'What if I say I shall not wait!' by Emily Dickinson
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What if I say I shall not wait!
What if I burst the fleshly Gate-
And pass escaped-to thee!What if I file this Mortal-off-
See where it hurt me-That's enough-
And wade in Liberty!They cannot take me-any more!
Dungeons can call-and Guns implore
Unmeaning-now-to me-As laughter-was-an hour ago-
Or Laces-or a Travelling Show-
Or who died-yesterday!
Editor 1 Interpretation
"What if I say I shall not wait!" - A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of the 19th century, was known for her unconventional style and unique perspective on life, death, and everything in between. In her poem "What if I say I shall not wait!", Dickinson explores the theme of impatience and the desire for immediate gratification.
In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the nuances of the poem and analyze its structure, imagery, and symbolism, while also delving deeper into its underlying themes and possible interpretations.
Structure
The poem "What if I say I shall not wait!" consists of three stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is irregular, with the lines varying in length from four syllables to eight syllables.
The first and second stanzas follow a similar structure, with the second line of each stanza beginning with "And". This creates a sense of continuity and progression in the poem, as if the speaker is building on her previous thoughts.
The third stanza, however, breaks this pattern, with the speaker proclaiming "This instant is eternity!" This line serves as a climax to the poem, and the exclamation mark highlights the urgency and passion in the speaker's words.
Imagery and Symbolism
Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses vivid imagery and symbolism to convey the speaker's impatience and frustration. In the first stanza, the speaker compares herself to a bird "That has a nest of its own", emphasizing her desire for independence and autonomy. The bird also symbolizes freedom and the ability to fly away at any moment.
In the second stanza, the speaker uses the metaphor of a ship sailing towards its destination to describe her own journey in life. She says that she will not wait for the wind to change, but will instead rely on her own strength and determination to reach her goals.
The third stanza is filled with powerful and evocative imagery, as the speaker declares that "This instant is eternity!" This line suggests that the present moment is all that matters, and that the speaker is unwilling to wait for anything else. The line "A life if it were long" also serves to highlight the fleeting nature of time, and the importance of living in the moment.
Themes and Interpretations
At its core, "What if I say I shall not wait!" is a poem about impatience and the desire for immediate gratification. The speaker is frustrated with the idea of waiting for something to happen, and instead wants to take action and create her own destiny.
One possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the societal expectations placed on women in the 19th century. During this time period, women were often expected to wait patiently for their husbands or fathers to make decisions for them, and were not given the same opportunities for independence and autonomy as men.
The speaker's comparison to a bird with a nest of its own can be seen as a feminist statement, emphasizing the importance of women having their own lives and identities outside of their relationships with men.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a reflection on the nature of time and the human experience. The line "This instant is eternity!" can be seen as a reminder to live in the present moment and cherish every second of our lives. The poem suggests that waiting for something to happen can be a waste of time, and that we should take action and make the most of every moment.
Conclusion
In "What if I say I shall not wait!", Emily Dickinson uses vivid imagery and powerful symbolism to explore the themes of impatience, independence, and the fleeting nature of time. The poem is a testament to the speaker's desire for autonomy and control over her own life, and serves as a commentary on the societal expectations placed on women in the 19th century.
However, the poem's themes are timeless and universal, and can be interpreted in many different ways. Whether read as a feminist statement or a reflection on the human experience, "What if I say I shall not wait!" is a powerful and thought-provoking piece of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Emily Dickinson's "What if I say I shall not wait!" - A Poetic Exploration of Time and Agency
Emily Dickinson's "What if I say I shall not wait!" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of time, agency, and the human condition. Written in Dickinson's signature style of short, enigmatic lines and unconventional punctuation, the poem invites readers to contemplate the nature of existence and the choices we make in the face of uncertainty and impermanence.
At its core, "What if I say I shall not wait!" is a meditation on the fleeting nature of time and the human desire to seize control of our lives. The poem begins with the speaker declaring, "What if I say I shall not wait!" - a bold statement that immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is asserting their agency, their ability to make choices and take action, even in the face of the unknown.
The first stanza of the poem continues with a series of rhetorical questions that highlight the uncertainty and unpredictability of life. "And what if I say that Time shall stay!" asks the speaker, acknowledging the futility of trying to hold onto something that is inherently ephemeral. "What if I swear that I am not glad!" they continue, suggesting that even in the face of uncertainty and impermanence, we still have the power to choose our own emotional responses.
The second stanza of the poem takes a more introspective turn, as the speaker reflects on their own mortality and the inevitability of death. "Nor time require me for aught I know," they muse, acknowledging that time will continue to move forward regardless of their own desires or actions. "As well the year might ask of me," they continue, "But I shall never know."
This stanza is particularly poignant, as it highlights the fundamental human struggle to come to terms with our own mortality. We are all aware, on some level, that our time on this earth is limited, and yet we often find ourselves struggling to accept this fact. The speaker's acknowledgement that they will "never know" what the future holds is a reminder that we are all ultimately powerless in the face of time and the unknown.
The final stanza of the poem brings the themes of agency and time full circle, as the speaker once again asserts their own power to make choices and take action. "And what if I say that I shall not wait!" they declare once more, this time with even greater conviction. "What if I burst the fleshly gate," they continue, suggesting that they are willing to take drastic action in order to assert their own agency and seize control of their own destiny.
The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most enigmatic and open to interpretation. "And pass escaped to thee!" the speaker declares, leaving readers to ponder the meaning of this cryptic phrase. Some have interpreted it as a reference to death, suggesting that the speaker is willing to "escape" the mortal realm and pass on to the afterlife. Others have suggested that it is a metaphor for the speaker's desire to break free from the constraints of time and embrace the infinite possibilities of the universe.
Regardless of how one chooses to interpret the final lines of the poem, there is no denying the power and beauty of Dickinson's words. "What if I say I shall not wait!" is a testament to the human spirit, a reminder that even in the face of uncertainty and impermanence, we still have the power to make choices and take action. It is a call to arms, a challenge to embrace the fleeting nature of time and live our lives to the fullest, without fear or hesitation.
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "What if I say I shall not wait!" is a masterpiece of poetic expression, a meditation on the human condition that continues to resonate with readers today. Through its exploration of time, agency, and mortality, the poem invites us to contemplate the nature of existence and the choices we make in the face of uncertainty. It is a reminder that even in the face of the unknown, we still have the power to assert our own agency and seize control of our own destiny.
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