savoring every moment of life.

In terms of literary devices, Dickinson uses a number of techniques to convey her message. For example, she uses personification to give life to the chestnuts and the gnat, which helps to emphasize their significance. She also uses repetition, with the phrase "too few" appearing twice in the first two lines of the poem, to emphasize the theme of scarcity and the fleeting nature of life.

In terms of historical context, it is important to note that Dickinson lived during a time when death was a common occurrence. Many people died young, and death was often seen as a natural part of life. This context helps to explain why Dickinson was so preoccupied with the theme of mortality, and why she used nature imagery to explore this theme.

In conclusion, Too few the mornings be is a classic poem that explores the theme of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. Through her use of nature imagery and unconventional syntax, Dickinson is able to convey a sense of longing and regret, while also emphasizing the importance of savoring every moment of life. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's unique style of writing, and it continues to resonate with readers today.

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