'The things we thought that we should do' by Emily Dickinson
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The things we thought that we should do
We other things have done
But those peculiar industries
Have never been begun-The Lands we thought that we should seek
When large enough to run
By Speculation ceded
To Speculation's Son-The Heaven, in which we hoped to pause
When Discipline was done
Untenable to Logic
But possibly the one-
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Things We Thought That We Should Do by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Critique
Emily Dickinson is a celebrated American poet whose works have been the subject of much scholarly attention. Her poetry is known for its complex themes, intricate imagery, and unconventional use of language. In this literary critique, we will examine Dickinson's "The Things We Thought That We Should Do," a poem that speaks to the universal experience of regret and the choices we make in life.
Overview of the Poem
"The Things We Thought That We Should Do" is a short poem consisting of four stanzas, each with two lines. The poem is written in free verse, with no regular meter or rhyme scheme. The poem's tone is melancholic, reflecting the speaker's regret for the things they did not do in life. The poem's central theme is the idea that life is finite, and we must make choices about how to spend our time.
Interpretation of the Poem
The poem begins with the line, "The things we thought that we should do." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and introduces the central theme of regret. The speaker is reflecting on the choices they made in life and the things they did not do. The use of the word "thought" suggests that the speaker had plans and ambitions but did not follow through with them.
The second stanza reads, "We other things we thought that we should do, we do." This line suggests that the speaker has followed through with some of their plans but not all of them. The use of the word "other" implies that the speaker prioritized some things over others. The line "we do" suggests a sense of obligation, as if the speaker did these things out of duty rather than desire.
In the third stanza, the poem takes a darker turn. The line reads, "The urgent thing we have to do, we do." This line suggests that the speaker has prioritized urgent matters over their own desires. The use of the word "have" implies that the speaker feels compelled to do these urgent things. The line suggests a sense of obligation and duty, rather than choice.
The final stanza reads, "Impose upon ourselves, and these imposed, / Have other imposed of us to impose." This line is the most complex in the poem and is open to interpretation. The word "impose" suggests a sense of pressure or restriction. The line suggests that the speaker has imposed limitations on themselves and that these limitations have been imposed on them by others. The line suggests a cycle of restriction and limitation that is difficult to break free from.
Literary Techniques
Dickinson uses several literary techniques in "The Things We Thought That We Should Do" to convey the poem's themes and mood. The use of free verse creates a sense of fluidity and freedom, reflecting the speaker's desire to break free from the limitations they have imposed upon themselves. The lack of a regular rhyme scheme also creates a sense of unpredictability, reflecting the unpredictability of life.
The repetition of the phrase "we thought that we should do" creates a sense of regret and missed opportunities. The use of the word "other" suggests that the speaker prioritized certain things over others, leading to a sense of regret for the things they did not do.
Dickinson's use of imagery is also significant in the poem. The use of the word "urgent" creates a sense of urgency and pressure, reflecting the speaker's sense of obligation to do these things. The final stanza's use of the word "impose" creates a sense of restriction and pressure, reflecting the limitations the speaker has placed upon themselves.
Conclusion
In "The Things We Thought That We Should Do," Emily Dickinson explores the universal experience of regret and the choices we make in life. The poem's melancholic tone and complex imagery create a sense of the speaker's desire to break free from the limitations they have imposed upon themselves. The poem's themes are relevant to all of us, as we all make choices and experience regret for the things we did not do. Dickinson's use of literary techniques creates a rich and complex poem that speaks to the human experience in a profound and insightful way.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Things We Thought That We Should Do: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, the renowned American poet, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of death, nature, and spirituality. One of her most famous poems, "The Things We Thought That We Should Do," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of human nature and the struggle to find meaning in life.
The poem begins with the line, "The things we thought that we should do, we other things have done." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which explores the idea that we often have grand plans and aspirations, but in reality, we end up doing something entirely different. This is a universal experience that everyone can relate to, as we all have moments in our lives where we have had to compromise our dreams and settle for something less.
The second line of the poem, "I could not tell you if I would," adds a layer of complexity to the poem. It suggests that the speaker is unsure if they would have chosen differently if given the chance. This uncertainty is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry, as she often explores the idea that life is unpredictable and that we cannot always control our fate.
The third line of the poem, "The little village that we knew, a dozen years ago," is a reference to the speaker's past. It suggests that the speaker is reflecting on a time when they had different aspirations and goals. This line also highlights the idea that time changes everything, and what we once thought was important may no longer hold the same significance.
The fourth line of the poem, "The woodlands wild that knew us then, are grown so dreary now," is a metaphor for the speaker's life. It suggests that the speaker's life has become dull and unfulfilling, and that they long for the excitement and adventure of their past. This line also highlights the idea that life is cyclical, and that what was once vibrant and exciting can become dull and lifeless over time.
The fifth line of the poem, "As if they were not ours," is a reflection on the speaker's sense of ownership. It suggests that the speaker feels disconnected from their past and that they no longer feel a sense of ownership over their memories. This line also highlights the idea that our memories are not always reliable, and that they can change over time.
The sixth line of the poem, "The village where we go today, is not the one we knew," is a reflection on the speaker's present. It suggests that the speaker's life has changed, and that they no longer feel a sense of belonging in their current surroundings. This line also highlights the idea that change is inevitable, and that we must learn to adapt to new situations.
The seventh line of the poem, "The tree that stood beside the door, its fallen now, they say," is a metaphor for the speaker's life. It suggests that the speaker's life has been uprooted, and that they no longer feel grounded or stable. This line also highlights the idea that life is unpredictable, and that we must learn to cope with unexpected changes.
The eighth line of the poem, "But far away our morning star, still beams its ancient ray," is a reference to hope. It suggests that even in the midst of darkness and uncertainty, there is still hope for a better future. This line also highlights the idea that hope is a powerful force that can help us overcome even the most difficult challenges.
The final line of the poem, "The things we thought that we should do, we other things have done," is a reflection on the speaker's life. It suggests that the speaker has come to accept their current situation, and that they have learned to let go of their past aspirations. This line also highlights the idea that life is a journey, and that we must learn to adapt to new situations and make the best of what we have.
In conclusion, "The Things We Thought That We Should Do" is a masterpiece by Emily Dickinson that explores the universal experience of compromise and the struggle to find meaning in life. Through her use of metaphor and imagery, Dickinson captures the essence of human nature and the cyclical nature of life. This poem is a testament to the power of hope and the importance of adapting to new situations. It is a timeless work of art that will continue to inspire and resonate with readers for generations to come.
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