'Let Us play Yesterday' by Emily Dickinson
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Let Us play Yesterday-
I-the Girl at school-
You-and Eternity-the
Untold Tale-Easing my famine
At my Lexicon-
Logarithm-had I-for Drink-
'Twas a dry Wine-Somewhat different-must be-
Dreams tint the Sleep-
Cunning Reds of Morning
Make the Blind-leap-Still at the Egg-life-
Chafing the Shell-
When you troubled the Ellipse-
And the Bird fell-Manacles be dim-they say-
To the new Free-
Liberty-Commoner-
Never could-to me-'Twas my last gratitude
When I slept-at night-
'Twas the first Miracle
Let in-with Light-Can the Lark resume the Shell-
Easier-for the Sky-
Wouldn't Bonds hurt more
Than Yesterday?Wouldn't Dungeons sorer frate
On the Man-free-
Just long enough to taste-
Then-doomed new-God of the Manacle
As of the Free-
Take not my Liberty
Away from Me-
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Let Us play Yesterday": Rediscovering Emily Dickinson's Timeless Poetry
Emily Dickinson is a name that echoes through time. Her poetry has been celebrated for its depth, wit, and enigmatic quality. Among her vast body of work, "Let Us play Yesterday" stands out as a prime example of her unique style and masterful use of language. In this 4000-word literary criticism, we will explore the themes, symbolism, and interpretation of this timeless poem, and attempt to unravel some of the mysteries that envelop it.
The Poem
Let us play Yesterday— I,—the Girl at school— You—and Eternity—the Untold Tale—beside—
Let us play To—run— And chase the Years away— With "Laughter"—and with Pain— Mysteriously—Today—
The Themes
At its core, "Let Us play Yesterday" is a poem about time, memory, and the nature of existence. The speaker, identified as "the Girl at school," invites two companions to play a game that involves revisiting the past and running away from the present. The first companion is not identified, but the second is "Eternity," a personification of the infinite and eternal. The game involves both "Laughter" and "Pain," suggesting that both joy and sorrow are integral parts of the human experience.
The themes of time and memory are central to the poem's meaning. The speaker wishes to "play Yesterday," suggesting a desire to revisit the past and relive happy memories. The use of the word "play" suggests a childlike innocence and a wish to escape from the present. The second line, "You—and Eternity—the Untold Tale—beside—" suggests that time is the "Untold Tale" that the companions are playing with. By inviting Eternity to play, the speaker suggests that time is not limited to the present, but extends both backwards and forwards into infinity.
The poem also explores the idea of existence and the human condition. The line "Mysteriously—Today—" suggests that the present is a mysterious and enigmatic time, full of unknowns and uncertainties. The use of the word "mysteriously" suggests that the speaker is struggling to understand the nature of existence and the passing of time. The use of the word "Today" suggests that the present moment is fleeting and impermanent, and that the past and future are more enduring.
The Symbolism
Emily Dickinson was famous for her use of symbolism, and "Let Us play Yesterday" is no exception. There are several symbols in the poem that add layers of meaning and depth to the text.
The first and most obvious symbol is time itself. Time is personified as "the Untold Tale" that the companions are playing with. By personifying time, Dickinson suggests that it is not an abstract concept, but a living and breathing force that has a will of its own.
The second symbol is "Eternity." Eternity represents the infinite and timeless, and is used to contrast with the fleeting and impermanent nature of time. By inviting Eternity to play, the speaker is suggesting that time is not a linear progression, but a circular cycle that repeats itself infinitely.
The third symbol is "Laughter" and "Pain." These two opposing emotions represent the joys and sorrows of life. The use of both emotions suggests that life is a mixture of both good and bad experiences, and that both are necessary to fully appreciate the other.
The fourth symbol is "the Girl at school." The use of the word "Girl" suggests a youthful innocence and a desire to escape from the adult world. The fact that she is at school suggests that she is still in the process of learning and growing, and that she is not yet fully formed.
The Interpretation
"Let Us play Yesterday" is a poem that is open to interpretation. There is no single "correct" way to read the poem, and different readers will find different meanings in its words. However, there are several interpretations that are commonly cited.
The first interpretation is that the poem is a meditation on the nature of time and memory. The speaker wishes to revisit the happy memories of the past, but is aware that time is an elusive and enigmatic force that cannot be controlled. By inviting Eternity to play, the speaker suggests that time is not limited to the present, but extends both backwards and forwards into infinity.
The second interpretation is that the poem is a comment on the human condition. The use of the word "Mysteriously" suggests that the present moment is full of unknowns and uncertainties, and that humans are struggling to understand the nature of existence. The fact that the companions are playing a game suggests that life is not a serious business, but a playful and joyful one.
The third interpretation is that the poem is a celebration of youth and innocence. The fact that the speaker is identified as "the Girl at school" suggests a desire to escape from the adult world and return to a simpler time. The use of the word "play" suggests a childlike innocence and a wish to escape from the present.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Let Us play Yesterday" is a poem that is full of depth, symbolism, and meaning. It explores the themes of time, memory, and the human condition in a way that is both profound and enigmatic. By using symbolism and metaphor, Emily Dickinson creates a poem that is open to interpretation and invites readers to explore its meaning in their own way.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Let Us Play Yesterday: A Timeless Poem by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, has left behind a legacy of thought-provoking and timeless poems. One such poem is "Let Us Play Yesterday," a beautiful and evocative piece that captures the essence of nostalgia and the longing for simpler times. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem and explore the various literary devices used by Dickinson to convey her message.
The poem begins with the line, "Let us play yesterday," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "play" suggests a childlike innocence and a desire to escape the complexities of the present. The word "yesterday" is also significant, as it represents a time that has passed and cannot be reclaimed. This creates a sense of longing and nostalgia, as the speaker yearns for a simpler time when life was easier and more carefree.
The second line of the poem, "I - the girl at school," introduces the speaker and establishes her as a young girl. This further reinforces the theme of innocence and childhood, as the speaker is portrayed as someone who is still learning and growing. The use of the first-person pronoun "I" also creates a sense of intimacy and personal connection with the reader, as if the speaker is confiding in us.
The third line, "You - in the corner seat," introduces the second character in the poem. The use of the second-person pronoun "you" creates a sense of immediacy and directness, as if the speaker is addressing the reader directly. The phrase "in the corner seat" suggests a sense of isolation and detachment, as if the person being addressed is separate from the rest of the group. This creates a sense of tension and conflict, as the speaker seeks to bridge the gap between herself and the other person.
The fourth line, "Our games of yore," brings the focus back to the theme of nostalgia and the desire to relive past experiences. The phrase "games of yore" suggests a sense of playfulness and fun, as if the speaker is reminiscing about happy times from her childhood. The use of the word "our" also creates a sense of shared experience, as if the speaker and the other person were once close friends who played together.
The fifth line, "With laughing hearts," reinforces the idea of playfulness and joy. The phrase "laughing hearts" suggests a sense of happiness and lightness, as if the speaker and the other person were carefree and happy when they played together. This creates a sense of contrast with the present, which is portrayed as more serious and less joyful.
The sixth line, "And gay companions dear," introduces the idea of companionship and friendship. The use of the word "gay" here does not refer to sexuality, but rather to a sense of happiness and joy. The phrase "companions dear" suggests a sense of closeness and affection, as if the speaker and the other person were once very close. This creates a sense of longing and nostalgia, as the speaker yearns for the companionship and friendship of the past.
The seventh line, "With smiling mouths," reinforces the idea of happiness and joy. The phrase "smiling mouths" suggests a sense of warmth and friendliness, as if the speaker and the other person were always happy to see each other. This creates a sense of contrast with the present, which is portrayed as more serious and less friendly.
The eighth line, "And merry eyes," reinforces the idea of playfulness and joy. The phrase "merry eyes" suggests a sense of happiness and lightness, as if the speaker and the other person were always happy and carefree when they played together. This creates a sense of contrast with the present, which is portrayed as more serious and less joyful.
The ninth line, "How fleet the years slip by," introduces the theme of time and the passage of time. The phrase "fleet the years slip by" suggests a sense of time passing quickly, as if the speaker is lamenting the fact that time goes by so quickly. This creates a sense of urgency and a desire to make the most of the present, as if the speaker is aware that time is running out.
The tenth line, "To-day is dull and gray," creates a sense of contrast with the past. The phrase "dull and gray" suggests a sense of boredom and monotony, as if the present is lacking in excitement and joy. This creates a sense of longing and nostalgia, as the speaker yearns for the happiness and joy of the past.
The eleventh line, "But yesterday was gay," reinforces the idea of contrast between the past and the present. The phrase "yesterday was gay" suggests a sense of happiness and joy, as if the past was filled with excitement and fun. This creates a sense of longing and nostalgia, as the speaker yearns for the happiness and joy of the past.
The twelfth and final line, "Let's splice the broken thread," brings the poem to a close with a sense of resolution and hope. The phrase "splice the broken thread" suggests a desire to reconnect with the past and to mend the brokenness that exists in the present. This creates a sense of optimism and a desire to move forward, as if the speaker is determined to make the most of the present and to create a better future.
In conclusion, "Let Us Play Yesterday" is a beautiful and evocative poem that captures the essence of nostalgia and the longing for simpler times. Through the use of various literary devices, such as imagery, contrast, and repetition, Emily Dickinson creates a powerful and timeless piece that speaks to the human experience of longing for the past. Whether we are young or old, we all have moments when we yearn for the happiness and joy of the past. This poem reminds us that while we cannot go back in time, we can still cherish the memories of the past and strive to create a better future.
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