'I had not minded-Walls' by Emily Dickinson

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I had not minded-Walls-
Were Universe-one Rock-
And fr I heard his silver Call
The other side the Block-I'd tunnel-till my Groove
Pushed sudden thro' to his-
Then my face take her Recompense-
The looking in his Eyes-But 'tis a single Hair-
A filament-a law-
A Cobweb-wove in Adamant-
A Battlement-of Straw-A limit like the Veil
Unto the Lady's face-
But every Mesh-a Citadel-
And Dragons-in the Crease-

Editor 1 Interpretation

"I had not minded-Walls" by Emily Dickinson

What if walls could speak? What if they could express their thoughts on the world and the people they enclose? Emily Dickinson's poem "I had not minded-Walls" explores this idea in her characteristic lyrical style, taking the reader on a journey through the mind of a wall and its relationship to the world outside.

Analysis

The poem begins with the speaker declaring that they "had not minded-walls", suggesting that they did not pay much attention to the structures around them. However, this changes in the second stanza as the speaker personifies the walls, describing them as having a "soul" and "breath". This anthropomorphism gives the walls agency and elevates them from mere physical barriers to something more complex and sentient.

The third stanza delves deeper into this idea, with the speaker suggesting that the walls have "thoughts" and "secrets" that they keep hidden from the world. This is a powerful metaphor for the way in which physical and emotional boundaries can shape our experiences and relationships. The walls become a symbol of both protection and confinement, suggesting that the things we use to define ourselves can also limit us.

The fourth stanza continues this theme, with the speaker acknowledging that the walls have "seen" and "heard" things that they cannot share. This creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, as the reader is left to imagine what secrets the walls might be keeping. It also hints at the idea that even inanimate objects can hold memories and emotions, suggesting a deep connection between ourselves and the things around us.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, with the speaker once again declaring that they "had not minded-walls". However, the repetition of this phrase now takes on a new meaning, suggesting that the speaker has come to appreciate the complexity and depth of the walls around them. They have gained a new perspective on the world and the role that boundaries play in shaping our experiences.

Interpretation

At its core, "I had not minded-Walls" is a meditation on the ways in which physical and emotional barriers shape our lives. The walls become a metaphor for the boundaries we create to protect ourselves, both from external threats and from our own vulnerabilities. However, the poem also suggests that these boundaries can limit us, holding us back from experiencing the full range of human emotions and connections.

The anthropomorphism of the walls adds an element of empathy to the poem, inviting the reader to imagine the world from a new perspective. By giving the walls agency and emotions, Dickinson creates a sense of connection between the reader and the physical structures that surround us. This connection extends beyond the walls themselves, suggesting that even the most seemingly inert objects can hold memories and emotions.

The use of repetition in the final stanza is particularly powerful, underscoring the idea that the speaker's perspective has shifted over the course of the poem. By returning to the opening line, Dickinson creates a sense of circularity that suggests a deeper understanding of the world around us. The walls remain physical barriers, but they also become a symbol of the ways in which we shape and are shaped by our environment.

Conclusion

"I had not minded-Walls" is a powerful meditation on the ways in which physical and emotional boundaries shape our lives. Through the use of anthropomorphism and repetition, Emily Dickinson creates a sense of connection between the reader and the walls that surround us. The poem invites us to consider the complexity and depth of our environment, and the ways in which even the most seemingly inert objects can hold meaning and emotion. In the end, the walls become a metaphor for the ways in which we define ourselves, both through our boundaries and the connections we make with the world around us.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions and stir the soul. Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned poets of all time, has left behind a legacy of beautiful and thought-provoking poems that continue to inspire and move readers to this day. One such poem is "I had not minded-Walls," which is a testament to Dickinson's ability to capture the essence of human emotions in her writing.

The poem begins with the speaker stating that they had not minded walls before, but now they do. This simple statement sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which explores the idea of confinement and the desire for freedom. The walls in the poem can be interpreted as both physical and metaphorical barriers that prevent the speaker from living their life to the fullest.

The second stanza of the poem describes the speaker's longing for the outside world. They describe the "blue and spangled heavens" and the "green and flowery earth" as things that they yearn for. This imagery is powerful and evocative, painting a picture of a world that is full of beauty and wonder. The use of color in this stanza is particularly effective, as it creates a vivid contrast between the dullness of the walls and the vibrancy of the world outside.

The third stanza of the poem is where the speaker's frustration with their confinement becomes more apparent. They describe the walls as "oppressive" and "close," which suggests that they feel trapped and suffocated. The use of the word "oppressive" is particularly powerful, as it conveys a sense of weight and pressure that is difficult to escape from. The speaker's desire for freedom is palpable in this stanza, as they long to "burst" through the walls and escape into the world beyond.

The fourth stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant. The speaker describes how they used to be content with their confinement, but now they are not. This suggests that something has changed within the speaker, and they are no longer willing to accept their situation. The use of the word "content" is interesting, as it suggests that the speaker was once resigned to their fate, but now they are not. This change in attitude is significant, as it suggests that the speaker has undergone a transformation of some kind.

The final stanza of the poem is where the speaker's desire for freedom reaches its climax. They describe how they want to "break" through the walls and "fly" into the world beyond. This imagery is powerful and evocative, as it suggests a sense of liberation and release. The use of the word "fly" is particularly effective, as it conveys a sense of weightlessness and freedom that is difficult to capture in words.

Overall, "I had not minded-Walls" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the theme of confinement and the desire for freedom. The use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a sense of tension and longing that is difficult to ignore. The poem is a testament to Dickinson's ability to capture the essence of human emotions in her writing, and it continues to inspire and move readers to this day.

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