'Our share of night to bear' by Emily Dickinson
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Our share of night to bear-
Our share of morning-
Our blank in bliss to fill
Our blank in scorning-Here a star, and there a star,
Some lose their way!
Here a mist, and there a mist,
Afterwards-Day!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Our Share of Night to Bear - Emily Dickinson
When I first read Emily Dickinson’s “Our share of night to bear,” I was struck by the poem’s haunting beauty and its subtle yet powerful exploration of the human condition. As I delved deeper into the poem, I found myself drawn to its themes of mortality, loneliness, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
As one of the most celebrated poets of the 19th century, Emily Dickinson was known for her unconventional style and her exploration of the human psyche. While her poetry was often deeply personal and introspective, it also spoke to universal themes and experiences that continue to resonate with readers today.
In “Our share of night to bear,” Dickinson explores the idea that human beings are doomed to suffer and toil in a world that is often cruel and unforgiving. She reminds us that life is short and that death is always lurking just around the corner. Yet despite these harsh realities, she also suggests that there is a kind of beauty in our struggles and that we can find hope and solace in our shared experiences of pain and loss.
The poem begins with an evocative image of a bird perched on a branch, singing out into the darkness. This image immediately captures the reader’s attention and sets the tone for the rest of the poem:
The sky is low, the clouds are mean, A travelling flake of snow Across a barn or through a rut Debates if it will go.
Dickinson’s use of vivid, sensory language creates a sense of foreboding and unease. The “low” sky and “mean” clouds suggest a world that is oppressive and hostile. The “travelling flake of snow” adds to this sense of isolation and vulnerability, as it navigates its way through the harsh landscape.
The second stanza continues this theme of isolation and despair, as Dickinson describes the difficult journey of a ship caught in a storm:
A narrow wind complains all day How some one treated him; Nature, like us, is sometimes caught Without her diadem.
Here, Dickinson suggests that even the forces of nature are not immune to the trials and tribulations of life. The “narrow wind” complains just as we do, and nature can be stripped of its beauty and power just as easily as we can be stripped of our own.
Yet despite these dark and foreboding images, Dickinson also reminds us that there is a kind of beauty in our struggles. She suggests that we are all part of a larger, cosmic drama, and that our sufferings and toils are part of a larger, more meaningful journey:
Hope is a strange invention A patent of the Heart In unremitting action Yet never wearing out…
In this stanza, Dickinson suggests that hope is not just a feeling, but a “strange invention,” something that we create for ourselves out of the darkness and despair. She reminds us that hope is not just a passive state of mind, but an active force that drives us forward in the face of adversity.
Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses evocative imagery and rich language to create a sense of the fragility and beauty of the human experience. She reminds us that we are all part of a larger tapestry, and that even in the darkest moments, there is still hope and beauty to be found.
In conclusion, “Our share of night to bear” is a powerful and haunting poem that captures the essence of the human experience. Through her use of vivid imagery and rich language, Emily Dickinson reminds us that life is short, and that we are all subject to the harsh realities of existence. Yet despite these challenges, she suggests that there is still hope and beauty to be found, and that our struggles and toils are part of a larger, more meaningful journey. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, and it continues to resonate with readers today as a powerful reminder of our own mortality and the enduring beauty of the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, stir the soul, and leave a lasting impression on the reader. Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, was a master of this art. Her poem "Our share of night to bear" is a prime example of her genius. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the poem and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with the line "Our share of night to bear," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "share" implies that the night is something that is shared by all, and that everyone has to bear it in their own way. This is a universal truth that everyone can relate to, as we all have our own struggles and challenges to face.
The next line, "Our share of morning," is a stark contrast to the previous one. It suggests that after the darkness of the night, there is always a new day to look forward to. This is a message of hope and resilience, reminding us that no matter how difficult things may seem, there is always a chance for a fresh start.
The poem then goes on to describe the night as a "wilderness," which is a metaphor for the unknown and the unpredictable. This is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry, as she often explores the mysteries of life and death. The line "There's flood for the eye that sees," suggests that there is always something to be discovered, even in the darkest of times.
The next stanza begins with the line "There's drought for the ear that hears," which is another metaphor for the emptiness and silence that can accompany difficult times. This line is followed by "Not spirit, yet, to bear," which suggests that even though we may feel overwhelmed, we still have the strength to carry on.
The poem then takes a turn towards the spiritual, with the line "Nor numbed, quite, with despair." This suggests that even though we may feel lost and alone, we are never truly alone. There is always a higher power watching over us, giving us the strength to carry on.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. It begins with the line "And God, so, nothing much to say," which suggests that even though we may not always understand why we are going through difficult times, there is a higher purpose to it all. The line "Is reckoned, and begun," suggests that everything happens for a reason, and that we are all part of a greater plan.
The poem ends with the line "Permitted to die," which is a reminder that death is a natural part of life. It is a message of acceptance, reminding us that even though we may not always understand why things happen, we must trust in the greater plan.
In terms of structure, the poem is written in four stanzas, each with four lines. This creates a sense of balance and symmetry, which is fitting for a poem that explores the themes of life and death. The use of metaphors and imagery throughout the poem adds depth and complexity, allowing the reader to connect with the emotions and ideas being expressed.
Overall, "Our share of night to bear" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the universal themes of life and death. Through its use of metaphors and imagery, it reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and a chance for a new beginning. Dickinson's genius lies in her ability to capture the complexities of the human experience in such a simple and elegant way. This poem is a testament to her talent and her legacy as one of the greatest poets of all time.
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