'A Thought went up my mind today' by Emily Dickinson
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A Thought went up my mind today-
That I have had before-
But did not finish-some way back-
I could not fix the Year-Nor where it went-nor why it came
The second time to me-
Nor definitely, what it was-
Have I the Art to say-But somewhere-in my Soul-I know-
I've met the Thing before-
It just reminded me-'twas all-
And came my way no more-
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Journey into the Mind of Emily Dickinson
As I read through the classic poem "A Thought went up my mind today" by Emily Dickinson, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the depth of her thoughts and emotions. Dickinson's poetry is known for its cryptic and elusive nature, and this particular poem is no exception. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I aim to delve into the layers of meaning and symbolism in this beautiful piece of literature.
Analysis of the Poem
The poem opens with the line, "A thought went up my mind today," which immediately draws the reader in and sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The word "up" implies a movement, as if the thought is rising from the depths of the speaker's subconscious to the forefront of her mind. This sets the stage for the theme of the poem, which is the exploration of the human psyche and the power of the mind.
The second line, "That I have had before," adds an element of familiarity and nostalgia to the thought. It suggests that the speaker has had this thought or feeling before, but perhaps has not fully explored it or given it the attention it deserves. This is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry, where she often explores the idea of the self and the inner workings of the human mind.
The third and fourth lines, "But did not finish,--some way back, / I could not fix the year," further emphasize the idea of the past and the speaker's inability to pinpoint exactly when this thought or feeling first arose. This could also be interpreted as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of thoughts and feelings, which can come and go without warning or explanation.
The fifth line, "Nor where it went, nor why it came," is particularly poignant, as it speaks to the mystery and uncertainty of the human psyche. The mind is a complex and often unpredictable entity, and the speaker's inability to trace the path of her thought or feeling highlights this fact.
The sixth and seventh lines, "The second time to me it came / The same way came the first," further emphasize the cyclical nature of the human experience. The fact that the thought or feeling returns to the speaker in the same way it came before suggests that there is a pattern or rhythm to our thoughts and emotions.
The final two lines of the poem, "A little clue if any, just / Emerge from mind attained unknown," are perhaps the most cryptic and elusive of all. The word "clue" implies a sense of mystery or puzzle, as if the speaker is trying to unravel some hidden truth about herself or the world around her. The phrase "mind attained unknown" suggests that the speaker is exploring uncharted territory within her own mind, which is both exciting and daunting.
Interpretation of the Poem
At its core, "A Thought went up my mind today" is a poem about the power of the human psyche and the mysteries that lie within. Dickinson's use of language and imagery creates a sense of wonder and awe, as if the speaker is on a journey of discovery into the depths of her own mind.
One possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a meditation on the cyclical nature of thoughts and emotions. The fact that the thought or feeling returns to the speaker in the same way it came before suggests that there is a pattern or rhythm to our inner lives. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the human experience as a whole, with its ups and downs, highs and lows, and moments of clarity and confusion.
Another possible interpretation is that the poem is a reflection on the fleeting nature of thoughts and emotions. The fact that the speaker cannot trace the path of her thought or feeling, and cannot pinpoint exactly when it first arose, highlights the transience of our inner lives. This could be seen as a reminder to live in the present moment, to be mindful of our thoughts and feelings as they arise, and to appreciate the beauty and mystery of the human psyche.
Overall, "A Thought went up my mind today" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that invites us to explore the inner workings of our own minds. Dickinson's use of language and imagery creates a sense of wonder and awe that is both humbling and inspiring. As we journey through life, let us remember the power and mystery of the human psyche, and let us embrace the beauty and complexity of our inner lives.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, thoughts, and feelings in the reader. Emily Dickinson's poem "A Thought went up my mind today" is a classic example of how poetry can be used to express complex ideas in a simple and beautiful way. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in this poem to understand its deeper meaning.
The poem begins with the line "A Thought went up my mind today," which immediately captures the reader's attention. The use of the word "went up" suggests that the thought was sudden and unexpected, and it came to the poet's mind without any prior warning. This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is introspective and contemplative.
The first stanza of the poem describes the nature of the thought that came to the poet's mind. The thought is described as "A thought that started – like a bird," which suggests that it was fleeting and ephemeral. The use of the simile "like a bird" also adds a sense of lightness and freedom to the thought, which contrasts with the heaviness of the poet's usual thoughts.
The second stanza of the poem explores the theme of mortality. The poet reflects on the fact that "The stillness in the Room / Was like the Stillness in the Air – / Between the Heaves of Storm." The use of the word "stillness" creates a sense of calm and quiet, which is juxtaposed with the idea of a storm. This contrast highlights the fragility of life and the inevitability of death.
The third stanza of the poem introduces the idea of eternity. The poet reflects on the fact that "The Eyes around – had wrung them dry – / And Breaths were gathering firm / For that last Onset – when the King / Be witnessed – in the Room." The use of the word "Onset" suggests that death is a final event, and the use of the word "King" suggests that death is a powerful force that cannot be avoided. The idea of eternity is also introduced through the use of the word "witnessed," which suggests that death is a moment that is observed and remembered.
The fourth stanza of the poem explores the theme of the afterlife. The poet reflects on the fact that "I willed my Keepsakes – Signed away / What portion of me be / Assignable – and then it was / There interposed a Fly." The use of the word "Keepsakes" suggests that the poet is giving away her possessions, which is a common practice before death. The use of the word "Fly" is interesting because it suggests that the afterlife is not a serious or solemn place, but rather a place where even a fly can interrupt the solemnity of the moment.
The fifth and final stanza of the poem concludes with the line "With Blue – uncertain – stumbling Buzz – / Between the light – and me." The use of the word "Blue" suggests that the afterlife is a place of uncertainty and confusion. The use of the word "stumbling" suggests that the afterlife is not a smooth or easy transition, but rather a difficult and confusing one. The use of the word "Buzz" suggests that the afterlife is a place of activity and movement, which contrasts with the stillness of death.
Overall, "A Thought went up my mind today" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of mortality, eternity, and the afterlife. The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward, with each stanza building on the previous one to create a sense of progression and development. The use of literary devices such as simile, metaphor, and personification adds depth and complexity to the poem, and the language is simple and accessible, making it easy for readers to connect with the themes and ideas presented.
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "A Thought went up my mind today" is a classic example of how poetry can be used to explore complex ideas in a simple and beautiful way. The poem is a reflection on the fragility of life, the inevitability of death, and the uncertainty of the afterlife. Through the use of literary devices and simple language, Dickinson creates a powerful and thought-provoking work of art that continues to resonate with readers today.
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