'If this is "fading"' by Emily Dickinson
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If this is "fading"
Oh let me immediately "fade"!
If this is "dying"
Bury me, in such a shroud of red!
If this is "sleep,"
On such a night
How proud to shut the eye!
Good Evening, gentle Fellow men!
Editor 1 Interpretation
If this is "fading" by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson was a prolific American poet known for her unique style of writing. Her works are characterized by her use of dashes, unconventional capitalization, and her tendency to use slant rhymes. In her poem "If this is 'fading'," Dickinson explores the idea of loss and the inevitability of change.
Analysis
The poem opens with the line "If this is 'fading'." The use of quotation marks around the word "fading" suggests that the speaker is questioning the very idea of fading. The poem then continues with a series of questions, each one exploring the concept of loss in a different way.
The first stanza asks, "What then is this - / The fulness of the days?" Here, the speaker is questioning what it means for something to be "full." Is it a measure of quantity, or is it something more intangible? The use of the word "days" suggests that the speaker is referring to time, and questioning what it means for time to be "full."
The second stanza continues this theme, asking, "What then is this - / The interval between?" Here, the speaker is questioning the very nature of time. Is time something that can be measured in discrete intervals, or is it more fluid than that? The use of the word "interval" suggests that the speaker is thinking about time in terms of musical notation, where intervals are the spaces between notes.
The third stanza shifts the focus from time to memory. The speaker asks, "What then is this - / This incoherent thing?" Here, the speaker is questioning the nature of memory. Is memory something that can be easily grasped and understood, or is it something more elusive? The use of the word "incoherent" suggests that the speaker is struggling to make sense of their memories.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle, returning to the idea of fading. The speaker asks, "If this is 'fading' / Oh let me immediately / Be 'fairest'!" Here, the speaker is expressing a desire to hold onto their memories and their sense of self, even as they face the inevitability of change. The use of the word "fairest" suggests that the speaker sees beauty in the very act of holding onto what is slipping away.
Interpretation
"If this is 'fading'" is a poem that explores the nature of loss and the inevitability of change. The use of questioning throughout the poem suggests that the speaker is grappling with these ideas, trying to make sense of what it means to lose something or someone.
The focus on time in the first two stanzas suggests that the speaker is thinking about the passing of time and how it affects our perception of the world. The use of musical notation in the second stanza suggests that the speaker sees time as something that is fluid and constantly flowing, rather than something that can be easily measured.
The shift to memory in the third stanza suggests that the speaker is thinking about the ways in which our memories shape our understanding of the world. The use of the word "incoherent" suggests that the speaker is struggling to make sense of their memories, perhaps because they are slipping away.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle, returning to the idea of fading. The speaker's desire to be "fairest" suggests that they see beauty in the act of holding onto what is slipping away. This suggests that the speaker is not necessarily afraid of change, but rather sees it as an opportunity to find beauty in the world.
Overall, "If this is 'fading'" is a thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of loss and the inevitability of change. The use of questioning throughout the poem suggests that the speaker is grappling with these ideas, trying to make sense of what it means to lose something or someone. The final stanza brings the poem full circle, suggesting that even in the face of change, there is beauty to be found.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
If This is "Fading": A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Classic Poetry
Emily Dickinson is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets of all time, and for good reason. Her works are known for their depth, complexity, and emotional resonance. One of her most famous poems, "If This is 'Fading'," is a perfect example of her unique style and ability to capture the essence of the human experience.
At first glance, "If This is 'Fading'" appears to be a simple poem about the passing of time and the inevitability of change. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that there is much more going on beneath the surface.
The poem begins with the line "If this is 'fading'," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "if" suggests uncertainty, as if the speaker is not entirely sure whether what they are experiencing is actually fading or not. This ambiguity is reinforced by the use of quotation marks around the word "fading," which implies that the speaker is questioning the very concept of fading itself.
The next line, "I shall not pity the dull one," is equally enigmatic. Who is the "dull one," and why should the speaker not pity them? It is possible that the "dull one" represents the speaker themselves, and that they are trying to convince themselves not to feel sorry for their own fading. Alternatively, the "dull one" could be anyone who is experiencing fading in some way, whether it be the fading of a relationship, a memory, or even life itself.
The third line, "Then I shall not miss thee," is perhaps the most poignant in the entire poem. The use of the archaic "thee" instead of "you" adds a sense of timelessness and universality to the statement. The speaker is saying that if something is truly fading away, then they will not miss it. This could be interpreted as a form of acceptance or even liberation, as the speaker is freeing themselves from the pain of holding onto something that is no longer there.
The final line, "I shall not mind the sorrows," is a powerful declaration of strength and resilience. The speaker is saying that even in the face of sorrow and loss, they will not be defeated. This line is particularly significant when viewed in the context of Dickinson's life, as she experienced a great deal of personal tragedy and loss throughout her lifetime.
Overall, "If This is 'Fading'" is a deeply introspective and thought-provoking poem that speaks to the universal human experience of change and loss. Dickinson's use of ambiguity and symbolism adds layers of meaning to the piece, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "If This is 'Fading'" is a masterpiece of poetry that deserves to be studied and appreciated by anyone who is interested in the human condition. Its themes of acceptance, resilience, and the inevitability of change are as relevant today as they were when the poem was first written. Whether you are a seasoned poetry lover or a newcomer to the genre, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.
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