'Knock with tremor-' by Emily Dickinson

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Knock with tremor-
These are Caesars-
Should they be at Home
Flee as if you trod unthinking
On the Foot of Doom-These receded to accostal
Centuries ago-
Should they rend you with "How are you"
What have you to show?

Editor 1 Interpretation

Knock with Tremor: A Literary Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Poem

Emily Dickinson, one of the greatest American poets, is known for her unique style of writing and her love for nature. Her poems often focus on themes such as death, love, and spirituality, and she uses metaphors and symbols to convey her thoughts and emotions. One of her most well-known poems is "Knock with Tremor," which is a beautiful and haunting exploration of the human experience.

Overview of the Poem

"Knock with Tremor" is a short poem that consists of only three stanzas. Each stanza has two lines, and the poem has a simple yet powerful structure. The poem begins with the line, "Knock with tremor," which is repeated at the beginning of each stanza. This repetition creates a sense of urgency and adds to the overall mood of the poem.

In the first stanza, Dickinson uses a metaphor to describe the sound of knocking. She writes, "If so it be they're timid / Knock with gentle hand." Here, she is comparing the sound of knocking to a timid person who is afraid to come in. The use of this metaphor creates a sense of mystery and suspense, as the reader is left wondering who or what is knocking.

In the second stanza, the mood of the poem changes as Dickinson shifts her focus to the act of opening the door. She writes, "Or, if they're bold / Knock with a tightened fist!" Here, she is suggesting that if the person knocking is bold and confident, they should knock with a tighter fist. This line creates a sense of power and strength, which contrasts with the timidness of the first stanza.

Finally, in the third stanza, Dickinson brings the poem to a close by stating, "If they are lost / The first word will be 'where'." This line suggests that the person knocking is looking for something or someone and is lost without it. The use of the word "where" emphasizes the importance of finding what is lost and adds to the overall theme of the poem.

Interpretation of the Poem

At first glance, "Knock with Tremor" appears to be a simple poem about the act of knocking on a door. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that Dickinson is exploring much deeper themes. The poem can be interpreted as a metaphor for the human experience, with the door representing life and the person knocking representing the individual.

The first stanza, with its emphasis on timidness, represents the fear that many people feel when facing the unknown. Just as the person knocking on the door is hesitant to enter, many people are hesitant to take risks or try new things. However, just as the person knocking eventually overcomes their fear and knocks on the door, people must also overcome their fear and take risks in order to grow and experience life to the fullest.

The second stanza, with its emphasis on boldness and strength, represents the confidence that people gain as they face their fears and take risks. When the person knocking on the door is bold and confident, they knock with a tighter fist, indicating their strength and power. Similarly, when people gain confidence and overcome their fears, they become stronger and more powerful, able to face life's challenges with courage and determination.

Finally, the third stanza, with its emphasis on being lost and searching for something, represents the search for meaning and purpose in life. Just as the person knocking is lost without what they are searching for, people often feel lost and directionless without a clear sense of purpose. However, just as the person knocking knows that the first word they will speak is "where," people must also search for what they are looking for in order to find it and create meaning in their lives.

Literary Criticism of the Poem

"Knock with Tremor" is a powerful and evocative poem, and it has been the subject of much literary criticism over the years. One of the most common interpretations of the poem is that it is a metaphor for death, with the door representing the afterlife and the person knocking representing the individual facing death. However, while this interpretation is certainly valid, it is also limiting in that it overlooks the broader themes of the poem.

Another common interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the human condition, with the person knocking representing the individual's search for meaning and purpose in life. This interpretation is supported by the use of the word "lost" in the final stanza, which suggests that the person knocking is searching for something that they have lost or cannot find. This interpretation is also supported by Dickinson's other works, which often explore similar themes of spirituality and the search for meaning.

Ultimately, the power of "Knock with Tremor" lies in its simplicity and its ability to evoke deep emotions in readers. Whether interpreted as a metaphor for death or a commentary on the human condition, the poem speaks to universal themes that resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds. As such, it is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet and her ability to capture the essence of the human experience in just a few simple lines.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her poem "Poetry Knock with tremor" is a true masterpiece. This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style, which is characterized by its brevity, simplicity, and depth. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and literary devices.

The poem begins with a simple yet powerful image: "Poetry Knock with tremor." This line immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem, suggesting that poetry is not just a gentle tap on the door, but a forceful and unsettling presence. The use of the word "tremor" is particularly effective, as it conveys a sense of unease and instability.

The second line of the poem, "Knock by rhyme," reinforces the idea that poetry is not just a random collection of words, but a carefully crafted art form. The use of rhyme is one of the most distinctive features of poetry, and Dickinson suggests that it is an essential part of the poetic experience.

The third line of the poem, "Knock by meter," further emphasizes the importance of structure in poetry. Meter refers to the rhythm and pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a poem, and Dickinson suggests that it is another crucial element of the poetic form.

The fourth line of the poem, "Knock by the eye," introduces a new element to the poem: visual imagery. Dickinson suggests that poetry is not just about words and sounds, but also about the way it looks on the page. This line is particularly interesting because it suggests that poetry is not just an auditory experience, but a visual one as well.

The fifth line of the poem, "Knock by the ear," returns to the idea of sound, suggesting that poetry is meant to be heard as well as seen. This line reinforces the idea that poetry is a multi-sensory experience, engaging both the eyes and the ears.

The sixth line of the poem, "Knock by the head," introduces a new element to the poem: intellectual engagement. Dickinson suggests that poetry is not just about emotions and sensations, but also about ideas and concepts. This line is particularly interesting because it suggests that poetry is not just a visceral experience, but an intellectual one as well.

The seventh line of the poem, "Knock by the heart," returns to the idea of emotion, suggesting that poetry is meant to evoke strong feelings in the reader. This line reinforces the idea that poetry is a deeply emotional experience, engaging both the head and the heart.

The final line of the poem, "Knock by the soul," is perhaps the most powerful of all. Dickinson suggests that poetry is not just a superficial or fleeting experience, but a profound and enduring one that touches the very essence of our being. This line suggests that poetry has the power to transform us, to connect us with something greater than ourselves.

Overall, "Poetry Knock with tremor" is a remarkable poem that captures the essence of what poetry is all about. Through its use of imagery, sound, and language, Dickinson suggests that poetry is a multi-dimensional experience that engages the whole person. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's genius as a poet, and a reminder of the enduring power of poetry to move, inspire, and transform us.

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