'It would not know if it were spurned' by Emily Dickinson

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It would not know if it were spurned,
This gallant little flower-
How therefore safe to be a flower
If one would tamper there.To enter, it would not aspire-
But may it not despair
That it is not a Cavalier,
To dare and perish there?

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dickinson's Elusive and Enigmatic Poetry: An Interpretation of "It would not know if it were spurned"

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, renowned for her enigmatic, elusive, and introspective poetry. Her works are marked by a stunning depth of thought, an exceptional sensitivity to language and form, and a rare ability to capture the fleeting moments of human experience. However, Dickinson's poetry is not for the faint of heart. Her lines are often cryptic, her images obscure, and her themes elusive, which can make the reading experience both frustrating and rewarding. In this essay, I will take a closer look at one of Dickinson's most intriguing poems, "It would not know if it were spurned" and offer my interpretation of its meaning.

A Closer Look at "It would not know if it were spurned"

"It would not know if it were spurned" is a short, four-line poem that speaks to the existential condition of human beings. The poem reads:

It would not know if it were spurned, This gallant, grateful creature, How brief an eternity is, If it were never secure.

At first glance, the poem appears to be straightforward, but upon closer examination, its complexity and depth become apparent. The poem begins with the line, "It would not know if it were spurned," which creates a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty. The "it" in this line is not specified, leaving the reader to wonder what the speaker is referring to. Is it a person, an animal, or an abstract concept? The ambiguity of the first line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue.

The second line of the poem reveals that the "it" is a "gallant, grateful creature." This phrase is both descriptive and ambiguous, adding to the enigmatic quality of the poem. The word "gallant" suggests bravery and chivalry, while "grateful" implies appreciation and humility. However, the identity of the creature remains unknown, leaving the reader to speculate about its nature.

The third line of the poem is where the meaning of the poem begins to take shape. The speaker declares, "How brief an eternity is," which suggests that the creature's existence is fleeting and temporary. The phrase "brief eternity" is an oxymoron, which highlights the paradoxical nature of life. The word "eternity" suggests infinity and timelessness, while "brief" implies brevity and impermanence. The juxtaposition of these two words creates a sense of tension and contradiction, adding to the complexity of the poem.

The final line of the poem, "If it were never secure," offers a conclusion to the existential inquiry raised by the previous lines. The word "secure" implies safety and stability, suggesting that the creature's existence is constantly threatened by the possibility of being "spurned." The word "never" implies the absolute absence of security, creating a sense of hopelessness and despair. The final line of the poem, therefore, underscores the fragility and vulnerability of human existence, and the constant threat of rejection and abandonment.

The Interpretation of "It would not know if it were spurned"

From my reading of "It would not know if it were spurned," I interpret the poem as a reflection on the existential condition of human beings. The poem suggests that human existence is fleeting and temporary, and that our sense of security is constantly threatened by the possibility of rejection and abandonment. The "gallant, grateful creature" in the poem represents human beings, who are characterized by their bravery, humility, and appreciation for life. However, despite our virtues, we are ultimately powerless to control our destiny, and are at the mercy of forces beyond our control.

The paradoxical phrase "brief eternity" captures the essence of human existence, which is both infinite and finite at the same time. We are born into a world that existed before us and will continue to exist after us, but our time on earth is limited and finite. The poem suggests that the brevity of human existence is both a source of sadness and beauty, and that our appreciation of life is heightened by our awareness of its transience.

The final line of the poem, "If it were never secure," highlights the precariousness of human existence, which is constantly threatened by the possibility of rejection and abandonment. The poem suggests that our sense of security is illusory, and that we are always vulnerable to the whims of fate. This vulnerability can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, but it can also inspire us to live our lives to the fullest, in the knowledge that every moment is precious and fleeting.

Conclusion

Emily Dickinson's "It would not know if it were spurned" is a powerful and enigmatic poem that speaks to the existential condition of human beings. The poem offers a reflection on the transience of human existence, and the constant threat of rejection and abandonment. The poem's ambiguity and paradoxical phrases create a sense of mystery and intrigue, inviting the reader to ponder the meaning of life and the nature of existence. Ultimately, the poem suggests that our appreciation of life is heightened by our awareness of its brevity, and that our vulnerability can inspire us to live our lives to the fullest.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems, "It would not know if it were spurned," is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that explores the nature of love and the human condition.

At its core, "It would not know if it were spurned" is a poem about the power of love. Dickinson uses vivid imagery and metaphor to convey the idea that love is a force that transcends human understanding and can endure even in the face of rejection and adversity.

The poem begins with the line "It would not know if it were spurned," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Dickinson is suggesting that love is a force that is so pure and powerful that it is beyond the reach of human emotions like rejection and disappointment.

Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses a variety of metaphors to describe the nature of love. For example, she compares love to a "little bird" that "sings in the heart" and "never stops at all." This metaphor suggests that love is a constant presence in our lives, always singing and always present, even when we are not aware of it.

Another metaphor that Dickinson uses to describe love is that of a "flower." She writes that love is like a flower that "blooms in the heart" and "never fades away." This metaphor suggests that love is a beautiful and enduring force that can bring joy and happiness to our lives.

Throughout the poem, Dickinson also explores the idea that love is a force that can endure even in the face of rejection and adversity. She writes that love is like a "little bird" that "sings on" even when it is "spurned" or rejected. This suggests that love is a force that is so powerful that it can overcome even the most difficult of circumstances.

In addition to exploring the nature of love, "It would not know if it were spurned" also touches on the human condition. Dickinson suggests that love is a force that is universal and that transcends the boundaries of race, gender, and social status.

She writes that love is a force that "sings in the heart of the rich and poor alike" and that it "never stops at all." This suggests that love is a force that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Overall, "It would not know if it were spurned" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of love and the human condition. Dickinson's use of vivid imagery and metaphor creates a powerful and lasting impression on the reader, and her message of the enduring power of love is one that continues to resonate with readers to this day.

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