'To flee from memory' by Emily Dickinson
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To flee from memory
Had we the Wings
Many would fly
Inured to slower things
Birds with surprise
Would scan the cowering Van
Of men escaping
From the mind of man
Editor 1 Interpretation
To Flee from Memory: A Literary Criticism
Oh, Emily Dickinson, how you move me with your words! How you capture the essence of human emotions, of our deepest thoughts and fears, with such simplicity and beauty! And yet, how complex and profound your poetry is, full of meanings and symbols that can be interpreted in so many ways.
In this literary criticism, I will delve into one of Dickinson's most famous and enigmatic poems, "To flee from memory." I will explore its structure, themes, imagery, and language, and try to unravel the mysteries hidden within its lines.
The Structure
At first glance, "To flee from memory" seems like a simple poem, with just four stanzas and eight lines each. But a closer look reveals a more complex structure, with subtle variations that add depth and complexity to the poem.
The first and third stanzas have a similar structure, with a question followed by a statement. The second and fourth stanzas, on the other hand, have a different structure, with a statement followed by a question. This creates a pattern of question-statement-statement-question that gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry.
Another interesting aspect of the structure is the use of repetition. The first and last lines of each stanza are identical, except for one word: "flee," "fly," "leave," and "part." This repetition creates a sense of continuity and progression, as if the poem is moving towards a resolution.
The Themes
The main theme of "To flee from memory" is, as the title suggests, memory. The poem explores the ways in which we try to escape from our memories, from the pain and regret that they bring. The speaker longs to "leave the dull old pain" and "fly to some forgotten plain," where she can forget the past and start anew.
But the poem also suggests that memory is not something we can easily escape from. The speaker realizes that even if she were to leave her memories behind, "they'd follow" her "like a phantom." Memory is not just a thing we have, but a part of who we are. It shapes our identity, our emotions, and our actions.
Another theme of the poem is the desire for freedom, for a release from the burdens of the past. The speaker wishes to "fly like a bird" and "leave the clod of clay" behind, to be free from the limitations of the physical world. But again, the poem suggests that true freedom is elusive. The bird she wishes to emulate is "captive" and "baffled," unable to escape from its own nature.
The Imagery
Dickinson is known for her vivid and imaginative imagery, and "To flee from memory" is no exception. The poem is full of metaphors and symbols that create a rich and complex world of meaning.
One of the most striking images in the poem is that of the "bird" that the speaker longs to emulate. The bird is a symbol of freedom, of the ability to soar above the mundane world and reach for the heavens. But it is also a symbol of captivity, of being trapped in a cage or in one's own nature.
Another powerful image is that of the "phantom" that follows the speaker. The phantom is a symbol of the past, of the memories that haunt us and refuse to let us go. It is also a symbol of the self, of the parts of us that we cannot escape from, no matter how hard we try.
The image of the "forgotten plain" is also significant. It is a symbol of a new beginning, of a place where the past can be left behind and a new future can be started. But it is also a symbol of emptiness, of a place without memories, without history, without meaning.
The Language
Finally, let's look at the language of the poem. Dickinson's poetry is known for its economy of words, for its ability to say so much with so little. "To flee from memory" is a perfect example of this.
The language of the poem is simple and direct, but at the same time, it is full of meaning and nuance. The repetition of words and phrases creates a sense of rhythm and musicality, while also emphasizing the themes of the poem.
The use of metaphors and symbols adds depth and complexity to the language, allowing Dickinson to explore complex ideas with a few well-chosen words. The poem is full of paradoxes and contradictions, such as the desire for freedom and the inevitability of captivity, that create a sense of tension and ambiguity.
Conclusion
"To flee from memory" is a masterpiece of poetry, a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style and vision. It is a poem that speaks to the human condition, to our longing for freedom and our inability to escape from ourselves.
In this literary criticism, we have explored the structure, themes, imagery, and language of the poem, and tried to unravel some of its mysteries. But ultimately, the beauty and power of "To flee from memory" lies in its ability to move us, to touch something deep within us that we cannot fully explain.
So let us end with a quote from the poem itself, a reminder of the power of memory and the complexity of human emotions:
"Fly like a bird, and not like a man, And leave the dull old pain To its own home, and to the phantom Which follows like a shade."
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has always been a medium for expressing emotions, thoughts, and ideas that are difficult to articulate in everyday language. Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, was a master of this art form. Her poem "To flee from memory" is a perfect example of her ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful language.
The poem begins with the line, "To flee from memory had we the wings," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is expressing a desire to escape from their memories, to be able to fly away from them and leave them behind. This is a sentiment that many people can relate to, as memories can often be painful or difficult to deal with.
The second line of the poem, "Were some dim lake to bear us o'er its brink," adds to the dreamlike quality of the piece. The idea of being transported across a lake to a new place is both calming and unsettling. It suggests a sense of escape, but also a sense of uncertainty about what lies ahead.
The third line, "Nor reeds nor rosy lotus could we find," is a reference to the Greek myth of the lotus-eaters. In this myth, the lotus flower has a narcotic effect on those who eat it, causing them to forget their past and lose all desire to return home. The speaker is saying that even if they were to find such a flower, it would not be enough to erase their memories completely.
The fourth line, "But on some desolate and distant shore," reinforces the idea of escape and isolation. The speaker is imagining a place where they can be alone with their thoughts, away from the distractions of everyday life. This is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry, as she often wrote about the importance of solitude and introspection.
The fifth line, "Where no sweet bird sang loud its matin lay," adds to the sense of desolation and loneliness. The absence of birdsong suggests a lack of life and vitality, and reinforces the idea of the speaker being alone in their thoughts.
The final two lines of the poem, "Where no fond memories thrill the bosom more, / And where no thoughts of sorrow come to stay," bring the piece to a close. The speaker is imagining a place where they can be free from the pain of their memories, where they can exist without the burden of their past. It is a powerful and poignant image, one that speaks to the universal desire to escape from our problems and find peace.
Overall, "To flee from memory" is a beautiful and haunting poem that captures the essence of Emily Dickinson's unique style. It is a testament to her ability to convey complex emotions through simple language, and to her talent for creating vivid and evocative imagery. Whether you are a fan of poetry or not, this piece is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.
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