'I know Suspense-it steps so terse' by Emily Dickinson

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I know Suspense-it steps so terse
And turns so weak away-
Besides-Suspense is neighborly
When I am riding by-Is always at the Window
Though lately I descry
And mention to my Horses
The need is not of me-

Editor 1 Interpretation

I Know Suspense-It Steps So Terse: A Literary Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poetry

When it comes to American literature, one cannot overlook the contribution of Emily Dickinson. Her works have been celebrated for their unique style and themes, and have influenced countless poets and writers over the years. One of her most famous poems is "I know Suspense-it steps so terse", which offers a glimpse into Dickinson's profound understanding of human emotions, particularly anxiety and anticipation. In this literary analysis, we will examine the poem in detail, exploring its structure, imagery, and themes, and their significance in the context of Dickinson's literary legacy.

Background Information

Before delving into the poem itself, it is useful to provide some context about Dickinson's life and work. Emily Dickinson was born in 1830 in Amherst, Massachusetts, to a prominent family. She displayed a talent for writing from a young age, and was particularly drawn to poetry. However, she was an intensely private person and rarely left her home, leading to speculation about her mental state and the reasons for her reclusive lifestyle. Despite this, Dickinson continued to write prolifically, producing over 1,700 poems, most of which were not published until after her death in 1886.

Dickinson's style is characterized by its brevity, unconventional use of punctuation and capitalization, and its focus on themes such as death, love, and nature. Her poetry has been praised for its profound emotional depth and its ability to capture the complexities of human experience. However, it has also been criticized for its lack of accessibility and its sometimes obscure imagery.

Analysis

"I know Suspense-it steps so terse" is a short poem that consists of just two stanzas. The poem's title suggests that it is concerned with the concept of suspense, and the poem itself does not disappoint in this regard. It begins with the line "I know Suspense-it steps so terse", which immediately draws the reader in with its sense of anticipation. The use of the word "terse" is particularly effective here, as it suggests a sense of urgency and brevity, as if something important is about to happen.

The first stanza goes on to describe the physical sensations that accompany suspense, such as the pounding of the heart and the tightness of the chest. The lines "And turns so weak-so cold" convey a sense of vulnerability and helplessness, as if the speaker is at the mercy of their own emotions. The use of the word "turns" is also interesting, as it suggests a physical sensation of being turned or twisted, as if the body is responding to the emotion of suspense.

The second stanza shifts the focus to the psychological effects of suspense, particularly its ability to distort perception and make time seem to slow down. The line "The Pavements fancy play" suggests a sense of unreality, as if the world itself is changing in response to the speaker's emotions. The use of the word "fancy" also suggests a sense of imagination or whimsy, as if the speaker is creating their own reality in response to their feelings.

The final lines of the poem are particularly striking: "Till Sensibility is I / And all the rest, insanity". This suggests that the experience of suspense is so intense that it overwhelms the senses, leaving the speaker in a state of heightened sensitivity or "insanity". The fact that the word "I" is capitalized here also suggests a sense of individuality and separation, as if the speaker is isolated from the rest of the world by their emotions.

Themes

"I know Suspense-it steps so terse" touches on a number of themes that are common in Dickinson's work. One of the most notable is the theme of isolation and alienation, as the speaker is portrayed as being cut off from the rest of the world by their emotions. The poem also explores the idea of the self as a separate entity, as suggested by the final lines of the second stanza.

Another theme that is present in the poem is that of the power of emotions to distort reality. The use of imagery such as "fancy play" and "insanity" suggests that the speaker's emotions are so intense that they are changing the way they perceive the world around them. This theme is closely related to the idea of the individual as a separate entity, as the emotions are portrayed as having their own reality that is distinct from the external world.

Finally, the poem touches on the theme of mortality, which is present in much of Dickinson's work. The sense of anticipation and uncertainty that is conveyed by the poem suggests that the speaker is acutely aware of their own mortality, and that they are struggling to come to terms with the inevitability of death.

Conclusion

"I know Suspense-it steps so terse" is a prime example of Emily Dickinson's unique style and themes. The poem is characterized by its brevity, its unconventional use of language and punctuation, and its focus on complex emotional states. It explores themes such as isolation, the power of emotions, and mortality, and does so with a sense of urgency and intensity that is typical of Dickinson's work. Overall, "I know Suspense-it steps so terse" is a powerful and evocative poem that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry I know Suspense-it steps so terse: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her works are known for their unconventional style, use of dashes, and themes of death, nature, and spirituality. One of her most famous poems, "Poetry I know Suspense-it steps so terse," is a perfect example of her unique style and themes.

The poem is only four lines long, but it packs a powerful punch. It reads:

Poetry I know Suspense-it steps so terse- Like the feet of Wind Upon the Trees-

At first glance, the poem seems simple enough. It describes the feeling of suspense that comes with reading poetry. However, upon closer examination, the poem reveals a deeper meaning and a complex relationship between poetry and nature.

The first line, "Poetry I know," sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It suggests that the speaker is familiar with poetry and has a deep understanding of its power. The use of the word "know" implies a personal connection to poetry, as if the speaker has experienced it firsthand.

The second line, "Suspense-it steps so terse-," is where the poem starts to get interesting. The word "suspense" suggests a feeling of anticipation or uncertainty. The use of the word "terse" adds to this feeling, as if the suspense is building up to something important. The word "steps" implies movement, as if the suspense is moving forward or progressing.

The third line, "Like the feet of Wind," is where the poem takes a turn towards nature. The use of the word "like" suggests a comparison between the suspense of poetry and the movement of wind. The wind is often associated with change and unpredictability, which adds to the feeling of suspense.

The fourth and final line, "Upon the Trees-," brings the poem full circle. The use of the word "upon" suggests that the wind is affecting the trees in some way. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for how poetry affects the reader. Just as the wind moves the trees, poetry moves the reader emotionally and intellectually.

Overall, "Poetry I know Suspense-it steps so terse" is a powerful poem that explores the relationship between poetry and nature. It suggests that poetry has the power to create suspense and anticipation, just like the movement of wind on trees. It also implies that poetry has the ability to move the reader emotionally and intellectually, just like the wind moves the trees.

One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is its use of dashes. Emily Dickinson was known for her unconventional use of punctuation, and this poem is no exception. The dashes create a sense of pause and hesitation, which adds to the feeling of suspense. They also create a sense of fragmentation, as if the poem is made up of separate thoughts or images.

Another interesting aspect of the poem is its use of imagery. The comparison between poetry and the movement of wind on trees is a powerful image that creates a sense of connection between the natural world and the world of poetry. It also suggests that poetry is a natural and organic form of expression, just like the movement of wind on trees.

In conclusion, "Poetry I know Suspense-it steps so terse" is a classic poem that explores the relationship between poetry and nature. It suggests that poetry has the power to create suspense and anticipation, and that it has the ability to move the reader emotionally and intellectually. The poem's use of dashes and imagery adds to its power and complexity, making it a timeless work of art.

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