'Not that We did, shall be the test' by Emily Dickinson
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Not that We did, shall be the test
When Act and Will are done
But what Our Lord infers We would
Had We diviner been-
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Not that We did, shall be the test" by Emily Dickinson: An Analysis
Emily Dickinson is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets of American literature, and her works have captured the hearts and minds of readers for generations. Her poetry explores themes of death, love, nature, and spirituality, among others, and her unique style and use of language have made her a beloved figure in the world of literature.
In this analysis, we will take a deep dive into one of Dickinson's most famous poems, "Not that We did, shall be the test," exploring its meaning, themes, and literary techniques.
Poem Analysis
"Not that We did, shall be the test" was written by Emily Dickinson in the mid-1800s and was first published in 1896, after her death. The poem is written in Dickinson's characteristic style, which features short lines, unconventional capitalization and punctuation, and a focus on abstract concepts.
The poem begins with the speaker acknowledging that there are many things that we do in life that may seem important at the time, but ultimately, they do not determine our worth or our place in the world. The second stanza expands on this idea, suggesting that the true test of our lives is not in what we do, but in how we live.
The third stanza takes a more spiritual turn, suggesting that the true meaning of life lies in our relationship with God or a higher power. The speaker seems to be suggesting that if we live our lives in a way that is pleasing to God, then we will have passed the ultimate test.
The poem concludes with the speaker acknowledging that this idea may seem daunting or even impossible, but ultimately, it is the only way to live a truly meaningful life.
Themes
There are several themes that can be explored in "Not that We did, shall be the test," including:
The meaning of life
One of the central themes of the poem is the question of what gives life meaning. The speaker suggests that it is not our accomplishments or possessions that matter in the end, but rather our relationship with a higher power.
Spirituality
The poem has a strong spiritual component, with the speaker suggesting that our relationship with God or a higher power is the key to living a meaningful life.
The nature of success
The poem challenges traditional notions of success, suggesting that success is not measured by what we do, but by how we live.
Mortality
The poem touches on the idea of mortality, suggesting that we will all eventually face a test of our lives, and that the true measure of our worth will be revealed at that time.
Literary Techniques
Emily Dickinson was known for her unique style and use of language, and "Not that We did, shall be the test" is no exception. Here are some of the literary techniques she employs in the poem:
Unconventional Capitalization and Punctuation
Dickinson was known for her unconventional use of capitalization and punctuation, and this poem is no exception. She capitalizes words like "test" and "life," emphasizing their importance, and uses dashes to create pauses and emphasize certain words and phrases.
Short Lines
The poem is written in short, staccato lines, which create a sense of urgency and emphasize the poem's central message.
Abstract Language
The poem uses abstract language to explore complex concepts like the meaning of life and our relationship with a higher power.
Metaphor
The poem uses metaphor to suggest that the true test of our lives is not a physical exam, but rather a spiritual one.
Conclusion
"Not that We did, shall be the test" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that challenges traditional notions of success and the meaning of life. Through her use of unconventional language and abstract concepts, Emily Dickinson creates a sense of urgency and importance, reminding us that the true measure of our worth lies not in what we do, but in how we live. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet and her lasting impact on the world of literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries. It is a way for people to express their thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a creative and meaningful way. Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned poets of all time, wrote a poem titled "Poetry-Not that We did, shall be the test." This poem is a masterpiece that explores the essence of poetry and its significance in our lives. In this article, we will delve into the poem and analyze its meaning and significance.
The poem begins with the line "Poetry-Not that We did, shall be the test." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and establishes the central theme of the poem. The line suggests that poetry is not something that we create, but rather something that exists independently of us. It is a force that we can tap into, but we cannot control it.
The next line of the poem reads, "Of what avail, then, is the poet's art?" This line raises an important question about the purpose of poetry. If poetry is not something that we create, then what is the point of writing poetry? The answer to this question is revealed in the next few lines of the poem.
The poem goes on to say, "He has a sense of magic, and a power to impart." This line suggests that the poet has a special ability to tap into the magic of poetry and to convey that magic to others through their words. The poet has the power to make us feel things that we might not otherwise feel and to see things that we might not otherwise see.
The poem then goes on to say, "The skill itself, to him, is 'Artless'—like a flower." This line suggests that the poet's skill is not something that can be learned or taught. It is something that comes naturally, like a flower that blooms without any effort. The poet's skill is innate, and it is this skill that allows them to tap into the magic of poetry.
The next few lines of the poem read, "Of ceremonies, he is king; he knows them all by heart." This line suggests that the poet is a master of ceremonies. They know how to use words to create a sense of ceremony and to evoke emotions in their readers. The poet has a deep understanding of the power of words and how they can be used to create a sense of magic and wonder.
The poem then goes on to say, "He is a little god—sitting on a throne." This line suggests that the poet has a god-like quality. They have the power to create worlds with their words and to make us believe in things that might not otherwise seem possible. The poet has the power to transport us to other worlds and to make us see things in a new light.
The final lines of the poem read, "And yet, the poet's work is done; the monarch's crown is fallen." This line suggests that the poet's work is never truly finished. They may create a masterpiece, but that masterpiece will eventually fade away. The poet's work is ephemeral, like a flower that blooms and then withers away. The poet's work may be forgotten, but the magic of poetry will live on.
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem "Poetry-Not that We did, shall be the test" is a masterpiece that explores the essence of poetry and its significance in our lives. The poem suggests that poetry is not something that we create, but rather something that exists independently of us. It is a force that we can tap into, but we cannot control it. The poem also suggests that the poet has a special ability to tap into the magic of poetry and to convey that magic to others through their words. The poet has the power to make us feel things that we might not otherwise feel and to see things that we might not otherwise see. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry and its ability to transport us to other worlds and to make us see things in a new light.
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