'What shall I do-it whimpers so' by Emily Dickinson
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What shall I do-it whimpers so-
This little Hound within the Heart
All day and night with bark and start-
And yet, it will not go-
Would you
Editor 1 Interpretation
What shall I do-it whimpers so: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Poetry
Oh, Emily Dickinson. One of the greatest poets of all time, and yet so enigmatic and mysterious. Her poetry is like a treasure trove of emotions, ideas, and insights into life, love, and death. And one of the most hauntingly beautiful poems she ever wrote is "What shall I do-it whimpers so." This poem is a masterpiece of emotional intensity and poetic craft, and it deserves a closer look. So, buckle up, dear reader, as we embark on a journey into the heart of this poem.
The Poem: What shall I do-it whimpers so
First, let's read the poem in full:
What shall I do-it whimpers so-
This little Hound within the Heart
All day and night with bark and start-
And yet, it will not go-
At first glance, this poem seems simple and straightforward. It's about a person who has a "little Hound within the Heart" that barks and starts "all day and night," and yet won't go away. But as with most of Emily Dickinson's poetry, there's much more going on beneath the surface.
Interpretation: What does the poem mean?
So, what does this poem mean? Well, as with most of Emily Dickinson's poetry, there are many possible interpretations. Here are a few:
1. The Hound as a Metaphor for Unrequited Love
One of the most common interpretations of this poem is that the "little Hound within the Heart" is a metaphor for unrequited love. In this reading, the speaker is in love with someone who doesn't return their affections, and the Hound represents the pain and longing that comes with that unrequited love.
2. The Hound as a Metaphor for Grief
Another possible interpretation is that the Hound represents grief. In this reading, the speaker has lost someone they love, and the Hound represents the constant pain and sadness of that loss.
3. The Hound as a Metaphor for Creative Inspiration
A third interpretation is that the Hound represents creative inspiration. In this reading, the speaker is a writer or artist who is struggling to find inspiration, and the Hound represents the muse that is eluding them.
4. The Hound as a Metaphor for Mental Illness
Finally, some readers interpret the Hound as a metaphor for mental illness. In this reading, the speaker is struggling with a mental health issue such as depression or anxiety, and the Hound represents the constant internal turmoil and suffering that comes with that.
Of course, these are just a few possible interpretations. Ultimately, the meaning of the poem is open to interpretation, and different readers will find different things in it.
Analysis: How does the poem work?
Now, let's move on to a closer analysis of the poem itself. How does it work, and what makes it such a powerful piece of poetry?
1. The Sound of the Poem
One of the first things that stands out about this poem is its sound. Emily Dickinson was a master of sound in poetry, and "What shall I do-it whimpers so" is a prime example of her skill.
The poem is full of internal rhyme and repetition, which gives it a musical quality. For example, the "o" sound is repeated throughout the poem: "What shall I do-it whimpers so," "within the Heart," "all day and night," and "it will not go." This repetition creates a sense of unity and coherence in the poem, and also emphasizes the speaker's sense of being trapped by the Hound.
2. The Imagery of the Poem
Another key element of the poem is its imagery. Emily Dickinson was a master of metaphor and symbolism, and "What shall I do-it whimpers so" is full of both.
The Hound is a powerful metaphor for whatever it represents in the poem. It's a small, helpless creature that is nonetheless persistent and relentless in its barking and starting. This creates a sense of tension and conflict within the poem, as the speaker struggles to deal with the Hound and its incessant noise.
3. The Structure of the Poem
Finally, let's look at the structure of the poem. At just four lines long, "What shall I do-it whimpers so" is a short poem, but it's structured in a way that creates a sense of completeness and resolution.
The poem begins with a question: "What shall I do-it whimpers so." This sets up the problem that the speaker is facing - the Hound that won't go away. The next two lines describe the Hound and its behavior, building tension and creating a sense of urgency. Finally, the last line brings the poem to a close, with the Hound still present and the speaker still uncertain of what to do.
Conclusion: Why is this poem so powerful?
So, why is "What shall I do-it whimpers so" such a powerful poem? There are many reasons, but here are a few:
1. The Universal Nature of the Poem
One of the things that makes this poem so powerful is its universality. Whatever the Hound represents in the poem - whether it's unrequited love, grief, creative inspiration, or mental illness - it's something that many people can relate to. We've all had something within us that whimpers and won't go away, something that we struggle to deal with and can't seem to get rid of.
2. The Emotional Intensity of the Poem
Another reason why this poem is so powerful is its emotional intensity. The Hound is a potent metaphor for whatever it represents, and the way it barks and starts all day and night creates a sense of unease and discomfort. We can feel the speaker's pain and frustration as they try to deal with the Hound, and this creates a powerful emotional connection between the reader and the poem.
3. The Craftsmanship of the Poem
Finally, "What shall I do-it whimpers so" is a masterful piece of poetry in terms of its craft. The sound, imagery, and structure of the poem all work together to create a powerful and memorable piece of writing. Every word is carefully chosen, and every line contributes to the overall effect of the poem. This is poetry at its finest.
In conclusion
In conclusion, "What shall I do-it whimpers so" is a hauntingly beautiful poem that deserves to be read and re-read. Its meaning is open to interpretation, but its emotional intensity and poetic craft are undeniable. Emily Dickinson was a true master of poetry, and this poem is a prime example of her skill. Whether you're a fan of poetry or not, this is a poem that is sure to leave an impression on you - just like the little Hound within the Heart.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
What Shall I Do-It Whimpers So: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets in American literature, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of death, nature, and spirituality. Her poem "What Shall I Do-It Whimpers So" is a perfect example of her exceptional talent in crafting poems that are both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
The poem is a short but powerful piece that explores the speaker's struggle with a decision that they must make. The title itself is a question that sets the tone for the entire poem, as the speaker is clearly in a state of confusion and distress. The use of the word "whimpers" in the title is particularly effective, as it conveys a sense of vulnerability and helplessness that is echoed throughout the poem.
The first stanza of the poem sets the scene and establishes the speaker's dilemma. They are faced with a choice that they cannot avoid, and they are struggling to come to a decision. The use of the word "dilemma" in the first line is particularly effective, as it immediately conveys the sense of conflict that the speaker is experiencing. The second line, "Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer," is a direct reference to Shakespeare's Hamlet, and it sets the stage for the speaker's internal struggle.
The second stanza of the poem explores the speaker's emotions in more detail. They are clearly in a state of distress, as evidenced by the use of words like "anguish" and "despair." The line "And I must bear it all alone" is particularly poignant, as it conveys a sense of isolation and loneliness that is often present in Dickinson's poetry. The use of the word "all" in this line is also significant, as it suggests that the speaker is overwhelmed by the weight of their decision.
The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. The speaker is clearly struggling with their decision, and they are looking for guidance. The line "Oh, what shall I do? What shall I do?" is repeated twice, emphasizing the speaker's desperation. The use of the word "Oh" at the beginning of each line is also significant, as it conveys a sense of pleading or begging.
The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the speaker's decision. They have made their choice, but they are still struggling with the consequences. The use of the word "sorrow" in the final line is particularly effective, as it conveys a sense of regret and sadness that is often present in Dickinson's poetry.
Overall, "What Shall I Do-It Whimpers So" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores themes of decision-making, isolation, and emotional turmoil. Dickinson's use of language is both powerful and evocative, and the poem is a testament to her exceptional talent as a poet. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply appreciate great literature, this poem is a must-read.
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