'To hang our head-ostensibly' by Emily Dickinson

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To hang our head-ostensibly-
And subsequent, to find
That such was not the posture
Of our immortal mind-Affords the sly presumption
That in so dense a fuzz-
You-too-take Cobweb attitudes
Upon a plane of Gauze!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dickinson's Poem "To Hang Our Head" - A Masterful Exploration of Shame and Guilt

Emily Dickinson's "To Hang Our Head" is a powerful poem that explores the complex emotions of shame and guilt. Although it is only a few lines long, the poem is packed with meaning and symbolism, inviting readers to delve deeper into the psyche of the speaker and the themes that are being explored.

A Personal and Emotional Tone

The poem begins with a personal and emotional tone, as the speaker describes feeling "shamed" and "guilty" for something that they have done. The use of the word "we" implies that the speaker is not alone in their feelings, and that shame and guilt are universal emotions that we all experience at some point in our lives.

The fact that the poem is written in the first person also adds to its emotional impact, as we get a glimpse into the speaker's innermost thoughts and feelings. The use of the word "our" instead of "my" suggests that the speaker is not only speaking for themselves, but for all of us who have felt the weight of shame and guilt on our shoulders.

An Ominous Image

The second line of the poem is particularly striking, as the speaker describes wanting "to hang our head." This is an ominous and powerful image, suggesting that the weight of shame and guilt is so heavy that it physically drags us down.

The use of the word "hang" also has connotations of death and punishment, adding to the sense of foreboding and despair that permeates the poem. The fact that the speaker wants to hang their head implies that they feel like they deserve to be punished for whatever transgression they have committed.

The Importance of Context

One of the most intriguing aspects of "To Hang Our Head" is the fact that it is a highly contextual poem. Without knowing the specific circumstances that have led to the speaker's feelings of shame and guilt, it is impossible to fully understand the poem's deeper meanings and themes.

This is both a strength and a weakness of the poem. On one hand, it allows the reader to project their own experiences onto the poem and to relate to the speaker's emotions on a personal level. On the other hand, it can be frustrating to not have a clear sense of what the speaker is referring to, and to be left to speculate about what might have happened.

The Power of Symbolism

Despite its brevity, "To Hang Our Head" is a highly symbolic poem that is rich in meaning and interpretation. The idea of hanging one's head is a powerful symbol of shame and guilt, but it is also a symbol of submission and defeat.

The image of a person hanging their head is one of defeat and resignation, suggesting that the speaker feels like they have been beaten by their own emotions. The fact that they want to hang their head implies that they are actively choosing to submit to their shame and guilt, rather than fighting against it.

The Role of Religion

Religion plays an important role in "To Hang Our Head," as the speaker refers to feeling "shamed before the saints" and "guilty before the law." This suggests that the speaker's feelings of shame and guilt are tied to religious beliefs and values, and that they feel like they have let down not only themselves, but also their faith and their community.

The use of the word "saints" is particularly interesting, as it implies that the speaker is from a Catholic or Orthodox Christian tradition. In these traditions, saints are revered as holy men and women who have lived exemplary lives and are seen as intercessors between humans and God. The fact that the speaker feels shamed before the saints suggests that they feel like they have fallen short of these ideals, and that they are unworthy of the grace and forgiveness that they offer.

The Importance of Language

One of the most striking aspects of "To Hang Our Head" is its use of language. Despite its brevity, the poem is packed with powerful and evocative words that capture the speaker's emotions with precision and clarity.

Words like "shamed," "guilty," and "hang" are all highly charged, and carry with them a wealth of connotations and associations. The fact that the poem is written in simple, direct language only adds to its emotional impact, as the words are able to speak for themselves without the need for elaborate metaphor or symbolism.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "To Hang Our Head" is a masterful exploration of shame and guilt that is both personal and universal in its themes and symbolism. Through its use of language and imagery, the poem is able to capture the complex emotions that we all experience at some point in our lives, and to offer a glimpse into the innermost thoughts and feelings of the speaker.

Although the poem is highly contextual and open to interpretation, its themes and emotions are universal, and speak to the human condition in a profound and meaningful way. Whether we have personally experienced feelings of shame and guilt or not, we can all relate to the power of these emotions, and to the desire to hang our heads in defeat and submission.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, stir the soul, and inspire the mind. It is a medium that allows us to express our deepest thoughts and feelings in a way that is both beautiful and profound. One such poem that embodies the essence of poetry is "To hang our head-ostensibly" by Emily Dickinson.

Emily Dickinson was an American poet who lived in the 19th century. She is known for her unique style of writing, which is characterized by its brevity, unconventional punctuation, and use of slant rhyme. Her poems often explore themes of death, nature, and spirituality, and are renowned for their depth and complexity.

"To hang our head-ostensibly" is a poem that captures the essence of Dickinson's style and themes. The poem is only six lines long, yet it manages to convey a powerful message about the nature of poetry and its impact on our lives.

The poem begins with the line "To hang our head-ostensibly," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The word "ostensibly" suggests that there is more to the poem than meets the eye, and that the true meaning lies beneath the surface.

The second line of the poem reads, "And subsequent to find." This line suggests that the act of hanging our head is not an end in itself, but rather a means to an end. The word "subsequent" implies that there is something that follows, something that is yet to be discovered.

The third line of the poem reads, "Each new occasion." This line suggests that the act of hanging our head is not a one-time event, but rather something that occurs repeatedly over time. The word "occasion" implies that there are moments in our lives when we are moved to hang our head, and that these moments are significant.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "In our heart's ballad." This line suggests that the act of hanging our head is not just a physical gesture, but also an emotional one. The phrase "heart's ballad" implies that there is a song within us, a melody that expresses our deepest emotions and desires.

The fifth line of the poem reads, "Done with the compass done with the chart." This line suggests that the act of hanging our head is not a rational one, but rather an intuitive one. The phrase "compass" and "chart" imply that there is a logical, rational way of navigating through life, but that sometimes we need to let go of these tools and follow our instincts.

The final line of the poem reads, "Sail like the wild geese." This line suggests that the act of hanging our head is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength. The phrase "wild geese" implies that there is a sense of freedom and adventure in following our instincts, and that sometimes we need to let go of our fears and take a leap of faith.

Overall, "To hang our head-ostensibly" is a poem that captures the essence of poetry and its impact on our lives. It suggests that poetry is not just a form of art, but also a way of expressing our deepest emotions and desires. It suggests that sometimes we need to let go of our rational, logical ways of thinking and follow our instincts. And it suggests that there is a sense of freedom and adventure in doing so.

In conclusion, "To hang our head-ostensibly" is a poem that is both beautiful and profound. It captures the essence of Emily Dickinson's style and themes, and reminds us of the power of poetry to evoke emotions, stir the soul, and inspire the mind. It is a poem that deserves to be read and appreciated by all lovers of poetry.

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