'If What we could-were what we would' by Emily Dickinson
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If What we could-were what we would-
Criterion-be small-
It is the Ultimate of Talk-
The Impotence to Tell-
Editor 1 Interpretation
If What we could-were what we would: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Emily Dickinson, one of the greatest poets of all time, was known for her unique style and unconventional themes. Her poem "If What we could-were what we would" is no exception. It's a short, simple poem that packs a powerful punch. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, motifs, and literary devices used in the poem and examine its overall message.
The Poem
"If What we could-were what we would" by Emily Dickinson is a four-stanza poem, each consisting of two lines. The poem reads:
If What we could
Were what we would
The brevity of the poem is striking. Despite its short length, however, the poem is rich in meaning and depth.
Themes and Motifs
One of the central themes of the poem is the idea of potential. The poem suggests that if we were able to be what we wanted to be, then our true potential would be realized. The poem also touches on the concept of identity and how we are often limited by societal expectations and norms. By suggesting that "what we could" and "what we would" are not always the same thing, the poem speaks to the idea of the self as something that is constantly evolving and changing.
Another important motif in the poem is the use of conditional language. The word "if" appears at the beginning of each line, emphasizing the idea of possibility and potential. The conditional language also highlights the uncertainty and unpredictability of life.
Literary Devices
Dickinson employs several literary devices in the poem to create its unique tone and meaning. One of the most notable devices is the use of repetition. The phrase "what we could" is repeated in each stanza, creating a sense of unity and continuity throughout the poem. The repetition also emphasizes the idea of potential and the importance of realizing it.
The poem also uses enjambment, where the end of one line runs into the beginning of the next. This creates a sense of flow and movement throughout the poem. The lack of punctuation further emphasizes the idea of continuity and fluidity.
Interpretation
The poem "If What we could-were what we would" can be interpreted in many ways. Some might see it as a call to action, encouraging readers to pursue their dreams and realize their potential. Others might see it as a commentary on societal expectations and how they limit us. Whatever interpretation one chooses, it's clear that the poem is a powerful statement on the human condition and the importance of self-realization.
In my reading of the poem, I see it as a reminder that our potential is limitless. We should never let societal norms or expectations hold us back from being who we truly want to be. The poem encourages us to embrace our true selves and pursue our dreams, no matter how difficult or unconventional they may seem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "If What we could-were what we would" by Emily Dickinson is a powerful poem that speaks to the potential and self-realization of the human spirit. With its use of repetition, enjambment, and conditional language, the poem creates a sense of unity and continuity while emphasizing the importance of realizing our true potential. Ultimately, the poem is a call to action, encouraging us to embrace our true selves and pursue our dreams, no matter what obstacles we may face.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
If What we could-were what we would, a poem by Emily Dickinson, is a masterpiece of poetic expression that captures the essence of human desire and the power of imagination. This poem is a testament to the limitless potential of the human mind and the boundless possibilities of the human spirit. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used by Dickinson to convey her message.
The poem begins with the line, "If what we could-were what we would," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "if" suggests a hypothetical scenario, a world that does not exist but could exist if certain conditions were met. This line also introduces the theme of possibility, which is central to the poem.
The second line, "Criterion-be small," introduces the idea that the criteria for success or achievement in this hypothetical world would be small or insignificant. This suggests that the limitations that we face in our current reality are arbitrary and that we are capable of achieving much more than we think.
The third line, "The Universe-would-cease," is a powerful statement that suggests that if we were able to achieve our full potential, the universe would cease to exist as we know it. This line is a testament to the power of human imagination and the potential for human beings to create and shape the world around them.
The fourth line, "But to the fact of Size," introduces the idea that our current reality is limited by the fact of size, that we are constrained by the physical limitations of our bodies and the world around us. This line suggests that if we were able to transcend these limitations, we would be capable of achieving great things.
The fifth line, "Ascend-without-a-crew," is a powerful statement that suggests that we are capable of achieving great things on our own, without the help of others. This line is a testament to the power of individual achievement and the potential for human beings to achieve greatness on their own.
The sixth line, "Or Chartless-careless-sea," introduces the idea of the unknown, the uncharted territory that lies beyond our current reality. This line suggests that if we were able to explore this unknown territory, we would be capable of achieving great things.
The seventh line, "Evasive-let it be," introduces the idea of evasiveness, the idea that the unknown is elusive and difficult to grasp. This line suggests that the path to achieving greatness is not easy and that we must be willing to face challenges and obstacles in order to achieve our goals.
The eighth line, "Night-need not fear the Breeze," is a powerful statement that suggests that even in the darkness of night, we need not fear the unknown. This line is a testament to the power of human courage and the potential for human beings to overcome their fears and achieve greatness.
The ninth line, "The Stars-unhurt-by-Sea," introduces the idea that the stars, which are often associated with greatness and achievement, are unaffected by the sea, which is often associated with the unknown and the uncharted. This line suggests that if we were able to transcend our limitations and explore the unknown, we would be capable of achieving greatness.
The tenth line, "And Courage-in-His-Sail," is a powerful statement that suggests that courage is essential to achieving greatness. This line is a testament to the power of human courage and the potential for human beings to overcome their fears and achieve their goals.
The eleventh line, "Death-but-Heaven-for-the-Dead," introduces the idea that death is not something to be feared, but rather something to be embraced as a gateway to heaven. This line suggests that if we were able to transcend our limitations and achieve greatness, we would be rewarded in the afterlife.
The twelfth and final line, "For-the-Living-Death-is-not," is a powerful statement that suggests that death is not something that the living need to fear. This line is a testament to the power of human courage and the potential for human beings to overcome their fears and achieve greatness.
In terms of imagery, Dickinson uses a variety of powerful images to convey her message. The image of the universe ceasing to exist if we were able to achieve our full potential is particularly powerful, as it suggests that our potential is limitless and that we are capable of achieving great things if we are willing to push ourselves beyond our current limitations. The image of the stars being unaffected by the sea is also powerful, as it suggests that even in the face of the unknown, we can still achieve greatness if we are willing to be courageous and push ourselves beyond our current limitations.
In terms of language, Dickinson uses a variety of poetic devices to convey her message. The use of repetition, particularly in the repetition of the word "if," is particularly effective in conveying the theme of possibility. The use of metaphor, particularly in the metaphor of the stars being unaffected by the sea, is also effective in conveying the theme of transcendence.
Overall, If What we could-were what we would is a powerful and inspiring poem that captures the essence of human desire and the power of imagination. Through her use of imagery and language, Dickinson conveys a message of hope and possibility, suggesting that if we are willing to push ourselves beyond our current limitations, we are capable of achieving greatness. This poem is a testament to the power of human potential and the boundless possibilities of the human spirit.
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