'Of God we ask one favor' by Emily Dickinson

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Of God we ask one favor,
That we may be forgiven-
For what, he is presumed to know-
The Crime, from us, is hidden-
Immured the whole of Life
Within a magic Prison
We reprimand the Happiness
That too competes with Heaven.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Of God we ask one favor: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Introduction

Emily Dickinson's poem, "Of God we ask one favor," is a beautiful meditation on the nature of prayer and the human desire for connection with the divine. This poem is not only a powerful expression of religious faith, but also a profound exploration of the human condition. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will examine the poem in detail, exploring its themes, motifs, and symbolism. We will also consider the poem's historical and cultural context, as well as its place in Dickinson's larger body of work.

Historical and Cultural Context

Emily Dickinson lived during the mid-1800s, a time of great social and cultural change in America. The country was undergoing rapid industrialization, urbanization, and immigration, and many people were questioning traditional religious beliefs and practices. Dickinson herself was deeply religious, but her faith was not conventional. She was a devout Calvinist, but she rejected many of the doctrines and rituals of the church.

One of the key features of Dickinson's faith was her belief in the power of prayer. She saw prayer as a way to connect with God and to find comfort and strength in times of difficulty. This belief is reflected in many of her poems, including "Of God we ask one favor."

Themes and Motifs

The central theme of "Of God we ask one favor" is the human desire for connection with the divine. The poem begins with a plea to God: "Of God we ask one favor, / That we may be forgiven." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which explores the ways in which prayer can bring us closer to God and help us find forgiveness and redemption.

Another important theme of the poem is the power of language. Dickinson was a master of language, and she understood the ways in which words can shape our thoughts and emotions. In "Of God we ask one favor," she uses language to evoke a sense of awe and reverence for the divine. The repetition of the phrase "of God" throughout the poem serves to emphasize the importance of the divine in our lives, while the use of vivid images, such as "the stars," "the sea," and "the sun," helps to create a sense of wonder and mystery.

Finally, the poem also explores the relationship between the individual and the divine. Dickinson believed that each person had a unique relationship with God, and that prayer was a way to express that relationship. In "Of God we ask one favor," she suggests that prayer is a deeply personal act, one that allows us to connect with God in a way that is meaningful to us.

Structure and Form

"Of God we ask one favor" is a short poem, consisting of only four quatrains. The poem is written in a simple, straightforward style, with no elaborate metaphors or complex syntax. This simplicity reflects Dickinson's belief that the most powerful poetry is often the most direct and unadorned.

The poem's form is also noteworthy. Each quatrain consists of two rhyming couplets, with the rhyme scheme AABB. This regularity helps to create a sense of pattern and order, which contrasts with the poem's emphasis on the mysterious and unknowable nature of God.

Symbolism

Emily Dickinson was known for her use of symbolism, and "Of God we ask one favor" is no exception. One of the most important symbols in the poem is the image of the stars. In the second stanza, Dickinson writes, "If you were asking favors / And all of heaven were dark, / The stars alone, because they cannot help it, / Would flicker in your heart." This image suggests that even in the darkest moments of our lives, there is a spark of divine light within us.

Another important symbol in the poem is the sea. Dickinson writes, "The sea would startle you with its crying." This image suggests the vastness and power of the divine, which can be both awe-inspiring and overwhelming.

Literary Criticism and Interpretation

"Of God we ask one favor" is a powerful poem that speaks to the human desire for connection with the divine. Through its simple language, vivid imagery, and use of symbolism, the poem evokes a sense of wonder and reverence for the divine. At the same time, it also explores the ways in which prayer can help us find forgiveness and redemption, and the importance of the individual relationship between the human and the divine.

One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is its use of repetition. The phrase "of God" appears throughout the poem, emphasizing the importance of the divine in our lives. This repetition also creates a sense of rhythm and pattern, which contrasts with the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the divine.

Another important feature of the poem is its emphasis on the personal nature of prayer. Dickinson believed that each person had a unique relationship with God, and that prayer was a way to express that relationship. This is reflected in lines such as "And if we should meet you / After long years apart, / There is no need of asking / Of God, that favor, then." Here, Dickinson suggests that the connection between the human and the divine is already present, and that prayer is simply a way to acknowledge and express that connection.

Overall, "Of God we ask one favor" is a beautiful and profound poem that offers a powerful meditation on the nature of prayer and the human desire for connection with the divine. Through its use of vivid imagery, powerful symbolism, and simple language, the poem speaks directly to the human heart, touching on themes that are universal and timeless.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Poetry of God: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's "We ask one favor"

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her works are known for their unique style, unconventional punctuation, and deep spiritual themes. One of her most famous poems, "We ask one favor," is a beautiful expression of faith and trust in God. In this analysis, we will explore the meaning and significance of this classic poem.

"We ask one favor" is a short poem consisting of only four lines. Despite its brevity, the poem is rich in meaning and symbolism. The poem begins with the speaker addressing God, saying, "We ask one favor of thee." The use of the word "we" suggests that the speaker is not alone in their request. They are speaking on behalf of a group or community.

The speaker then goes on to ask God to "grant us never to forget." This line is significant because it highlights the importance of memory in religious faith. The speaker is asking God to help them remember their faith and their connection to the divine. This is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry, as she often explores the relationship between the human and the divine.

The third line of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. The speaker asks God to "to range thyself beside us." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker sees God as a companion and ally. They are not asking God to simply watch over them from a distance, but to be present with them in their struggles and triumphs.

The final line of the poem is a simple request: "And guide our feet if they should stray." This line is a reminder that even the most faithful can sometimes lose their way. The speaker is acknowledging their own vulnerability and asking God to help them stay on the right path.

Overall, "We ask one favor" is a beautiful expression of faith and trust in God. The poem is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone. God is always with us, guiding us and helping us to stay on the right path.

One of the most striking aspects of this poem is its use of language. Dickinson's poetry is known for its unconventional punctuation and syntax, and "We ask one favor" is no exception. The poem is written in a simple, almost childlike style, with short, declarative sentences. This gives the poem a sense of urgency and immediacy, as if the speaker is speaking directly to God.

The poem also makes use of several powerful images and symbols. The idea of God "ranging" himself beside us is a particularly powerful image, as it suggests that God is not distant or aloof, but actively involved in our lives. The image of God guiding our feet if they should stray is also significant, as it suggests that even when we make mistakes, God is there to help us find our way back.

In addition to its powerful imagery, "We ask one favor" is also notable for its use of repetition. The phrase "we ask one favor" is repeated twice in the poem, emphasizing the importance of the speaker's request. The repetition also gives the poem a sense of rhythm and structure, making it easier to remember and recite.

Another interesting aspect of this poem is its relationship to Dickinson's other works. Many of her poems explore similar themes of faith, doubt, and the relationship between the human and the divine. "We ask one favor" can be seen as a distillation of these themes, a concise expression of Dickinson's spiritual beliefs.

In conclusion, "We ask one favor" is a beautiful and powerful poem that expresses faith and trust in God. Through its use of language, imagery, and repetition, the poem conveys a sense of urgency and immediacy, as if the speaker is speaking directly to God. The poem is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone, and that God is always with us, guiding us and helping us to stay on the right path.

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