'The Way I read a Letter's-this' by Emily Dickinson

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The Way I read a Letter's-this-
'Tis first-I lock the Door-
And push it with my fingers-next-
For transport it be sure-And then I go the furthest off
To counteract a knock-
Then draw my little Letter forth
And slowly pick the lock-Then-glancing narrow, at the Wall-
And narrow at the floor
For firm Conviction of a Mouse
Not exorcised before-Peruse how infinite I am
To no one that You-know-
And sigh for lack of Heaven-but not
The Heaven God bestow-

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Way I read a Letter's - Emily Dickinson's Classic Poetry

Emily Dickinson is one of the most well-known and celebrated poets of all time. Her poetry often deals with themes of death, nature, and the human psyche. "The Way I Read a Letter's" is one of her most famous poems and is often studied and analyzed for its use of language and its exploration of the human condition.

The Poem

"The Way I Read a Letter's" is a short poem, consisting of only four lines:

The way I read a letter's—this:

'Tis first—I lock the door,

And push it with my fingers—next—

For transport—I employ a bee—

At first glance, the poem seems simple enough - it is about the way the narrator reads a letter. However, upon closer inspection, the poem reveals a deeper meaning.

Interpretation

First and foremost, the poem is about privacy. The narrator locks the door before reading the letter, indicating that the contents of the letter are for her eyes only. This is a common theme in Dickinson's work - she often explores the idea of the individual and their relationship with the world around them.

The second line, "And push it with my fingers," can be interpreted as a metaphor for the narrator's emotional investment in the letter. She is not simply reading the words on the page, but rather she is physically engaging with the letter. The act of pushing the paper with her fingers is a way of connecting with the writer on a deeper level.

The third line, "For transport, I employ a bee," is perhaps the most enigmatic of the poem. Some scholars have interpreted it as a reference to the traditional image of a bee carrying pollen from one flower to another. In this context, the bee could represent the narrator's desire to transport the emotions and ideas contained in the letter to another person or place. Alternatively, the bee could be seen as a symbol of the natural world, and the act of transporting the letter with a bee could be interpreted as a way of aligning oneself with nature.

Overall, "The Way I Read a Letter's" is a poem about the intimate act of communication. It speaks to the power of words to connect individuals and the importance of privacy in fostering that connection.

Language Analysis

One of the most striking aspects of "The Way I Read a Letter's" is its use of language. Dickinson's poetry is known for its unconventional punctuation and capitalization, and this poem is no exception. For example, the first line of the poem ends with a dash, which creates a pause in the reading and emphasizes the word "this."

The second line of the poem is written in the first person, and the use of the contraction "'Tis" gives the poem a more informal tone. The third line of the poem is also written in the first person, and the use of the word "employ" is somewhat unusual. Normally, one would say "use" instead of "employ," but Dickinson's use of the word adds a sense of formality and sophistication to the poem.

Finally, the use of the word "bee" in the last line of the poem is particularly interesting. It is a somewhat unexpected image, and its meaning is not immediately clear. This ambiguity allows the reader to interpret the poem in different ways and underscores Dickinson's skill at using language to create meaning.

Conclusion

"The Way I Read a Letter's" is a complex and nuanced poem that explores themes of privacy, communication, and the human condition. Its language is unconventional yet effective, and its imagery is rich and thought-provoking. As with much of Dickinson's work, the poem is challenging but ultimately rewarding for those who take the time to study and interpret it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has been used for centuries to express emotions, thoughts, and ideas. Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned poets of the 19th century, was known for her unique style of writing that often dealt with themes of death, nature, and spirituality. One of her most famous poems, "The Way I read a Letter's-this," is a perfect example of her style and the depth of her writing.

The poem begins with the speaker describing how they read a letter. They say that they read it "slowly," "twice," and "with pauses." This attention to detail and the deliberate pace of reading suggests that the letter is important and that the speaker is trying to understand its meaning fully. The use of the word "pauses" also implies that the speaker is taking time to reflect on the words they are reading, perhaps trying to decipher hidden meanings or subtext.

The second stanza of the poem introduces the idea of "the words of the letter." The speaker describes how they "construct" the words in their mind, suggesting that they are actively trying to make sense of what they are reading. The use of the word "construct" also implies that the speaker is building something, perhaps a deeper understanding of the letter's meaning.

The third stanza of the poem is where the tone shifts, and the speaker reveals that the letter is from someone who has died. The speaker says that they "pause" at the name of the sender, suggesting that this person was important to them. The use of the word "pause" again emphasizes the deliberate pace of reading and the importance of the letter.

The fourth stanza of the poem is where the speaker's emotions come to the forefront. They describe how they "tremble" and "feel faint" as they read the letter. This emotional response suggests that the letter is deeply personal and that the sender had a significant impact on the speaker's life. The use of the word "tremble" also implies a physical response to the letter, perhaps indicating that the speaker is overwhelmed with emotion.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem is where the speaker reveals the true meaning of the letter. They say that the letter is "not to be read by any," suggesting that it is meant only for the speaker's eyes. The use of the word "any" implies that the letter is private and personal, and that the sender did not intend for anyone else to read it. The speaker then says that they will "burn it," indicating that they are willing to destroy the letter rather than let anyone else read it.

Overall, "The Way I read a Letter's-this" is a powerful and emotional poem that deals with themes of loss, grief, and the importance of personal connections. The deliberate pace of reading and the attention to detail suggest that the letter is significant, and the emotional response of the speaker indicates that the sender was important to them. The final revelation that the letter is private and personal adds another layer of meaning to the poem, suggesting that the speaker is willing to protect the memory of the sender at all costs.

In terms of literary devices, Dickinson uses several techniques to convey the themes of the poem. The use of repetition, particularly the repetition of the word "pause," emphasizes the deliberate pace of reading and the importance of taking time to reflect on the words being read. The use of imagery, such as the description of the speaker trembling and feeling faint, creates a vivid picture of the emotional response to the letter. The use of metaphor, such as the idea of "constructing" the words in the mind, adds depth and complexity to the poem, suggesting that the act of reading is not just about understanding the words on the page but also about constructing meaning and understanding.

In conclusion, "The Way I read a Letter's-this" is a powerful and emotional poem that deals with themes of loss, grief, and the importance of personal connections. Dickinson's use of literary devices adds depth and complexity to the poem, creating a vivid picture of the speaker's emotional response to the letter. The deliberate pace of reading and the attention to detail emphasize the importance of taking time to reflect on the words being read, and the final revelation that the letter is private and personal adds another layer of meaning to the poem. Overall, "The Way I read a Letter's-this" is a masterful example of Dickinson's unique style and her ability to convey complex emotions through her writing.

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