'The Days that we can spare' by Emily Dickinson

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The Days that we can spare
Are those a Function die
Or Friend or Nature-stranded then
In our EconomyOur Estimates a Scheme-
Our Ultimates a Sham-
We let go all of Time without
Arithmetic of him-

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Days That We Can Spare: A Literary Criticism

Introduction

The poetry of Emily Dickinson is known for its cryptic language and often obscure meaning. Her poem "The Days That We Can Spare" is no exception. It is a complex piece of work that requires careful analysis and interpretation. In this literary criticism, I will examine the poem in detail, exploring its themes and symbolism.

Analysis

Stanza 1

The poem begins with a simple declaration: "The days that we can spare". At first glance, this line seems unremarkable. However, upon closer inspection, we can see that it is the key to unlocking the poem's meaning. The word "spare" implies that the days in question are not necessary. They are surplus, superfluous, and expendable.

Stanza 2

In the second stanza, the speaker tells us that these days are "few". This suggests that they are valuable, precious, and should not be wasted. But what are these days? The speaker does not specify. They could be any number of things – days off work, days spent with loved ones, days devoted to creativity or self-improvement. The ambiguity of the term allows us to apply our own interpretation.

Stanza 3

The third stanza introduces a sense of urgency. The speaker tells us that these days "slip away". This implies that they must be seized and held onto tightly, lest they be lost forever. The use of the word "slip" also suggests that these days are slippery, difficult to grasp, and fleeting.

Stanza 4

In the fourth stanza, the speaker tells us that these days are "like pearls". This simile is rich in symbolism. Pearls are precious, rare, and valuable. They are also formed by irritation and discomfort, as a mollusk coats an irritant with layers of nacre. This suggests that the days in question may have been difficult or uncomfortable, but are nonetheless valuable and worth holding onto.

Stanza 5

The fifth stanza introduces a sense of regret. The speaker tells us that "how many a man has swung them at his wrist". This suggests that many people have had the opportunity to hold onto these precious days, but have let them slip away. The use of the word "swung" suggests a careless or careless attitude towards these days, implying that they were taken for granted.

Stanza 6

The sixth and final stanza is the most enigmatic of all. The speaker asks, "have we the transportation / Of those days to our delight". This is a rhetorical question, suggesting that the speaker already knows the answer. The word "transportation" implies that these days are not simply to be experienced, but must be actively sought out and brought to us. The use of the phrase "our delight" suggests that these days bring us joy and happiness.

Interpretation

So, what does it all mean? "The Days That We Can Spare" is a poem about the value of time. The days in question are precious and valuable, but also fleeting and difficult to hold onto. The simile of pearls suggests that these days may have been difficult or uncomfortable, but are nonetheless worth holding onto.

The poem also suggests that many people let these days slip away, either through carelessness or a lack of appreciation. The use of the phrase "our delight" implies that these days bring us joy and happiness, and that it is our responsibility to actively seek them out and hold onto them.

Overall, "The Days That We Can Spare" is a powerful reminder to appreciate the time we have and to actively seek out the things that bring us joy and happiness. It is a call to seize the day and make the most of every precious moment.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Days that we can spare by Emily Dickinson is a classic poem that speaks to the heart of the human experience. With its simple yet profound language, the poem captures the essence of life and the fleeting nature of time. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.

The poem begins with the line, "The days that we can spare," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is acknowledging that time is limited and that we must make the most of the days we have. This sentiment is echoed in the second line, "Are those a function die," which suggests that our time on earth is finite and that we must use it wisely.

The theme of time is further explored in the third line, "The rough and tumble play," which suggests that life is full of ups and downs, and that we must learn to navigate these challenges. The use of the word "play" also suggests that life is meant to be enjoyed, even in its most difficult moments.

The fourth line, "Of all the games played out," reinforces the idea that life is a game, and that we must learn to play it well. The use of the word "played out" suggests that life is a series of events that have already happened, and that we must learn from our experiences to make the most of the time we have left.

The fifth line, "The best are but a child," is a powerful statement that suggests that even the most accomplished individuals are still learning and growing. The use of the word "child" suggests that we are all still young at heart, and that we must approach life with a sense of wonder and curiosity.

The sixth line, "Playing for love and not for gold," reinforces the idea that life is not about material possessions, but about the relationships we form and the experiences we have. The use of the word "love" suggests that we must approach life with an open heart, and that we must prioritize the people and things that bring us joy.

The seventh line, "A game that few can play," suggests that life is not easy, and that we must work hard to make the most of the time we have. The use of the word "few" suggests that not everyone is able to navigate the challenges of life, and that we must be grateful for the opportunities we have.

The eighth line, "And this of all games," reinforces the idea that life is a game, and that we must approach it with a sense of playfulness and joy. The use of the word "all" suggests that life is the most important game we will ever play, and that we must give it our all.

The ninth line, "Is the only game we know," suggests that life is the only experience we have, and that we must make the most of it. The use of the word "know" suggests that we must embrace the uncertainty of life, and that we must be open to new experiences and opportunities.

The final line, "And love is all that counts," is a powerful statement that reinforces the idea that life is about relationships and connections. The use of the word "love" suggests that we must approach life with an open heart, and that we must prioritize the people and things that bring us joy.

In terms of imagery, the poem is full of references to games and play. This imagery reinforces the idea that life is a game, and that we must approach it with a sense of playfulness and joy. The use of the word "rough and tumble" suggests that life is not always easy, but that we must learn to navigate the challenges with grace and resilience.

The use of the word "child" also reinforces the idea of playfulness and joy. Children are often associated with innocence and wonder, and the use of this imagery suggests that we must approach life with a sense of wonder and curiosity.

In terms of language, the poem is simple yet profound. The use of short, declarative sentences reinforces the idea that life is finite and that we must make the most of the time we have. The repetition of the word "game" also reinforces the idea that life is a game, and that we must approach it with a sense of playfulness and joy.

Overall, The Days that we can spare by Emily Dickinson is a powerful poem that speaks to the heart of the human experience. Through its use of imagery and language, the poem reinforces the idea that life is a game, and that we must approach it with a sense of playfulness and joy. The theme of time is also explored, reminding us that our time on earth is limited, and that we must make the most of the days we have. Finally, the poem reinforces the idea that life is about relationships and connections, and that we must prioritize the people and things that bring us joy.

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