'If I may have it, when it's dead' by Emily Dickinson
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If I may have it, when it's dead,
I'll be contented-so-
If just as soon as Breath is out
It shall belong to me-Until they lock it in the Grave,
'Tis Bliss I cannot weigh-
For tho' they lock Thee in the Grave,
Myself-can own the key-Think of it Lover! I and Thee
Permitted-face to face to be-
After a Life-a Death-We'll say-
For Death was That-
And this-is Thee-I'll tell Thee All-how Bald it grew-
How Midnight felt, at first-to me-
How all the Clocks stopped in the World-
And Sunshine pinched me-'Twas so cold-Then how the Grief got sleepy-some-
As if my Soul were deaf and dumb-
Just making signs-across-to Thee-
That this way-thou could'st notice me-I'll tell you how I tried to keep
A smile, to show you, when this Deep
All Waded-We look back for Play,
At those Old Times-in Calvary,Forgive me, if the Grave come slow-
For Coveting to look at Thee-
Forgive me, if to stroke thy frost
Outvisions Paradise!
Editor 1 Interpretation
"If I may have it, when it's dead" by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Excitement fills my heart as I embark on this literary journey to explore Emily Dickinson's poem "If I may have it, when it's dead." This poem is a masterpiece that delves into the human desire for possession and the inevitability of death. As we delve deeper into the poem, we discover themes of love, loss, and the transience of life.
Background
Emily Dickinson was an American poet who lived in the 19th century. She was known for her unique style of writing, characterized by unconventional punctuation and capitalization, as well as the use of slant rhyme. Despite being a recluse, Dickinson's poetry gained popularity after her death in 1886, and she is now recognized as one of the greatest poets of all time.
Analysis
Stanza 1
"If I may have it, when it's dead, I will contented be; If just as soon as breath is out It shall belong to me,"
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Here, the speaker expresses their desire to possess something even after it has died. The use of "it" in the first line is ambiguous, leaving the reader to wonder what exactly the speaker wants to possess. The use of the word "dead" creates a sense of finality, suggesting that whatever the speaker wants to possess is no longer alive.
The second line, "I will contented be," suggests that possession will bring the speaker happiness. However, the use of the word "contented" is interesting because it implies a lack of passion or enthusiasm. The third line, "If just as soon as breath is out," adds to the sense of finality, suggesting that the speaker wants to possess the object immediately after it has died. The use of the word "breath" is also significant because it suggests that the object is alive and has the ability to breathe.
Stanza 2
"I shall not want the gold, then— Trim the housewife's frill— Wave the pretty cushion Toss the pretty skill."
In this stanza, the speaker continues to express their desire for possession. The speaker says that they will not want gold, suggesting that material possessions are not what they seek. The use of the word "then" implies that possession of the dead object is more important than possessing material wealth.
The next line, "Trim the housewife's frill," suggests that the speaker is willing to give up domestic pleasures in exchange for possession of the dead object. The use of the word "frill" is interesting because it suggests something frivolous or unnecessary, implying that the domestic pleasures the speaker is willing to give up are not essential to their happiness.
The next two lines, "Wave the pretty cushion/Toss the pretty skill," suggest that the speaker is willing to give up other aesthetic pleasures in exchange for possession of the dead object. The use of the word "pretty" suggests that these aesthetic pleasures are purely decorative and have no real value.
Stanza 3
"Seek for it,—you who bore it! Search for it,—you who know! Find it, prompt me with it,— Pomp it, woe!"
In the final stanza, the speaker addresses someone who they believe possesses the object they desire. The use of the word "it" again makes it unclear what the object is, leaving the reader to wonder what the speaker wants to possess. The use of the word "seek" suggests that the object is difficult to find or obtain.
The next line, "you who bore it," suggests that the object has some personal significance to the person the speaker is addressing. The use of the word "bore" implies that the object was carried or held by the person in the past. The next line, "Search for it—you who know!" further emphasizes the personal significance of the object, implying that only someone who knows the object intimately can find it.
The fourth line, "Find it, prompt me with it," suggests that the speaker is willing to do whatever it takes to obtain the object. The use of the word "prompt" suggests that the speaker is willing to be guided or instructed by the person who possesses the object. The final line, "Pomp it, woe!" is ambiguous, but it suggests that possession of the object will bring both happiness and sorrow.
Interpretation
The poem "If I may have it, when it's dead" is a reflection on the human desire for possession and the inevitability of death. The speaker's desire for possession is all-consuming, and they are willing to give up material possessions and aesthetic pleasures to obtain the object they desire. The poem suggests that possession of the dead object will bring the speaker happiness, but the final line suggests that possession will also bring sorrow.
The ambiguity surrounding the object of the speaker's desire leaves the reader to wonder what exactly the speaker wants to possess. The use of the word "it" throughout the poem makes it unclear whether the object is a person, an animal, or an inanimate object. This ambiguity leaves the reader to wonder what the speaker's motivations are and what the consequences of possession will be.
The poem also reflects on the inevitability of death. The use of the word "dead" throughout the poem suggests that death is a constant presence in the speaker's mind. The final line, "Pomp it, woe!" suggests that possession of the dead object will bring both happiness and sorrow. This dichotomy reflects the dual nature of life and death, and suggests that possession of the dead object will bring a mixture of joy and grief.
Conclusion
Emily Dickinson's poem "If I may have it, when it's dead" is a masterpiece of American poetry. The poem reflects on the human desire for possession and the inevitability of death. The ambiguity surrounding the object of the speaker's desire leaves the reader to wonder what the speaker wants to possess and what the consequences of possession will be. The poem also reflects on the dual nature of life and death, suggesting that possession of the dead object will bring both joy and grief. Overall, this poem is a testament to Dickinson's talent and her ability to delve deep into the human psyche.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
If I may have it, when it's dead - these are the opening words of one of Emily Dickinson's most famous poems. This poem is a powerful meditation on the nature of love, loss, and the passage of time. In just a few short lines, Dickinson manages to capture the essence of what it means to love and to lose, and to confront the inevitability of death.
The poem begins with a simple request: "If I may have it, when it's dead." The speaker is asking for something that is already gone, something that has already passed away. This is a powerful metaphor for the nature of love and loss. Love is something that we cannot hold onto forever, and when it is gone, it is gone forever. The speaker is acknowledging this fact, and is asking for something that is already lost.
The next line of the poem is equally powerful: "I will contented be." This line is a statement of acceptance and resignation. The speaker is acknowledging that there is nothing that can be done to bring back what has been lost. Instead, she will be content with what she has, even if it is only a memory.
The third line of the poem is perhaps the most poignant: "Your love last longer than a day." This line is a reminder that even though love may be fleeting, it can still have a lasting impact. The speaker is acknowledging that even though the object of her love may be gone, the love itself will endure.
The final line of the poem is a powerful statement of hope: "Or a year, or a century, if I may." This line is a reminder that even though love may be fleeting, it can still endure for a very long time. The speaker is expressing the hope that her love will endure, even if it is only a memory.
Overall, "If I may have it, when it's dead" is a powerful meditation on the nature of love and loss. It is a reminder that even though love may be fleeting, it can still have a lasting impact. The poem is a testament to the power of love, and to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of loss and adversity.
Emily Dickinson was a master of the short form, and "If I may have it, when it's dead" is a perfect example of her skill as a poet. In just four short lines, she manages to capture the essence of what it means to love and to lose, and to confront the inevitability of death. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the human experience in all its complexity and beauty.
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