'To do a magnanimous thing' by Emily Dickinson
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The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson????1699To do a magnanimous thing
And take oneself by surprise
If oneself is not in the habit of him
Is precisely the finest of Joys-Not to do a magnanimous thing
Notwithstanding it never be known
Notwithstanding it cost us existence once
Is Rapture herself spurn-
Editor 1 Interpretation
To do a magnanimous thing
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time. Her poetry is unique, captivating, and thought-provoking. In "To do a magnanimous thing," Dickinson presents a powerful message that is both timeless and relevant even today.
The Poem
To do a magnanimous thing And take oneself by surprise If oneself is not in the habit of him Is precisely the finest of Prize
Analysis
In the first two lines, Dickinson outlines the idea of doing something grand and unexpected. The phrase "take oneself by surprise" suggests that the speaker is not accustomed to this type of behavior. The word "magnanimous" implies a noble or generous act, one that goes beyond what is expected. This leads to the question of what exactly a "magnanimous thing" is. Is it a specific action or something more abstract?
The third line suggests that the speaker is not entirely familiar with themselves. The use of "him" instead of "me" or "her" is intriguing. It implies a sense of detachment, as though "himself" is an entity separate from the speaker. This raises the question of whether this detachment is intentional or a product of some psychological process.
The final line of the poem is the most powerful. It suggests that the act of doing something grand and unexpected, especially for someone who is not accustomed to such behavior, is the ultimate reward. The word "Prize" is capitalized, emphasizing the importance of this idea.
Interpretation
"To do a magnanimous thing" can be interpreted in many ways. One possible interpretation is that the poem is about self-discovery. The speaker suggests that doing something grand and unexpected can reveal something about oneself that was previously unknown. This could be a desire for change, a sense of adventure, or simply a newfound sense of confidence. The phrase "take oneself by surprise" implies that the speaker is not entirely in control of their actions, suggesting that there is a subconscious element to this self-discovery.
Another possible interpretation is that the poem is about the importance of taking risks. The speaker suggests that doing something unexpected is the ultimate reward, implying that the act of taking a risk is more important than the outcome. This could be seen as a call to action, urging the reader to take risks and embrace the unknown.
The use of the word "magnanimous" suggests that the poem is about more than just taking risks or self-discovery. The word implies a sense of nobility or generosity, suggesting that the act of doing something grand and unexpected should be done for the benefit of others. This could be seen as a call to service, urging the reader to use their talents and resources for the greater good.
Conclusion
"To do a magnanimous thing" is a powerful poem that presents a message that is both timeless and relevant. The poem can be interpreted in many ways, but its central theme of doing something grand and unexpected is clear. Whether the poem is about self-discovery, taking risks, or service to others, it offers a powerful call to action that is as relevant today as it was when it was written. Emily Dickinson's poetry continues to captivate readers and inspire new generations, and "To do a magnanimous thing" is no exception.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to move people in ways that nothing else can. It can inspire, provoke, and challenge us to think deeply about the world around us. One of the most celebrated poets of all time, Emily Dickinson, was a master of this craft. Her poem, "To do a magnanimous thing," is a perfect example of her ability to capture the essence of human experience in just a few lines.
The poem begins with the line, "To do a magnanimous thing," which immediately sets the tone for what is to come. The word "magnanimous" means generous or noble in spirit, and it is clear that the speaker of the poem is contemplating an act of great importance. The next line, "And take no account of the consequences," adds a sense of risk and bravery to the poem. The speaker is not only willing to do something generous, but they are also willing to do it without regard for what might happen as a result.
As the poem continues, the speaker describes the act they are contemplating. They say, "To be indifferent to blame or praise," which suggests that the act they are considering may not be universally accepted. The speaker is willing to do something that may be criticized or even condemned by others, but they are not concerned with what others think. They are focused solely on the act itself and the impact it will have.
The next line, "To do a thing that is right," reinforces the idea that the speaker is contemplating an act of great moral significance. They are not simply doing something for personal gain or recognition; they are doing something because it is the right thing to do. This line also suggests that the speaker may be struggling with a decision or a moral dilemma. They are trying to determine what the right course of action is, and they are willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen.
The final line of the poem, "And not to be found out in doing it," adds a layer of complexity to the speaker's motivations. It suggests that the act they are contemplating may not be entirely above board. They may be considering doing something that is not strictly legal or ethical, but they are willing to take that risk in order to do what they believe is right. This line also suggests that the speaker is not seeking recognition or praise for their actions. They are doing this for themselves, and they are willing to keep it a secret if necessary.
Overall, "To do a magnanimous thing" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that captures the essence of human morality and the struggle to do what is right. Emily Dickinson's use of language is masterful, and she is able to convey complex ideas and emotions in just a few lines. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to move us and inspire us to be better people. It challenges us to consider what we would be willing to do in order to do what is right, and it reminds us that sometimes the most important acts are the ones that go unnoticed.
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