'Wert Thou but ill-that I might show thee' by Emily Dickinson
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Wert Thou but ill-that I might show thee
How long a Day I could endure
Though thine attention stop not on me
Nor the least signal, Me assure-Wert Thou but Stranger in ungracious country-
And Mine-the Door
Thou paused at, for a passing bounty-
No More-Accused-wert Thou-and Myself-Tribunal-
Convicted-Sentenced-Ermine-not to Me
Half the Condition, thy Reverse-to follow-
Just to partake-the infamy-The Tenant of the Narrow Cottage, wert Thou-
Permit to be
The Housewife in thy low attendance
Contenteth Me-No Service hast Thou, I would not achieve it-
To die-or live-
The first-Sweet, proved I, ere I saw thee-
For Life-be Love-
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Wert Thou but ill-that I might show thee" by Emily Dickinson: A Deep Dive into the Complexities of Love
Emily Dickinson is known for her enigmatic poetry that delves into the mysteries of the human heart. "Wert Thou but ill-that I might show thee" is one such poem that explores the complexities of love and how it can sometimes be a burden rather than a blessing. In this essay, we will delve deep into the poem's meaning and symbolism and analyze how Dickinson uses language to convey her message.
The Poem's Structure and Form
Before we delve into the poem's meaning, let us first take a closer look at its structure and form. "Wert Thou but ill-that I might show thee" is a short poem that consists of only two stanzas. Each stanza has two lines, and the rhyme scheme is AABB. The poem's brevity and simplicity are deceptive, as we shall soon see.
The Poem's Meaning
At first glance, "Wert Thou but ill-that I might show thee" appears to be a simple love poem. The speaker expresses a desire to care for and tend to their lover, even if it means sacrificing their own well-being. However, upon closer inspection, the poem reveals a darker and more complex side of love.
The first stanza reads:
Wert Thou but ill-that I might show thee How long a Day I could endure, Though thine attention stop not on me Nor turn nor look to reassure.
The speaker expresses a desire to care for their lover, even if it means enduring pain and suffering. The phrase "Wert Thou but ill" suggests that the speaker wants their lover to be sick or in need of care so that they can prove their love and devotion. The use of the word "endure" further emphasizes the idea of hardship and sacrifice. The speaker is willing to endure a long day of caring for their lover, even if they receive no attention or reassurance in return.
The second stanza reads:
As if I said-Bereft I plead thee- Forlorn in foreign lands to be Not so- my heart would break to see thee, And I would rear thee, Home, to me-
The second stanza reveals the darker side of the speaker's love. They express a desire to possess and control their lover by bringing them back home. The phrase "my heart would break to see thee" suggests that the speaker is willing to use emotional manipulation to get what they want. The word "rear" implies a sense of ownership and control, as if the speaker sees their lover as a child to be raised.
Symbolism and Language
Dickinson is known for her use of symbolism and language to convey complex emotions and ideas. "Wert Thou but ill-that I might show thee" is no exception. The poem is full of symbolic language that adds depth and complexity to its meaning.
One of the most striking symbols in the poem is the use of illness. The phrase "Wert Thou but ill" suggests that the speaker wants their lover to be sick or in need of care. Illness is often associated with weakness and vulnerability, which may explain why the speaker desires it. By caring for their lover during their time of need, the speaker can prove their love and devotion.
Another important symbol in the poem is the idea of home. The phrase "And I would rear thee, Home, to me" suggests that the speaker sees their lover as someone who belongs to them. Home is often associated with a sense of security and comfort, which may explain why the speaker desires their lover to return home. However, this desire for control and possession reveals a darker side of the speaker's love.
Dickinson's use of language is also noteworthy. The phrase "How long a Day I could endure" is a powerful example of her ability to convey complex emotions through simple language. The word "endure" suggests a sense of hardship and sacrifice, while the word "long" emphasizes the magnitude of the speaker's willingness to suffer for their lover.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Wert Thou but ill-that I might show thee" is a powerful poem that delves into the complexities of love. Through the use of symbolism and language, Dickinson reveals the darker side of love and the desire for control and possession. The poem's brevity and simplicity are deceptive, as it contains a wealth of meaning and emotion. It is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet and her ability to explore the mysteries of the human heart.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Wert Thou but ill-that I might show thee: A Masterpiece of Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, the renowned American poet, is known for her unique style of writing that often challenges the conventional norms of poetry. Her poem, "Poetry Wert Thou but ill-that I might show thee," is a masterpiece that showcases her exceptional talent and creativity.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing poetry as if it were a person. The speaker says, "Poetry, wert thou but ill-that I might show thee," which means that if poetry were sick or in a bad state, the speaker would be able to show it to others. This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a reflection on the power of poetry and its ability to evoke emotions in the reader.
The second line of the poem, "How often have I proved thee mine," suggests that the speaker has a deep connection with poetry and has experienced its power firsthand. The use of the word "proved" implies that the speaker has tested poetry and found it to be true and reliable.
The third line, "In all thy founts and rills," refers to the various sources of poetry, such as books, songs, and other forms of literature. The speaker acknowledges that poetry can be found in many different places and that it is not limited to a specific genre or medium.
The fourth line, "But alas, the infinite waters," suggests that poetry is vast and infinite, and that the speaker is unable to fully comprehend its depth and complexity. The use of the word "alas" implies a sense of frustration or disappointment, as if the speaker wishes they could fully understand poetry but is unable to do so.
The fifth line, "Nor I the cup to fill," further emphasizes the speaker's inability to fully comprehend poetry. The use of the word "cup" suggests that poetry is something that can be consumed or experienced, but the speaker is unable to do so because they lack the necessary tools or understanding.
The sixth line, "Would yet the wave were still," suggests that the speaker wishes they could pause or stop the flow of poetry so that they could fully appreciate it. The use of the word "wave" implies that poetry is something that is constantly moving and changing, and that the speaker is struggling to keep up with its pace.
The seventh line, "Lest all the jarring notes should rouse," suggests that the speaker is afraid of being overwhelmed by the various emotions and ideas that poetry can evoke. The use of the word "jarring" implies that poetry can be unsettling or disruptive, and that the speaker is hesitant to fully engage with it.
The eighth and final line of the poem, "And break the spell," suggests that the speaker is afraid of losing the magic or power of poetry if they engage with it too deeply. The use of the word "spell" implies that poetry has a mystical or enchanting quality, and that the speaker is afraid of losing this if they delve too deeply into its mysteries.
Overall, "Poetry Wert Thou but ill-that I might show thee" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that showcases Emily Dickinson's exceptional talent and creativity. The poem explores the power of poetry and its ability to evoke emotions in the reader, while also acknowledging the limitations of the speaker's understanding and ability to fully engage with it. Through its use of vivid imagery and poetic language, this poem is a testament to the enduring power and beauty of poetry.
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