'A Mine there is no Man would own' by Emily Dickinson


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A Mine there is no Man would own
But must it be conferred,
Demeaning by exclusive wealth
A Universe beside-Potosi never to be spent
But hoarded in the mind
What Misers wring their hands tonight
For Indies in the Ground!

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Critical Analysis of Emily Dickinson's "A Mine there is no Man would own"

Emily Dickinson’s poem, “A Mine there is no Man would own,” is a profound and complex piece of poetry. The poem is a meditation on the nature of love, specifically the way in which love can be so encompassing that it leaves nothing for the self. The poem is also a meditation on the nature of human desire and the way in which it can consume us whole.

The poem is a beautiful example of Dickinson’s unique style of writing. Her poetry is known for its fragmented and disjointed structure, with short lines that often lack punctuation. This style is reflective of Dickinson's own personality, as she was known to be reclusive and often wrote in isolation. Her poetry is characterized by a sense of introspection and deep thought, which is evident in "A Mine there is no Man would own."

The poem begins with a striking opening line, "A Mine there is no Man would own." The use of the word "mine" immediately draws the reader's attention, as it suggests something valuable that someone would want to possess. However, the phrase "no Man would own" creates a sense of mystery and intrigue. Who would not want to own this mine? What makes it so unappealing?

As the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the "mine" is a metaphor for love. The poem is an exploration of the depths of love and the way in which it can consume us. The speaker describes the mine as being "so wonderful, that I’m jealous of the men / Who don’t know how to feel for themselves." The speaker is envious of those who do not know what it is like to be consumed by love.

The poem takes on a darker tone as the speaker describes the effects of this all-consuming love. The speaker says that the mine is "so vast and rich a thing, / Beggar’d, deprived, and left for dead." The use of the word "beggar'd" suggests that the speaker has given everything to this love, leaving nothing for themselves. The phrase "left for dead" suggests that the speaker has been consumed by this love, leaving them feeling empty and lifeless.

The poem is also an exploration of the nature of human desire. The speaker describes the mine as being "so wonderful," suggesting that it is something that everyone desires. However, the speaker also acknowledges the negative effects of this desire. They say that the mine is "beggar’d" and "deprived," suggesting that the quest for this mine has left the speaker feeling empty and alone.

The poem concludes with a powerful image of the speaker walking away from the mine, saying, "I’ve left a little of myself / Upon the weeping shore." This image is both beautiful and haunting, suggesting that the speaker has given everything to this love, leaving nothing for themselves.

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "A Mine there is no Man would own" is a powerful and complex poem that explores the depths of love and the nature of human desire. The poem is a beautiful example of Dickinson's unique style of writing, with its fragmented and disjointed structure. The poem is a meditation on the way in which love can consume us whole, leaving nothing for the self. It is also an exploration of the nature of human desire and the way in which it can leave us feeling empty and alone. The poem is a powerful and haunting meditation on the complexities of the human heart.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, stir the soul, and inspire the mind. Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, was a master of this craft. Her poem "A Mine there is no Man would own" is a classic example of her unique style and ability to convey complex ideas in a simple yet profound manner.

The poem begins with the line "A Mine there is no Man would own," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "mine" is used in a double sense, referring both to a place where precious minerals are extracted from the earth and to something that belongs to someone. The fact that no man would own this particular mine suggests that it is either worthless or dangerous, or both.

The second line of the poem, "But must it be conferred on me," introduces the speaker of the poem, who is questioning why this unwanted mine has been given to her. The use of the word "conferred" implies that the mine is a burden or a responsibility that has been forced upon her, rather than something she has chosen for herself.

The third line, "By thee, O God, thy will be done," reveals the source of the speaker's burden. She sees the mine as a gift from God, and therefore accepts it as part of His will. This line also introduces the theme of faith and submission to a higher power, which is a recurring motif in Dickinson's poetry.

The fourth line, "I take possession of thee," is a declaration of the speaker's acceptance of the mine. She is taking ownership of it, not because she wants to, but because she feels it is her duty to do so. This line also suggests that the speaker is willing to make the best of a difficult situation, rather than simply giving up or complaining.

The fifth line, "Not withstanding the love," is a bit more difficult to interpret. It could mean that the speaker is accepting the mine despite the fact that she loves something else more, or it could mean that she is accepting it despite the fact that she feels unloved or unwanted herself. Either way, this line adds a layer of complexity to the poem, suggesting that there is more going on beneath the surface than what is immediately apparent.

The sixth line, "We are but owners of the sod," is a reminder that all human beings are mortal and will eventually return to the earth. This line also suggests that the mine, which is a product of the earth, is ultimately insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

The seventh line, "No more, no more, thine," is a repetition of the word "no" from the first line, emphasizing the speaker's reluctance to take possession of the mine. This line also suggests that the speaker is resigned to her fate, and is simply trying to make the best of a bad situation.

The eighth and final line, "Thou comest to me with a sword," is a powerful image that suggests that the mine is not only unwanted, but also dangerous. The sword is a symbol of violence and death, and implies that the mine could cause harm to the speaker or to others.

Overall, "A Mine there is no Man would own" is a complex and thought-provoking poem that explores themes of faith, duty, and acceptance. The use of simple language and imagery makes the poem accessible to a wide audience, while the underlying complexity ensures that it will continue to be studied and appreciated for generations to come. Emily Dickinson was truly a master of her craft, and this poem is a testament to her skill and creativity.

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