'How many schemes may die' by Emily Dickinson

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How many schemes may die
In one short Afternoon
Entirely unknown
To those they most concern-
The man that was not lost
Because by accident
He varied by a Ribbon's width
From his accustomed route-
The Love that would not try
Because beside the Door
It must be competitions
Some unsuspecting Horse was tied
Surveying his Despair

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dickinson's Elegiac Masterpiece: A Critical Analysis of "How many schemes may die"

Emily Dickinson's poetry has been a subject of much debate and discussion among scholars and literary enthusiasts alike. One of her most celebrated works is the poem "How many schemes may die" which stands out for its elegiac tone, intricate imagery, and profound philosophical insights. In this essay, I will provide a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of this masterpiece.

Overview of the poem:

The poem is a meditation on the fragility of human aspirations and the inevitability of death. The poet begins by asking a rhetorical question: "How many schemes may die?" and goes on to explore the idea of human plans and ambitions being cut short by the impermanence of life. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of this theme.

Stanza 1:

The first stanza sets the tone for the poem and establishes its central theme. The poet begins by asking how many "schemes" may die, suggesting that human plans and aspirations are vulnerable to the forces of fate and mortality. The use of the word "schemes" is significant as it implies a degree of strategizing and calculation, suggesting that these plans are not mere whims but are grounded in a certain level of rational thinking.

The second line of the stanza is equally important: "When it's enough to die." Here, the poet acknowledges the inevitability of death and its ultimate power over human existence. The use of the word "enough" is significant as it suggests that there is a limit to human aspirations, beyond which death becomes the ultimate reality.

The third line of the stanza is where the poet begins to explore the theme of impermanence in more detail. She asks, "The wise will know/ Sweet folly." Here, the poet suggests that those who are wise will understand that human plans and ambitions are ultimately futile and that it is better to embrace the "sweet folly" of life, rather than clinging to the illusion of control.

The final line of the stanza is a powerful metaphor, "What is jocund to the bee/ Will be to her/Emily." Here, the poet compares herself to a bee, who lives a short but productive life, gathering honey while she can. The use of the personal pronoun "her" is significant as it suggests that the poem is autobiographical, and that the poet is speaking from her own experience.

Stanza 2:

The second stanza of the poem is more philosophical in nature and explores the idea of human plans and ambitions being subsumed by the larger forces of nature and time. The poet begins by asking, "What conflagration be/ When the hillsides/ Blaze?"

Here, the poet is using the metaphor of a fire to describe the destructive power of nature. The use of the word "conflagration" suggests a widespread and catastrophic event, while the phrase "when the hillsides blaze" evokes an image of a wildfire, consuming everything in its path.

The second line of the stanza is equally powerful: "Yet, how far am I/ From there?" Here, the poet is acknowledging her own mortality and the fact that she is not immune to the forces of nature. The use of the personal pronoun "I" is significant as it highlights the personal nature of the poem.

The third line of the stanza is where the poet makes a profound observation about the nature of human existence. She says, "And what I love so well/ Is made of what/ I love." Here, the poet is suggesting that human desires and aspirations are ultimately rooted in the natural world, and that there is no fundamental difference between what we love and what we are.

The final line of the stanza is a poignant reminder of the ephemeral nature of human existence: "A timid thing/ To fall/ Asleep/ In such a bed." Here, the poet is using the metaphor of sleep to describe the finality of death, and the phrase "such a bed" suggests that death is not a peaceful or comfortable experience.

Stanza 3:

The final stanza of the poem is a powerful elegy, mourning the loss of human plans and ambitions, and the inevitability of death. The poet begins by asking, "So keep your summer/ Your catarrh/ To go to by and by." Here, the poet is using the metaphor of summer to describe the peak of human existence, and the phrase "to go to by and by" suggests that all human plans and aspirations are ultimately destined to fail.

The second line of the stanza is equally powerful: "And keep your breath/ When you depart/ And in your fall." Here, the poet is using the metaphor of breath to describe the vitality of life, and the phrase "in your fall" suggests that even in death, there is a sense of movement and transition.

The third line of the stanza is where the poet makes a powerful observation about the nature of human existence: "An asterisk is placed/ Upon a star." Here, the poet is suggesting that even the most grandiose human plans and ambitions are ultimately insignificant in the grand scheme of things, and that death is the great equalizer.

The final line of the stanza is a poignant elegy, mourning the loss of human aspirations and the inevitability of death: "Death is the end of every tale." Here, the poet is acknowledging the finality of death and the fact that all human plans and ambitions are ultimately cut short by this inevitable force.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, "How many schemes may die" is a powerful elegiac masterpiece that explores the fragility of human plans and aspirations, and the inevitability of death. Through its intricate imagery and profound philosophical insights, the poem offers a poignant reminder of the ephemeral nature of human existence and the importance of embracing the "sweet folly" of life. As such, it stands as a testament to the enduring power and relevance of Emily Dickinson's poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

How Many Schemes May Die: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poetry

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to captivate readers with their depth and complexity. One of her most famous poems, "How Many Schemes May Die," is a powerful meditation on the fleeting nature of human ambition and the inevitability of death. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and literary devices used in this classic poem, and examine its enduring relevance to contemporary readers.

The poem begins with a simple question: "How many schemes may die?" This seemingly innocuous query sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a rumination on the transience of human endeavors. Dickinson goes on to describe a variety of ambitious projects, from "the smallest heart" to "the largest palace," all of which are ultimately doomed to fail. The language she uses is stark and uncompromising, emphasizing the inevitability of death and the futility of human striving.

One of the most striking features of this poem is its use of repetition. Dickinson repeats the phrase "how many" throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and momentum that propels the reader forward. This repetition also serves to emphasize the vastness of human ambition, and the countless ways in which we seek to leave our mark on the world. By repeating this phrase, Dickinson underscores the sheer scale of human endeavor, and the impossibility of ever truly achieving our goals.

Another key literary device used in this poem is metaphor. Dickinson employs a variety of metaphors to describe the various schemes and projects she mentions, from "the smallest heart" to "the proudest door." These metaphors serve to underscore the fragility of human ambition, and the ways in which our grandest plans can be brought low by the forces of nature and time. By comparing human endeavors to natural phenomena like "the wind's report" and "the sea's reply," Dickinson emphasizes the transience of human life and the inevitability of death.

The poem also contains a number of paradoxes and contradictions, which serve to deepen its meaning and complexity. For example, Dickinson describes "the smallest heart" as being "immense" in its ambition, while "the proudest door" is ultimately "lowly" in its fate. These paradoxes highlight the ways in which human ambition can be both grand and futile, and the complex interplay between our desires and the forces that shape our lives.

Ultimately, "How Many Schemes May Die" is a powerful meditation on the human condition, and the ways in which our grandest plans are ultimately doomed to fail. Dickinson's use of repetition, metaphor, and paradox serves to underscore the fragility of human ambition, and the inevitability of death. This poem continues to resonate with readers today, reminding us of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have. As Dickinson herself wrote, "Forever is composed of nows" – a sentiment that rings as true today as it did when she first put pen to paper.

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