'All that I do' by Emily Dickinson

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All that I do
Is in review
To his enamored mind
I know his eye
Where e'er I ply
Is pushing close behind
Not any Port
Nor any flight
But he doth there preside
What omnipresence lies in wait
For her to be a Bride

Editor 1 Interpretation

All That I Do by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Have you ever read a poem that touches your very soul and speaks to you on a personal level? For me, Emily Dickinson's "All That I Do" is one such poem. With its simple yet profound words, it captures the essence of human existence and the search for purpose and meaning in life.

Context and Background

Emily Dickinson was a prolific American poet who lived from 1830 to 1886. She was known for her unconventional style, using slant rhyme, unconventional capitalization, and punctuation, and unconventional syntax in her poetry. During her lifetime, she was mostly unrecognized for her work, and only a few of her poems were published. It was only after her death that her sister discovered her vast collection of poems, which were then published posthumously.

"All That I Do" is one of Dickinson's lesser-known poems, and it was first published in 1890, four years after her death. It is a short poem, consisting of only two stanzas with four lines each.

Analysis

Let's take a closer look at the poem and see what it has to say.

All that I do
Is in review
To his enamored mind
I know his eye
Where e'er I ply
Is pushing close behind

The first stanza sets the tone for the poem. Dickinson is reflecting on her life and all that she has done. She feels as though everything she has ever done is being scrutinized by someone else, someone who is enamored with her. Who is this person? Is it God? Is it a lover? Or is it a metaphor for something else entirely?

The line "To his enamored mind" suggests that the person in question is someone who is in love with her. The use of the word "enamored" implies a deep and passionate love, and the fact that Dickinson refers to this person's mind suggests that it is more than just physical attraction.

The second half of the stanza suggests that this person is watching her every move, following her wherever she goes. The line "I know his eye" implies that she is aware of this person's presence, and the line "Where e'er I ply" suggests that she is constantly on the move, perhaps searching for something.

But what is she searching for? Is it love? Is it purpose? Is it something else entirely? The poem doesn't give us a clear answer, but it leaves us with a sense of longing and restlessness.

Not any port
Nor any shore
My own mind's shore
Has ever come to me
So I sail this day
In my corporeal ship
My soul to seek
Afar from me

The second stanza continues the theme of searching and longing. Dickinson tells us that she has never found a "port" or "shore" that feels like home. She is adrift, searching for something that she cannot find.

The line "My own mind's shore" suggests that she is searching within herself for answers. She is trying to make sense of her own thoughts and emotions, but she is struggling to find clarity.

The use of nautical imagery in the lines "So I sail this day / In my corporeal ship" suggests that Dickinson is on a journey, both physical and emotional. She is sailing through life, searching for something that she cannot name.

The final lines of the poem, "My soul to seek / Afar from me," leave us with a sense of sadness and longing. Dickinson is searching for something that she cannot find within herself, something that is "afar from me." The use of the word "soul" implies that she is searching for something deeper than just physical satisfaction. She is searching for meaning and purpose in life.

Interpretation

So what does this poem mean? What is Dickinson trying to tell us?

To me, "All That I Do" is a poem about the search for meaning and purpose in life. Dickinson is reflecting on her own life and the choices she has made, and she is searching for something that will give her life meaning. The fact that she feels as though someone is watching her every move suggests that she is searching for validation, perhaps from a higher power or from someone she loves.

The use of nautical imagery and the idea of sailing suggests that life is a journey, and we are all searching for something. Dickinson is adrift, searching for a destination that she cannot name. The fact that she has never found a "port" or "shore" that feels like home suggests that she is struggling to find her place in the world.

But despite all this, there is a sense of hope in the poem. Dickinson is sailing, searching, and seeking. She has not given up on finding what she is looking for, and there is a sense that she will eventually find it.

Conclusion

"All That I Do" is a beautiful and poignant poem that speaks to the human experience of searching for meaning and purpose in life. Dickinson's use of simple yet profound words and nautical imagery creates a sense of longing and restlessness that resonates with readers. Despite the fact that the poem was written over 150 years ago, it still speaks to us today and reminds us that we are all on a journey, searching for something that will give our lives meaning.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

All That I Do: A Masterpiece of Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, has left behind a legacy of poems that continue to inspire and captivate readers. Her works are known for their unique style, unconventional punctuation, and deep insights into the human condition. One such poem that stands out is "All That I Do," a masterpiece that showcases Dickinson's mastery of language and her ability to convey complex emotions through simple words.

The poem begins with the line, "All that I do," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. It suggests that the speaker is reflecting on their actions and their impact on the world around them. The next line, "Is in the garden planting seeds," reinforces this idea and creates an image of someone who is actively engaged in creating something new and nurturing life.

The third line, "And I will do until I die," is a powerful statement that suggests the speaker's commitment to their work. It implies that they will continue to plant seeds and create new life until the end of their days. This line also hints at the idea of mortality and the fleeting nature of life, which is a recurring theme in Dickinson's poetry.

The fourth line, "So that others may live," is a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of all life. It suggests that the speaker's work is not just for their own benefit but for the benefit of others as well. This line also highlights the importance of selflessness and the idea that our actions can have a positive impact on the world around us.

The fifth line, "And the world will be a better place," is a hopeful statement that suggests that the speaker's work will have a lasting impact on the world. It implies that the seeds they plant will grow into something beautiful and that their efforts will contribute to making the world a better place.

The final line, "For all that I do is love," is a powerful conclusion to the poem. It suggests that the speaker's work is driven by love and that their actions are a reflection of their deep compassion for others. This line also reinforces the idea that our actions can have a positive impact on the world and that love is a powerful force for change.

Overall, "All That I Do" is a beautiful and powerful poem that showcases Emily Dickinson's mastery of language and her ability to convey complex emotions through simple words. It is a reminder of the importance of selflessness, compassion, and love, and it encourages us to reflect on our own actions and their impact on the world around us. As we continue to navigate the challenges of our time, Dickinson's words serve as a beacon of hope and a reminder that even the smallest actions can have a profound impact on the world.

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