'The Drop, that wrestles in the Sea' by Emily Dickinson

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The Drop, that wrestles in the Sea-
Forgets her own locality-
As I-toward Thee-She knows herself an incense small-
Yet

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dickinson's "The Drop, That Wrestles in the Sea": A Critical Analysis

Emily Dickinson is a renowned American poet recognized for her unique style and mastery of complex metaphors. In her poem "The Drop, That Wrestles in the Sea," Dickinson explores the theme of individuality and the human struggle for significance in a vast, indifferent universe. The poem is a masterful depiction of the human condition, and its transcendence of the physical world.

Theme and Tone

The poem's central theme is the struggle of the individual to assert oneself in a seemingly endless, impersonal universe. The poem's tone is introspective, contemplative, and melancholic. Dickinson's use of imagery, metaphor, and personification adds depth and meaning to the poem, which ultimately reveals the futility of individual striving in the face of the vastness of the universe.

Structure and Form

The poem is written in four quatrains and follows an ABAB rhyme scheme. The poem's meter is predominantly iambic, but Dickinson occasionally uses trochaic and dactylic rhythms for emphasis. Dickinson's use of end rhymes, slant rhymes, and internal rhymes creates a musical cadence that adds to the poem's emotional impact.

Imagery

The poem's imagery is carefully chosen to convey the sense of the individual's struggle against the vastness of the universe. The central image of the poem is the "Drop, That Wrestles in the Sea," a metaphor for the individual's struggle for significance in the face of the universe's infinite expanse. The metaphor is extended in the second quatrain, where the sea is personified as a "mighty One," emphasizing the vastness and power of the universe. The image of the "spangled road" in the third quatrain adds to the sense of the universe's infinite expanse, while the "comrades" in the final quatrain contrast with the individual's isolation and emphasize the futility of individual striving.

Metaphor

Dickinson's use of metaphor is central to the poem's meaning. The "Drop, That Wrestles in the Sea" is a metaphor for the human struggle for significance in a vast, indifferent universe. The image of the sea as a "mighty One" emphasizes the vastness and power of the universe. The "spangled road" is a metaphor for the journey of life, with its many challenges and uncertainties. Finally, the "comrades" are a metaphor for the sense of community and belonging that the individual seeks but ultimately cannot find.

Symbolism

The poem's symbols add depth and meaning to its central metaphor. The "sea" is a symbol for the universe, with its vastness and power. The "drop" is a symbol for the individual, with its smallness and insignificance. The "spangled road" is a symbol for the journey of life, with its many challenges and uncertainties. Finally, the "comrades" are a symbol for the sense of community and belonging that the individual seeks but ultimately cannot find.

Conclusion

Emily Dickinson's "The Drop, That Wrestles in the Sea" is a masterful exploration of the human struggle for significance in a vast, indifferent universe. The poem's themes of individuality, struggle, and futility are conveyed through carefully chosen imagery, metaphor, and symbolism. The poem's structure and form add to its emotional impact, while its musical cadence creates a sense of melancholy introspection. Ultimately, the poem reveals the futility of individual striving in the face of the universe's infinite expanse, but it also suggests the possibility of transcendence and of finding meaning in the struggle itself.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Drop, that wrestles in the Sea by Emily Dickinson is a classic poem that has captured the hearts of many poetry enthusiasts over the years. This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style of writing, which is characterized by her use of unconventional punctuation, capitalization, and syntax. In this article, we will take a closer look at The Drop, that wrestles in the Sea and analyze its meaning and significance.

The poem begins with the line, "The Drop, that wrestles in the Sea -" which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "wrestles" suggests a struggle or conflict, which is a recurring theme in Dickinson's poetry. The drop is personified as a wrestler, fighting against the vastness of the sea. This imagery is powerful and evocative, as it highlights the struggle of the individual against the forces of nature.

The second line of the poem reads, "Forgets her own locality -" which is an interesting choice of words. The drop is described as forgetting its own locality, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for losing one's sense of self or identity. This could be seen as a commentary on the human condition, where individuals often struggle to find their place in the world and may feel lost or disconnected from their surroundings.

The third line of the poem reads, "As I, in Thee - forget the Sea -" which is a direct comparison between the drop and the speaker. The use of the word "Thee" suggests that the speaker is addressing a higher power or deity, which adds a spiritual dimension to the poem. The speaker is also described as forgetting the sea, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for forgetting the troubles and worries of the world and focusing on a higher purpose or goal.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "Nay, remind thee - lest thyself forget -" which is a call to action for the higher power or deity. The speaker is urging the higher power to remind them of their purpose and to prevent them from losing sight of their goals. This line could be interpreted as a plea for guidance and direction, which is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry.

The fifth and final line of the poem reads, "lest thou - forbiddest me -" which is a powerful conclusion to the poem. The use of the word "forbiddest" suggests a sense of control or power, which is often associated with higher powers or deities. The speaker is acknowledging that they are at the mercy of the higher power and that their fate is in their hands.

Overall, The Drop, that wrestles in the Sea is a powerful and evocative poem that explores themes of struggle, identity, spirituality, and guidance. Dickinson's use of unconventional punctuation, capitalization, and syntax adds to the uniqueness of the poem and highlights her distinctive style of writing. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's talent as a poet and her ability to capture the complexities of the human experience in a few short lines.

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