'Our own possessions-though our own-' by Emily Dickinson
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Our own possessions-though our own-
'Tis well to hoard anew-
Remembering the Dimensions
Of Possibility.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Our own possessions-though our own" by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Emily Dickinson, one of the greatest poets of all time, wrote "Our own possessions-though our own" in 1862. The poem is a powerful portrayal of the human condition, exploring themes of identity, ownership, and mortality. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the meaning behind the poem and analyze its structure, language, and imagery.
Structure
At first glance, "Our own possessions-though our own" appears to be a simple four-line poem. However, upon closer inspection, the structure of the poem is much more complex than it seems. The poem consists of two stanzas, each with two lines. The first stanza is a statement that sets up the theme of the poem, while the second stanza is a question that poses a challenge to the reader.
The structure of the poem is important because it reflects the content. The poem is about ownership and how we perceive what is truly ours. The first stanza asserts that we believe that what we possess is truly ours, but the second stanza challenges that notion by asking if we truly own anything at all. The form of the poem mirrors the content and emphasizes the dichotomy between ownership and the fleeting nature of life.
Language
Dickinson's use of language is precise and deliberate. She uses simple words to convey complex ideas. The language in the poem is sparse, yet every word packs a punch. The poem opens with the phrase "Our own possessions-though our own," which immediately sets up the theme of ownership. The repetition of "our own" emphasizes the idea of possession and highlights the possessiveness that we have as humans.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the use of the word "but." The word "but" is used to contrast the idea that we possess things with the idea that we cannot truly own anything. The word "but" is a powerful rhetorical device that challenges the reader's beliefs and forces them to question their assumptions.
Imagery
Dickinson's use of imagery is both beautiful and haunting. The poem contains many images that evoke the transience of life. The first stanza describes our possessions as "fleeting treasures," which sets up the idea that nothing is permanent. The word "fleeting" implies that our possessions are temporary and will eventually disappear.
The second stanza contains the most powerful image in the poem: "Should we but look behind the scenes." This image conjures up the idea of a theater or a stage, where everything is an illusion. The image suggests that our lives are like a play, and that what we see on the surface is not the true reality. The use of the word "scenes" implies that there is a hidden reality that we cannot see, which reinforces the idea that our possessions are not truly ours.
Interpretation
The poem "Our own possessions-though our own" is a profound meditation on the nature of ownership and the fleeting nature of life. The poem challenges our assumptions about what we possess and whether we truly own anything at all. The poem suggests that our possessions are temporary and that we must learn to let go of them.
One possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the materialistic nature of society. The poem suggests that we have become obsessed with possessions and that we have lost sight of what is truly important in life. The poem challenges us to reassess our priorities and to focus on the things that matter most.
Another possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a meditation on the inevitability of death. The poem suggests that we cannot take our possessions with us when we die, and that we must learn to accept the fact that everything is temporary. The poem encourages us to find meaning and purpose in our lives, even in the face of mortality.
Conclusion
"Our own possessions-though our own" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that challenges our assumptions about ownership and the nature of life. The poem's structure, language, and imagery work together to create a profound meditation on the fleeting nature of existence. The poem encourages us to reevaluate our priorities and to find meaning and purpose in our lives, even in the face of mortality. Dickinson's poetry continues to inspire and challenge readers today, and "Our own possessions-though our own" is no exception.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has been used to express human emotions and experiences for centuries. Emily Dickinson, a renowned American poet, is known for her unique style of writing that captures the essence of human emotions in a simple yet profound manner. One of her most famous poems, "Our own possessions-though our own," is a beautiful reflection on the nature of ownership and the value of personal possessions.
The poem begins with the line, "Our own possessions-though our own- are so immense a part of us." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that our possessions are an integral part of our identity. Dickinson goes on to describe the various possessions that we own, such as our homes, our books, and our clothes. She notes that these possessions are not just physical objects, but they also hold emotional value for us. They are a reflection of our personality and our experiences.
The second stanza of the poem is particularly poignant, as Dickinson describes the loss of a possession. She writes, "When we lose a Kinsman- / How we cover up the space- / He occupied contented- / Knowing that he lived in us." This stanza highlights the emotional attachment that we have to our possessions. When we lose something that we own, it feels like we have lost a part of ourselves. We try to fill the void left by the loss by holding onto the memories and emotions associated with the possession.
The third stanza of the poem takes a different turn, as Dickinson questions the value of possessions. She writes, "What is Paradise- / But a Garden, an Orchard of ours, / Full of Orchard-Boots- and Cider- / And Gala Apples- and Pear." This stanza suggests that the true value of possessions lies not in their material worth, but in the memories and experiences that they represent. A garden or an orchard may not be worth much in terms of money, but it holds immense value for the memories and experiences that it represents.
The final stanza of the poem brings the theme of ownership full circle. Dickinson writes, "Ownership- / Is private- / As the Grave- / Ambition- / Ambition has its perils- / Inhabiting its Realm." This stanza suggests that ownership is a deeply personal thing, and that it is something that we hold onto even in death. Our possessions are a reflection of who we are, and they hold a special place in our hearts. However, Dickinson also notes that ambition can be dangerous, as it can lead us to become too attached to our possessions and lose sight of what is truly important.
In conclusion, "Our own possessions-though our own" is a beautiful reflection on the nature of ownership and the value of personal possessions. Dickinson's simple yet profound writing captures the essence of human emotions and experiences, and reminds us that our possessions are not just physical objects, but they also hold emotional value for us. The poem encourages us to cherish our possessions, but also to remember that their true value lies not in their material worth, but in the memories and experiences that they represent.
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