'Go slow, my soul, to feed thyself' by Emily Dickinson
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Go slow, my soul, to feed thyself
Upon his rare approach-
Go rapid, lest Competing Death
Prevail upon the Coach-
Go timid, should his final eye
Determine thee amiss-
Go boldly-for thou paid'st his price
Redemption-for a Kiss-
Editor 1 Interpretation
Go Slow, My Soul, To Feed Thyself: A Literary Criticism
Emily Dickinson's poem "Go Slow, My Soul, To Feed Thyself" is a contemplative piece that delves into the idea of self-nourishment. It is a poem that invites the reader to take their time, to pause and reflect, and to feed their soul before continuing on with their journey.
Structure and Form
The poem is structured in three stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. The poem's simplicity in structure allows for the focus to be on the words and their meaning. Dickinson's use of repetition and variation creates a sense of rhythm and harmony within the poem.
Language and Imagery
The language in the poem is simple yet powerful, using metaphors and imagery to convey the poem's message. The first line, "Go slow, my soul, to feed thyself," sets the tone for the poem's contemplative nature. The use of the word "slow" emphasizes the importance of taking one's time and not rushing through life.
The second line, "Leave thou the world, to find the wealth," encourages the reader to detach themselves from the material world and focus on finding inner fulfillment. The use of the word "wealth" suggests that true value lies within oneself rather than in external possessions.
The third line, "Seek quietude with thy books or thy verse," suggests that solitude and reading can provide a sense of inner peace and nourishment for the soul. The use of the word "quietude" creates a sense of stillness and calm.
The final line, "Nor let thy bird within thee sing too much," is a metaphor for not letting one's emotions or desires consume them entirely. It is important to strike a balance between indulgence and restraint. The use of the word "bird" suggests that emotions and desires are fleeting, much like birds that come and go.
Themes
The poem's central theme is the importance of self-care and self-nourishment. It encourages the reader to take the time to find inner fulfillment and happiness rather than relying on external sources. The poem's message is particularly relevant in today's fast-paced and materialistic society, where people often prioritize work and possessions over their own well-being.
Another theme in the poem is the idea of balance. The poem suggests that it is important to strike a balance between indulging in one's desires and emotions and exercising restraint. This theme ties into the idea of self-care, as it is essential to take care of oneself physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Interpretation
The poem can be interpreted in various ways, as with most works of art. One interpretation is that the poem is a reminder to prioritize self-care and to take the time to find inner fulfillment. In a world filled with distractions and pressure to succeed, it is easy to forget the importance of self-nourishment. The poem encourages the reader to slow down and take the time to find what truly brings them joy and fulfillment.
Another interpretation is that the poem is a commentary on the dangers of excess. The use of the metaphor of the bird suggests that too much of anything can be detrimental. It is important to find a balance between indulgence and restraint to avoid becoming consumed by one's desires and emotions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem "Go Slow, My Soul, To Feed Thyself" is a timeless reminder of the importance of self-care and self-nourishment. Its simple yet powerful language and imagery create a sense of harmony and contemplation, inviting the reader to take their time and reflect on what truly brings them joy and fulfillment. The poem's message is particularly relevant in today's fast-paced and materialistic society, where taking care of oneself is often overlooked. It is a poem that encourages the reader to prioritize their own well-being and to find balance in their lives.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, stir the soul, and transport the reader to another world. Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned poets of all time, was a master of this art form. Her poem "Go slow, my soul, to feed thyself" is a perfect example of her ability to create a world of beauty and depth through her words.
The poem begins with the line "Go slow, my soul, to feed thyself," which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is urging the soul to take its time and nourish itself, to not rush through life but to savor every moment. This idea of slowing down and taking time for oneself is a common theme in Dickinson's work, and it is one that resonates with readers to this day.
The second line of the poem, "Upon that which doth change," is a reference to the impermanence of life. Everything in this world is constantly changing, and the speaker is urging the soul to focus on the things that are eternal and unchanging. This could be interpreted as a call to focus on spiritual matters rather than material ones, or simply as a reminder to appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
The third line, "Rest if thou must, but only on the lap," is a reference to the idea of finding rest and comfort in the arms of a loved one. The lap could be that of a mother, a lover, or even a friend. The speaker is urging the soul to seek out these moments of comfort and rest, but to do so only with those who truly care for and support them.
The fourth line, "Of thy beloved," reinforces this idea of finding comfort in the arms of someone who loves and cares for you. The word "beloved" could refer to a romantic partner, but it could also refer to a friend or family member. The important thing is that the soul is seeking out love and support from those who truly care for them.
The fifth line, "Not of strangers or of friends," is a warning against seeking comfort from those who do not truly care for you. The soul should not rely on the kindness of strangers or the superficial support of acquaintances. Instead, it should seek out the love and support of those who know and understand it best.
The sixth line, "Nothing is lost that in the ground," is a reference to the idea of death and rebirth. Just as a seed must be planted in the ground in order to grow into a beautiful flower, so too must the soul experience periods of darkness and struggle in order to grow and flourish. This line is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always the potential for growth and renewal.
The seventh line, "Winds come slow, and winds go swift," is a reference to the unpredictable nature of life. Just as the wind can change direction at a moment's notice, so too can our lives be turned upside down in an instant. This line is a reminder to stay grounded and centered, even in the face of life's unexpected twists and turns.
The eighth line, "Be serene as snowflakes," is a call to find peace and tranquility in the midst of chaos. Snowflakes are delicate and beautiful, but they are also powerful and capable of causing great change. The soul should strive to be like a snowflake, finding beauty and strength in its own unique qualities.
The ninth line, "Be like the bird that, pausing in her flight," is a reference to the idea of taking a moment to rest and reflect. Just as a bird will pause in mid-flight to rest and gather its strength, so too should the soul take time to rest and reflect on its journey. This line is a reminder to slow down and take stock of where we are and where we are going.
The final line of the poem, "Awhile on boughs too slight," is a reference to the fragility of life. Just as a bird must be careful not to rest on a branch that is too weak to support it, so too must we be careful not to take our lives for granted. This line is a reminder to cherish every moment and to be grateful for the time we have.
In conclusion, "Go slow, my soul, to feed thyself" is a beautiful and powerful poem that speaks to the human experience in a profound way. Through her words, Emily Dickinson reminds us to slow down, seek out love and support, find peace in the midst of chaos, and cherish every moment of our lives. It is a timeless message that resonates just as strongly today as it did when the poem was first written.
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