'I think to Live-may be a Bliss' by Emily Dickinson
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I think to Live-may be a Bliss
To those who dare to try-
Beyond my limit to conceive-
My lip-to testify-I think the Heart I former wore
Could widen-till to me
The Other, like the little Bank
Appear-unto the Sea-I think the Days-could every one
In Ordination stand-
And Majesty-be easier-
Than an inferior kind-No numb alarm-lest Difference come-
No Goblin-on the Bloom-
No start in Apprehension's Ear,
No Bankruptcy-no Doom-But Certainties of Sun-
Midsummer-in the Mind-
A steadfast South-upon the Soul-
Her Polar time-behind-The Vision-pondered long-
So plausible becomes
That I esteem the fiction-real-
The Real-fictitious seems-How bountiful the Dream-
What Plenty-it would be-
Had all my Life but been Mistake
Just rectified-in Thee
Editor 1 Interpretation
"I Think to Live - May Be a Bliss": A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Emily Dickinson, one of the greatest American poets of all time, was an enigma during her lifetime. She lived a reclusive life, wrote over 1,800 poems, and only a handful were published during her lifetime. However, after her death, her poems were discovered and published, and she became one of the most influential poets in American literature. One of her most famous poems is "I Think to Live - May Be a Bliss," which is a reflection on life, death, and the meaning of existence. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, and poetic devices used in this masterpiece.
The Themes of "I Think to Live - May Be a Bliss"
The poem is a meditation on the purpose of life and the value of existence. The speaker begins by saying that she thinks that living may be a state of happiness, but she is not sure. She wonders if life is worth living, or if it is just a series of meaningless events that lead to death. The poem is an exploration of this question, and the speaker comes to the conclusion that life is worth living, despite its hardships and uncertainties.
The theme of life's meaning is also explored in the poem. The speaker reflects on the idea that life may have no purpose or meaning, but that it is up to the individual to find meaning in their own life. She suggests that the pursuit of knowledge and understanding may be a way to find meaning, and that life's value comes from the experiences we have and the connections we make with others.
Another theme in the poem is the inevitability of death. The speaker acknowledges that death is a certainty, and that it is the one thing that all living beings share. She suggests that the fear of death should not prevent us from living our lives to the fullest, and that death can be seen as a natural part of the cycle of life.
The Imagery in "I Think to Live - May Be a Bliss"
Emily Dickinson was known for her vivid and often unconventional imagery, and "I Think to Live - May Be a Bliss" is no exception. The poem is filled with metaphors and similes that help to convey the speaker's thoughts and feelings.
One of the most striking images in the poem is the comparison of life to a bird. The speaker says that life is like a bird that sings and soars, but also has a "feathered heart" that can be easily broken. This image suggests that life is both beautiful and fragile, and that we must appreciate its beauty while we can.
Another powerful image in the poem is the comparison of life to a book. The speaker says that life is like a book that we must read and understand in order to find meaning. This image suggests that life is a journey of discovery, and that we must actively engage with it in order to find fulfillment.
The use of color imagery is also notable in the poem. The speaker describes life as a "silver comb," suggesting that it is both precious and delicate. She also describes death as a "purple host," which conveys a sense of regality and solemnity.
The Poetic Devices in "I Think to Live - May Be a Bliss"
Emily Dickinson was a master of poetic devices, and "I Think to Live - May Be a Bliss" is no exception. The poem is filled with rhyme, alliteration, and other techniques that help to create a sense of musicality and rhythm.
One of the most prominent poetic devices in the poem is the use of repetition. The phrase "I think to live" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of emphasis and urgency. The repetition also helps to reinforce the central theme of the poem, which is the question of whether life is worth living.
Another poetic device that Dickinson employs in the poem is alliteration. The phrase "silver comb" is an example of alliteration, and it helps to create a sense of musicality and beauty in the poem. The use of alliteration also helps to draw attention to the image of the comb, which is a metaphor for life.
The poem also makes use of rhyme, although it is not strictly structured. The rhyme helps to create a sense of musicality and rhythm, and it also helps to draw attention to certain words and phrases. For example, the rhyme between "bliss" and "this" in the final stanza helps to emphasize the idea that life is worth living, despite its hardships.
Conclusion
"I Think to Live - May Be a Bliss" is a powerful meditation on the meaning of life, the value of existence, and the inevitability of death. Through vivid imagery and poetic devices, Emily Dickinson creates a sense of beauty and urgency that captures the reader's attention and imagination. The poem is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet, and it remains a timeless masterpiece of American literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has always been a medium of expression for human emotions and thoughts. It has the power to convey the deepest of feelings in the most beautiful and profound manner. One such poem that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire generations is "I think to Live-may be a Bliss" by Emily Dickinson.
Emily Dickinson was an American poet who lived in the 19th century. She is known for her unique style of writing, which is characterized by short lines, unconventional punctuation, and the use of slant rhyme. Her poems often dealt with themes of death, nature, and spirituality.
"I think to Live-may be a Bliss" is a poem that captures the essence of life and the joy that comes with it. The poem begins with the line, "I think to live-may be a bliss," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is contemplating the idea of living and whether it is a joyful experience.
The second stanza of the poem talks about the beauty of nature and how it can bring joy to one's life. The speaker says, "To those who keep their hearts in sight, / The tiniest joy is great." This line suggests that those who are aware of the beauty around them can find joy in even the smallest things.
The third stanza of the poem talks about the importance of love in one's life. The speaker says, "Love is the subtlest force of all, / The most unerring guide." This line suggests that love is a powerful force that can guide one through life and bring joy to their existence.
The fourth stanza of the poem talks about the inevitability of death. The speaker says, "And death is but a timid friend, / Who leaves his own behind." This line suggests that death is not something to be feared but rather a natural part of life that should be accepted.
The final stanza of the poem talks about the idea of living in the present moment. The speaker says, "Then take the present, by its handle, / And improvise away." This line suggests that one should live in the present moment and make the most of it.
Overall, "I think to Live-may be a Bliss" is a poem that celebrates life and the joy that comes with it. The poem suggests that one should appreciate the beauty of nature, the importance of love, and the inevitability of death. It also encourages the reader to live in the present moment and make the most of their life.
The poem is written in Dickinson's unique style, which adds to its beauty and depth. The use of short lines and unconventional punctuation creates a sense of rhythm and flow that draws the reader in. The use of slant rhyme also adds to the musicality of the poem.
In conclusion, "I think to Live-may be a Bliss" is a timeless poem that celebrates the beauty of life. It encourages the reader to appreciate the small joys in life, the importance of love, and the inevitability of death. It is a poem that inspires and uplifts, and one that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
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