'Who occupies this House?' by Emily Dickinson

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Who occupies this House?
A Stranger I must judge
Since No one know His Circumstance-
'Tis well the name and ageAre writ upon the Door
Or I should fear to pause
Where not so much as Honest Dog
Approach encourages.It seems a curious Town-
Some Houses very old,
Some-newly raised this Afternoon,
Were I compelled to buildIt should not be among
Inhabitants so still
But where the Birds assemble
And Boys were possible.Before Myself was born
'Twas settled, so they say,
A Territory for the Ghosts-
And Squirrels, formerly.Until a Pioneer, as
Settlers often do
Liking the quiet of the Place
Attracted more unto-And from a Settlement
A Capital has grown
Distinguished for the gravity
Of every Citizen.The Owner of this House
A Stranger He must be-
Eternity's Acquaintances
Are mostly so-to me.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Who occupies this House? - A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most famous and revered poets of American literature. Her poems are characterized by their unconventional punctuation, syntax, and themes. "Who occupies this House?", a poem written by Dickinson, is a prime example of her unique style and insight into human nature. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the meaning of the poem, exploring its themes, symbolism, and poetic techniques.

The Poem

Who occupies this House? A Stranger I must judge Since No one know His Circumstance 'Tis well the name and age Are writ upon the Door Or I should fear to pause Where not so much as Honest Dog Approach encourages.

Overview

"Who occupies this House?" is a poem about a stranger who has moved into a house. The speaker is curious about the identity of the stranger and wonders about his circumstances. The poem explores themes of identity, loneliness, and the fear of the unknown. The speaker is afraid of approaching the stranger and seeks assurance from the dog, who is the only presence that gives him comfort.

Analysis

The poem begins with the question "Who occupies this House?" The speaker is curious about the identity of the stranger who has moved in. The use of the word "occupies" suggests that the speaker sees the stranger as an intruder or a temporary presence. The word "occupies" also conveys a sense of ownership, suggesting that the speaker sees the house as belonging to someone else. This sets the tone for the poem, creating a sense of tension and unease.

The second line, "A Stranger I must judge," reveals the speaker's uncertainty about the stranger. The use of the word "judge" suggests that the speaker is making assumptions about the stranger based on his appearance or behavior. The word "stranger" implies that the speaker does not know the person and feels uncomfortable in his presence. The use of the word "must" suggests that the speaker feels obliged to make a judgment, perhaps because of societal norms or personal biases.

The third line, "Since No one know His Circumstance," suggests that the speaker is not the only one who is curious about the stranger. The use of the word "No one" indicates that the identity of the stranger is a mystery to everyone in the neighborhood. This creates a sense of isolation and disconnect between the speaker and the community. The word "Circumstance" suggests that the speaker is interested in knowing more about the stranger's life, implying that he is looking for some kind of connection.

The fourth line, "'Tis well the name and age/ Are writ upon the Door," suggests that the speaker has found some comfort in knowing the stranger's name and age. The use of the word "well" indicates that the speaker feels relieved to have this information. The fact that the name and age are written on the door suggests that the stranger is not trying to hide his identity. This creates a sense of trust and openness, suggesting that the speaker is more willing to approach the stranger now that he knows his name and age.

The fifth line, "Or I should fear to pause," suggests that the speaker is still afraid of approaching the stranger. The use of the word "fear" indicates that the speaker is experiencing anxiety or nervousness. The use of the word "pause" suggests that the speaker is considering whether or not to approach the stranger. This creates a sense of hesitation and uncertainty, suggesting that the speaker is not sure how to proceed.

The sixth line, "Where not so much as Honest Dog/ Approach encourages," suggests that the speaker is seeking assurance from the dog. The use of the word "Honest" suggests that the speaker trusts the dog's judgment. The fact that the dog is the only presence that encourages approach suggests that the speaker feels more comfortable around animals than people. This creates a sense of loneliness and alienation, suggesting that the speaker is struggling to connect with others.

Themes

The poem explores several themes, including identity, loneliness, and fear of the unknown. The theme of identity is explored through the speaker's curiosity about the stranger's name and age. The theme of loneliness is explored through the speaker's fear of approaching the stranger and his reliance on the dog for comfort. The theme of fear of the unknown is explored through the speaker's hesitation to approach the stranger and his uncertainty about how to proceed.

Symbolism

The poem uses several symbols to convey its meaning, including the house, the stranger, and the dog. The house symbolizes a place of safety and security, but also a place of isolation and confinement. The stranger symbolizes the unknown and the fear that comes with it. The dog symbolizes a source of comfort and trust, but also a reminder of the speaker's loneliness and isolation.

Poetic Techniques

The poem uses several poetic techniques to create its unique style and tone, including unconventional punctuation, syntax, and imagery. The use of dashes in the poem creates a sense of fragmentation and interruption, suggesting that the speaker is struggling to express his thoughts and emotions. The use of short, fragmented sentences creates a sense of tension and unease. The use of vivid imagery, such as the dog and the stranger, creates a sense of realism and immediacy, bringing the poem to life.

Conclusion

"Who occupies this House?" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem by Emily Dickinson. It explores themes of identity, loneliness, and fear of the unknown, using symbols and poetic techniques to convey its meaning. The poem is a testament to Dickinson's unique style and insight into human nature, and continues to captivate readers with its haunting beauty and emotional resonance.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Who Occupies This House? A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Classic Poetry

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. Among her many masterpieces is the classic poem "Who occupies this House?", a haunting and enigmatic piece that has fascinated scholars and readers alike for generations. In this article, we will take a deep dive into this poem, exploring its themes, symbolism, and meaning.

First, let's take a look at the poem itself:

At first glance, the poem seems simple enough - a speaker wonders who lives in a house, and notes that the name and age of the occupant are written on the door. However, as with much of Dickinson's work, there is much more going on beneath the surface.

One of the most striking things about this poem is its use of language. Dickinson's writing is often characterized by her unique syntax and unconventional use of punctuation, and "Who occupies this House?" is no exception. The poem is written in short, staccato lines, with each line containing only a few words. This creates a sense of urgency and tension, as if the speaker is in a hurry to get their thoughts out. Additionally, the lack of punctuation in some places (such as the second line) creates ambiguity and allows for multiple interpretations.

Another notable aspect of the poem is its use of symbolism. The house itself can be seen as a metaphor for the human body, with the occupant representing the soul or spirit. The fact that the speaker refers to the occupant as a "Stranger" suggests that they are unfamiliar with this person, and perhaps even suspicious of them. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the human tendency to judge others based on appearances or first impressions.

The mention of the name and age being written on the door is also significant. This could be seen as a way of identifying the occupant, but it could also be interpreted as a reminder of mortality. By writing their name and age on the door, the occupant is acknowledging that they will not live forever, and that their time on earth is limited. This ties in with Dickinson's preoccupation with death and the afterlife, which is a recurring theme in many of her poems.

The final two lines of the poem are particularly intriguing. The speaker notes that if there were no indication of the occupant's identity (i.e. if the name and age were not written on the door), they would be afraid to approach the house. The mention of an "Honest Dog" is also interesting - this could be seen as a reference to loyalty and trustworthiness, or it could be interpreted as a nod to the idea of animals having a sixth sense when it comes to detecting danger or evil.

So, what is the overall meaning of "Who occupies this House?"? As with much of Dickinson's work, there is no one clear answer. However, one interpretation is that the poem is a meditation on the nature of identity and the human condition. The speaker is questioning who this "Stranger" is, and by extension, who any of us really are. We all have our own unique circumstances and experiences that shape us, but ultimately, we are all strangers to each other.

The poem can also be seen as a commentary on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. The fact that the occupant's name and age are written on the door serves as a reminder that we are all mortal, and that our time on earth is limited. The mention of the "Honest Dog" could be interpreted as a reminder that even in the face of death and uncertainty, there is still goodness and loyalty in the world.

In conclusion, "Who occupies this House?" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that showcases Emily Dickinson's unique style and perspective. Through its use of language, symbolism, and imagery, the poem explores themes of identity, mortality, and the human condition. While there may be no one "correct" interpretation of the poem, its enduring popularity and relevance speak to its universal appeal and enduring power.

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