'We dream-it is good we are dreaming' by Emily Dickinson

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We dream-it is good we are dreaming-
It would hurt us-were we awake-
But since it is playing-kill us,
And we are playing-shriek-What harm? Men die-externally-
It is a truth-of Blood-
But we-are dying in Drama-
And Drama-is never dead-Cautious-We jar each other-
And either-open the eyes-
Lest the Phantasm-prove the Mistake-
And the livid SurpriseCool us to Shafts of Granite-
With just an Age-and Name-
And perhaps a phrase in Egyptian-
It's prudenter-to dream-

Editor 1 Interpretation

We dream-it is good we are dreaming: A deep dive into Emily Dickinson's poetry

Emily Dickinson, one of the most important poets in American literature, wrote over 1,700 poems in her lifetime. Her works are known for their unconventional style, syntax, and themes that often explore mortality, spirituality, and nature. Among her poems, "We dream-it is good we are dreaming" stands out as a remarkable piece that captures the essence of dreaming in a profound way. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the poem's themes, structure, language, and symbolism to understand its deeper meanings.

The poem

Let us first read the poem in its entirety:

We dream—it is good we are dreaming—

It would hurt us—were we awake—

But since it is playing—kill us,

And we are playing—shriek—

What harm? Men die—exhalting

Their eyes on Reality—

Their last breath—

Flits—themself they die—

Unless before the Bang—they hurry—

Joyful—to homes called Men—

While their friends—are waiting—

Whom they left—behind!

Good Morning—Midnight—

I'm coming Home—

Day—got tired of Me—

How could I—of Him?

Sunshine was a sweet place—

I liked to stay—

But Morn—didn't want me—now—

So—Goodnight—Day!

I can look—can't I—

When the East is Red?

The Hills—have a way—then—

That puts the Heart—abroad—

You—are not so fair—Midnight—

I chose—Day—

But—please take a little Girl—

He turned away!

Themes

The poem touches upon several themes that are central to Dickinson's poetry. One of the most prominent themes in the poem is the idea of dreaming. The poem suggests that dreaming is a necessary escape from the harsh reality of life. It is a space where we can play and imagine without any consequences. However, the poem also highlights the danger of getting lost in the dream world and forgetting about reality altogether. The line "It would hurt us—were we awake" suggests that the truth can be harsh and painful, but it is necessary to face it.

Another theme that the poem explores is mortality. Dickinson often wrote about death and the afterlife, and this poem is no exception. The line "Men die—exhalting/ Their eyes on Reality—/ Their last breath—/ Flits—themself they die—" highlights the inevitability of death and the fleeting nature of life. However, the poem also suggests that death can be joyful if one has lived a good life and is ready to go "Joyful—to homes called Men." The poem also touches upon the idea of home and belonging, which are recurring themes in Dickinson's poetry.

Structure

The poem is divided into four stanzas of varying lengths. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem by introducing the theme of dreaming. The second stanza explores the idea of death and reality, while the third stanza talks about the speaker's own experience of being rejected by the day. The final stanza brings together the themes of dreaming, mortality, and homecoming.

The poem is written in Dickinson's signature style, with irregular punctuation, capitalization, and syntax. She often uses dashes to create pauses and breaks in the poem, giving it a fragmented and disjointed feel. The irregularity of the poem's structure reflects the chaotic nature of dreams and the human mind. It also highlights Dickinson's unique style, which sets her apart from other poets of her time.

Language

The language of the poem is simple yet evocative. Dickinson often used plain language to convey complex ideas, and this poem is no exception. The opening line, "We dream—it is good we are dreaming," sets the tone for the poem and captures the essence of the theme of dreaming. The use of the word "shriek" in the line "And we are playing—shriek—" suggests the excitement and intensity of the dream world. Similarly, the line "How could I—of Him?" suggests the speaker's attachment to the dream world and her reluctance to leave it.

The poem also uses imagery to convey its themes. The line "I can look—can't I—/ When the East is Red?" creates a vivid picture of the sunrise, suggesting the hope and possibility of a new day. The use of the word "Bang" in the line "Unless before the Bang—they hurry—" suggests the suddenness and unpredictability of death. The final line, "He turned away!" creates a sense of rejection and loss, highlighting the theme of homecoming and belonging.

Symbolism

The poem uses several symbols to convey its themes. One of the most prominent symbols in the poem is the idea of home. The line "Joyful—to homes called Men—" suggests the idea of a homecoming, where one returns to a place of safety and comfort. The use of the word "Men" suggests that home is not just a physical place but also a state of mind.

Another symbol in the poem is the sunrise. The line "Good Morning—Midnight—/ I'm coming Home—" suggests the hope and possibility of a new day. The sunrise symbolizes the start of a new beginning and the possibility of change.

The final symbol in the poem is the dream world itself. The line "We dream—it is good we are dreaming" suggests that the dream world is a necessary escape from reality. However, the poem also suggests that getting lost in the dream world can be dangerous and lead to a rejection of reality altogether.

Interpretation

The poem "We dream-it is good we are dreaming" is a complex and multi-layered piece that explores several themes and ideas. At its core, the poem is about the human desire for escape and the dangers of getting lost in that escape. The poem suggests that dreaming is a necessary part of life, but it is important to balance it with reality. The poem also touches upon the inevitability of death and the importance of living a good life.

The poem can be interpreted in several ways, depending on the reader's perspective. Some readers may see the poem as a meditation on the human condition and the struggle to find meaning in life. Others may see it as a reflection on the power of imagination and the human desire for creativity. Still, others may see it as a commentary on the nature of reality and the human need for escapism.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "We dream-it is good we are dreaming" is a remarkable poem that captures the essence of dreaming in a profound way. Its themes of mortality, homecoming, and the dangers of escapism are as relevant today as they were when Dickinson wrote the poem over 150 years ago. The poem's structure, language, and symbolism all contribute to its complex and multi-layered meaning. Dickinson's unique style and perspective set her apart as one of the most important poets in American literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

We dream-it is good we are dreaming: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poetry

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers even today. One of her most famous poems, "We dream-it is good we are dreaming," is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that explores the nature of dreams and their significance in our lives. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and analyze its themes, imagery, and language.

The Poem

We dream—it is good we are dreaming—
It would hurt us—were we awake—
But since it is playing—kill us,
And we are playing—shriek—
What harm? Men die—exhalting
In the lie and the truth in the same breath—
The abstract with the actual:
Equal:
Dead.

Themes

The poem explores the theme of dreams and their significance in our lives. Dickinson suggests that dreams are important because they allow us to escape from reality and experience things that we might not be able to in our waking lives. Dreams can be both pleasurable and painful, but they are ultimately a necessary part of our existence.

Another theme that emerges from the poem is the idea of death. Dickinson suggests that death is an equalizer, as it brings together both the abstract and the actual. In other words, death is a unifying force that brings together all aspects of our existence, both real and imagined.

Imagery

The poem is filled with vivid and powerful imagery that helps to convey its themes. For example, Dickinson uses the image of playing to describe the act of dreaming. She suggests that dreaming is like playing a game, where we can explore different scenarios and experiences without any real consequences.

The image of shrieking is also used to describe the intensity of dreaming. Dickinson suggests that dreams can be so powerful that they can cause us to cry out in fear or excitement. This image helps to convey the idea that dreams are not just passive experiences, but rather active and engaging ones.

Finally, the image of death is used to describe the ultimate outcome of our lives. Dickinson suggests that death is a unifying force that brings together all aspects of our existence, both real and imagined. This image helps to convey the idea that death is not something to be feared, but rather something that is a natural part of our existence.

Language

The language used in the poem is simple and direct, but it is also very powerful. Dickinson uses short, staccato sentences to convey the intensity of dreaming, and she uses repetition to emphasize the importance of the themes she is exploring.

For example, the repetition of the word "playing" helps to emphasize the idea that dreaming is like playing a game. The repetition of the word "equal" helps to emphasize the idea that death is a unifying force that brings together all aspects of our existence.

Conclusion

"We dream-it is good we are dreaming" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of dreams and their significance in our lives. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Emily Dickinson suggests that dreams are important because they allow us to escape from reality and experience things that we might not be able to in our waking lives. She also suggests that death is a unifying force that brings together all aspects of our existence, both real and imagined. Overall, this poem is a testament to the power of poetry to explore complex ideas and emotions in a simple and direct way.

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