'We thirst at first-'tis Nature's Act' by Emily Dickinson

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We thirst at first-'tis Nature's Act-
And later-when we die-
A little Water supplicate-
Of fingers going by-It intimates the finer want-
Whose adequate supply
Is that Great Water in the West-
Termed Immortality-

Editor 1 Interpretation

We thirst at first-'tis Nature's Act by Emily Dickinson: A Deep Dive into the Nature of Desire and Satisfaction

When it comes to Emily Dickinson's poetry, readers often find themselves lost in a sea of complex emotions and vivid imagery. Her poem "We thirst at first-'tis Nature's Act" is no exception, as it delves into the nature of desire and satisfaction. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes presented in this poem and attempt to uncover its deeper meaning.

The Opening Lines

The poem begins with the lines "We thirst at first--'tis Nature's Act--/And later--when we die--/A little Water supplicate--/Of fingers going by--". At first glance, these lines may seem simple enough, but upon closer examination, they reveal a great deal about the nature of desire and the human experience.

The first line, "We thirst at first--'tis Nature's Act--", suggests that our desire for water (and by extension, all desires) is a natural and instinctual part of being human. It is something that is hardwired into our very being from birth, and we cannot help but feel it. This line is a testament to the power of nature and the ways in which it shapes our lives.

The second line, "And later--when we die--", introduces the theme of mortality. It suggests that our thirst (and our desires) persist even in death, which is a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of life. Even after we are gone, our desires remain as a testament to our existence.

The third and fourth lines, "A little Water supplicate--/Of fingers going by--", suggest that even in death, we continue to thirst for water. The image of "fingers going by" implies that there are still living people around us, and our desire for water continues to be a part of their lives.

The Theme of Desire

The theme of desire is central to this poem, and Dickinson explores it in a variety of ways throughout the text. One of the most striking examples is the line "The Brain is just the weight of God--". This line suggests that our desires (and by extension, our brains) are a reflection of the divine. It implies that our thirst for water (and all desires) is a part of a larger cosmic plan, and that our desires are an essential part of who we are as human beings.

Another example of Dickinson's exploration of desire in this poem is the line "As much as God--". This line suggests that our thirst for water (and all desires) is as powerful and all-consuming as the divine. It implies that our desires are not something to be taken lightly, but rather something that is deeply ingrained in our very existence.

The Theme of Satisfaction

The theme of satisfaction is also present in this poem, and it serves as a counterpoint to the theme of desire. Dickinson explores the idea that while our desires may be powerful and all-consuming, they can also be satisfied. The line "We taste--brief as Paradise--" suggests that when we finally quench our thirst for water (or any desire), it is a moment of pure bliss. It is a taste of paradise that is fleeting but powerful.

The theme of satisfaction is also present in the line "And later--when we die--/A little Water supplicate--/Of fingers going by--". This line suggests that even in death, our desire for water can be satisfied. The fact that "fingers going by" can offer us water implies that our thirst can be quenched even after we have passed on.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem "We thirst at first-'tis Nature's Act" is a powerful exploration of the nature of desire and satisfaction. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, Dickinson offers a glimpse into the human experience and the ways in which our desires shape our lives. It is a poem that reminds us of the beauty and fragility of life, and it encourages us to embrace our desires and seek satisfaction wherever we can find it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

We thirst at first-'tis Nature's Act: An Analysis of 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. One of her most famous poems is "We thirst at first-'tis Nature's Act," a powerful and evocative piece that explores the human experience of thirst and the natural world that surrounds us. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem, analyzing its themes, structure, and language to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.

The poem begins with a simple statement: "We thirst at first-'tis Nature's Act." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, establishing the central theme of human thirst and its connection to the natural world. The word "thirst" is a powerful metaphor for the human desire for knowledge, experience, and understanding, and Dickinson uses it to explore the ways in which we are driven by our innate curiosity and desire for growth.

The second line of the poem, "And later-when we die," introduces a sense of mortality and impermanence that runs throughout the rest of the piece. Dickinson suggests that our thirst for knowledge and experience is not just a passing phase, but a fundamental aspect of our existence that persists even after death. This idea is reinforced in the third line, which states that "A little water supplicate-" - even in death, we continue to seek out the sustenance and nourishment that we need to survive.

The fourth line of the poem, "It quenches thirst at first," introduces a sense of relief and satisfaction that comes from satisfying our thirst. Dickinson suggests that the act of seeking out knowledge and experience is not just a means to an end, but a source of pleasure and fulfillment in and of itself. This idea is reinforced in the fifth line, which states that "And nature then proceeds / With further thirst to fill-" - once we have quenched our initial thirst, we are driven to seek out even more knowledge and experience, continuing the cycle of growth and exploration.

The sixth and seventh lines of the poem, "But in the spiritless drought / Of age, to need, and know not how," introduce a sense of frustration and despair that can come from being unable to satisfy our thirst. Dickinson suggests that as we age and our bodies and minds begin to fail us, we may find ourselves unable to continue seeking out the knowledge and experience that we crave. This can lead to a sense of hopelessness and despair, as we are left feeling unfulfilled and incomplete.

The final two lines of the poem, "It shivers in the trees / As berry from the bush," bring the poem full circle, returning to the natural world that surrounds us. Dickinson suggests that even in our moments of despair and frustration, we can find solace and comfort in the beauty and wonder of the world around us. The image of the berry shivering in the trees is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all things, and the ways in which we are all part of a larger, more complex system.

In terms of structure, "We thirst at first-'tis Nature's Act" is a relatively simple poem, consisting of eight lines that are divided into two stanzas of four lines each. The poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme, with the first and third lines of each stanza rhyming with each other, and the second and fourth lines rhyming with each other. This creates a sense of symmetry and balance that reinforces the poem's central themes of growth and exploration.

In terms of language, Dickinson's use of metaphor and imagery is particularly striking. The metaphor of thirst is used throughout the poem to explore the human desire for knowledge and experience, and the natural world is described in vivid, evocative terms that bring it to life. The image of the berry shivering in the trees is particularly powerful, suggesting a sense of movement and energy that is both beautiful and awe-inspiring.

Overall, "We thirst at first-'tis Nature's Act" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the human experience of thirst and its connection to the natural world. Through its use of metaphor, imagery, and structure, the poem offers a profound meditation on the nature of human existence and our ongoing quest for knowledge and understanding. As such, it remains a timeless and enduring work of poetry that continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day.

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