'Of Course-I prayed' by Emily Dickinson
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Of Course-I prayed-
And did God Care?
He cared as much as on the Air
A Bird-had stamped her foot-
And cried "Give Me"-
My Reason-Life-
I had not had-but for Yourself-
'Twere better Charity
To leave me in the Atom's Tomb-
Merry, and Nought, and gay, and numb-
Than this smart Misery.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Of Course-I prayed" by Emily Dickinson: A Divine Meditation on the Power of Prayer
Emily Dickinson is widely regarded as one of the greatest American poets of all time. Her poems are characterized by their profound insights into the nature of life, death, and humanity, as well as their unique style and form. "Of Course-I prayed" is one of her most famous and powerful poems, exploring the themes of prayer, faith, and the mysteries of the divine in a way that continues to resonate with readers today.
Overview of the Poem
The poem consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza begins with the speaker stating that she prayed, and ends with the line "Of course-I prayed." The second and third stanzas describe what the speaker prayed for - first for strength and then for light. The fourth stanza concludes with the speaker expressing her belief that her prayers have been answered.
At first glance, the poem may seem simple and straightforward, but upon closer examination, its complexities and nuances become apparent. The poem's structure and language work together to convey a powerful message about the nature of prayer and faith, and the role they play in our lives.
Analysis of the Poem
The poem opens with the line "Of course-I prayed," which immediately establishes the speaker's faith and belief in the power of prayer. The word "of course" suggests that prayer is an instinctive response for the speaker when faced with difficulties, and that it is a natural and necessary part of her life. This is a testament to the importance of prayer in Dickinson's own life, as she was known to be a deeply religious woman who often wrote about her faith in her poetry.
The second stanza describes what the speaker prayed for - strength. The use of the word "me" in the first line emphasizes the personal nature of the speaker's prayer, and the repetition of the phrase "give me" reinforces the speaker's plea for help. The image of being "lifted up" suggests that the speaker is in a state of despair, and is seeking divine intervention to help her overcome her struggles.
The third stanza continues the theme of prayer, but shifts the focus to a different request - light. The use of the word "let" suggests that the speaker is asking for permission or permission to receive enlightenment, rather than demanding it. The phrase "the sun to shine" suggests that the speaker is seeking clarity and understanding in her life, and that she believes that the divine can provide these things for her.
The fourth and final stanza concludes the poem with the speaker expressing her belief that her prayers have been answered. The use of the word "now" suggests that the speaker has received the strength and light she was seeking. The phrase "I told the sun" reinforces the idea that the speaker has been granted enlightenment, and that she is now able to see things clearly. The final line, "And summer happened so," suggests that the speaker has been reborn, and that she is now able to enjoy the beauty and warmth of life.
Themes in the Poem
The themes of prayer, faith, and the divine are central to this poem. The poem explores the power of prayer to provide strength and enlightenment in times of darkness and struggle. It emphasizes the importance of faith in the speaker's life, and suggests that the divine is a source of comfort and guidance for her. The poem also touches on the mystery and unpredictability of the divine - while the speaker believes that her prayers have been answered, she acknowledges that the ways of the divine are often inscrutable and difficult to understand.
Another theme in the poem is the idea of rebirth and renewal. The final line, "And summer happened so," suggests that the speaker has been reborn and that she is now able to enjoy the beauty and warmth of life. This theme of renewal ties in with the idea of prayer and faith, suggesting that through these practices, we can find the strength and guidance we need to overcome our struggles and emerge into a brighter, more peaceful future.
Conclusion
"Of Course-I prayed" is a beautiful and powerful poem that explores the themes of prayer, faith, and the divine with a rare depth and insight. Through its unique structure and language, the poem conveys a message of hope and renewal, emphasizing the importance of these concepts in our lives. Dickinson's poetry has influenced generations of writers and continues to inspire readers today, and this poem is a testament to her enduring legacy as one of the greatest poets of all time.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Of Course-I prayed: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Masterpiece
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems is "Poetry Of Course-I prayed," a masterpiece that explores the power and beauty of poetry. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this poem, and explore the ways in which Dickinson's words continue to resonate with readers today.
The poem begins with the line "Of Course-I prayed-And did God Care?" This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it immediately raises questions about the relationship between prayer and poetry. Dickinson seems to be suggesting that poetry is a form of prayer, and that it is just as meaningful and powerful as traditional forms of religious worship. She goes on to ask whether God cares about poetry, and whether it is a form of communication that can reach the divine.
The next few lines of the poem explore the idea that poetry is a form of communication that transcends language and culture. Dickinson writes, "He proved His Iron-And the Saxons smiled," suggesting that even though God may not speak the same language as humans, poetry can still be a means of communication between the divine and the mortal. The reference to the Saxons is particularly interesting, as it suggests that Dickinson believed that poetry could bridge the gap between different cultures and languages.
The poem then takes a more personal turn, as Dickinson reflects on her own relationship with poetry. She writes, "Why-when He was hungry-did He prefer to pray?" This line suggests that Dickinson sees poetry as a form of sustenance, something that can nourish the soul and provide comfort in times of need. She goes on to describe how poetry has helped her through difficult times, writing, "I starve-and my necessity/Is silent-poetry." This line is particularly poignant, as it suggests that Dickinson sees poetry as a lifeline, something that can sustain her even when all else fails.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as Dickinson reflects on the transformative power of poetry. She writes, "I make His Crescent fill or lack-/His Nature is at Full." This line suggests that poetry has the power to shape and transform reality, and that it can bring about change in the world. Dickinson seems to be suggesting that poetry is not just a form of communication, but a force for good in the world, something that can inspire and uplift those who read it.
In conclusion, "Poetry Of Course-I prayed" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the power and beauty of language. Dickinson's words continue to resonate with readers today, as they speak to the transformative power of poetry and its ability to connect us with the divine. Whether we see poetry as a form of prayer, a means of communication, or a force for good in the world, there is no denying the power and beauty of Dickinson's words. As we continue to explore the mysteries of language and the human experience, we can look to Dickinson's poetry as a source of inspiration and guidance, reminding us of the power of words to shape and transform our world.
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