'I Came to buy a smile-today' by Emily Dickinson
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I Came to buy a smile-today-
But just a single smile-
The smallest one upon your face
Will suit me just as well-
The one that no one else would miss
It shone so very small-
I'm pleading at the "counter"-sir-
Could you afford to sell-
I've
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Smile That Emily Bought: A Literary Criticism of "I Came to Buy a Smile"
Introduction
The works of Emily Dickinson are known for their complex themes and innovative use of language, often exploring the human psyche and the human experience. In "I Came to Buy a Smile," Dickinson employs characteristic imagery, syntax, and rhyme to present a poignant meditation on the nature of happiness and its relationship to the human condition. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this poem, exploring its themes and devices in depth.
Analysis
At first glance, "I Came to Buy a Smile" appears to be a whimsical and light-hearted poem, with its opening lines:
I came to buy a smile today,
But just a single smile;
The smallest upon your face will fit me just as well,
The one that shuts the light off in your eyes.
These lines evoke a sense of playfulness and lightness, as the speaker seeks out a smile to brighten their day. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the speaker's search for a smile is not simply a frivolous quest. Rather, it is an exploration of the deeper meaning of happiness and its relationship to the human soul.
Through her use of metaphor and imagery, Dickinson presents happiness as a sort of light that illuminates the human soul, as seen in the lines:
The smallest upon your face will fit me just as well,
The one that shuts the light off in your eyes.
Here, the smile is portrayed as a light that can either brighten or darken the human essence, depending on its nature. This imagery is further developed throughout the poem, as the speaker encounters various smiles of differing qualities:
I saw a smile go round the room,
Like a day's sweet butter,
Or like a child's sweet “thank you,”
Quick to utter.
In these lines, Dickinson uses simile to compare various types of smiles to sweet and innocent things, such as butter and a child's thank-you. By doing so, she imbues these smiles with a sense of purity and simplicity, suggesting that true happiness is found in the small and unassuming things in life.
However, not all of the smiles that the speaker encounters are so innocent and pure. In the lines:
I saw a clown grin fast
And chase himself around,
And then I heard him laugh aloud
And watched the merry sound.
Dickinson portrays a smile that is more akin to a mask, hiding the true feelings of the person beneath it. The clown's grin is not a genuine expression of happiness, but rather a performance meant to entertain others. This type of smile, according to Dickinson, is not true happiness, but rather a form of deception.
Ultimately, the poem concludes with the speaker leaving without having found the perfect smile:
But I did not find
A smile to fit the small one
That dwells inside my mind.
This final line is the crux of the poem, for it suggests that true happiness cannot be found in the external world, but rather must come from within. The smile that the speaker seeks is not something that can be bought or found in others, but rather must be cultivated within the self.
Interpretation
The themes explored in "I Came to Buy a Smile" are universal and timeless, for they speak to the human experience of seeking happiness and meaning in life. The poem presents a nuanced understanding of happiness, suggesting that it is not simply a matter of external circumstances, but rather an internal state of being. By using metaphor and imagery, Dickinson explores the nature of happiness and its relationship to the human soul, presenting a profound meditation on the human condition.
One interpretation of the poem is that it is a critique of consumer culture and the belief that happiness can be bought or sold. The speaker's quest for a smile can be seen as a metaphor for the modern obsession with material possessions and instant gratification. By showing that true happiness cannot be found in external objects, but rather must come from within, Dickinson critiques the ideology of consumerism and suggests that true happiness lies in the simple things in life.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the human condition and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. The smile that the speaker seeks can be seen as a metaphor for the search for meaning and fulfillment. By showing that true happiness cannot be found in the external world, but rather must come from within, Dickinson suggests that the answers to life's existential questions cannot be found in the material world, but rather must be sought within the self.
Conclusion
"I Came to Buy a Smile" is a masterful work of poetry that explores the nature of happiness and its relationship to the human condition. Through her use of metaphor and imagery, Dickinson presents a nuanced understanding of happiness, suggesting that it is not simply a matter of external circumstances, but rather an internal state of being. The poem is a poignant meditation on the human experience of seeking happiness and meaning in life, and it speaks to the universal human condition of striving for fulfillment and purpose.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Unpacking Emily Dickinson's "I Came to Buy a Smile-Today"
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, known for her unique style and unconventional approach to poetry. Her poem "I Came to Buy a Smile-Today" is a perfect example of her style, with its simple yet profound message that resonates with readers even today. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and explore its meaning and significance.
The Poem
I came to buy a smile - today - But just a single smile - The smallest one upon your face Will suit me just as well -
The one that no one else would miss It shone so very small - I'm pleading at the "counter" - sir - Could you afford to sell -
I've Diamonds - on my fingers - You know what Diamonds are? I've Rubies - like the Evening Blood - And Topaz - like the star!
'Twould be "too large" for Diminutive With such a fee - I could afford - a smile - or two - I'm sure - I never - knew
How much a Smile - a Diamond - Weighs - So - I began to ask - As one by one - were proved - of more Than "Twelve - Oclock" - at last -
A "Diamond" - weighs one - "carat" - And every other - pound - But "little" - Sir - is "less" - than "Nothing" - And "Nothing" - weighs - a "Ton"!
Analysis
At first glance, "I Came to Buy a Smile-Today" appears to be a simple poem about a person looking to buy a smile. However, upon closer examination, the poem reveals a deeper meaning that speaks to the human condition.
The speaker in the poem is looking for a smile, but not just any smile. They want the smallest smile on the person's face, the one that no one else would notice. This suggests that the speaker is not looking for a grand gesture or a show of emotion. Instead, they are looking for something small and genuine, something that comes from the heart.
The speaker then goes on to offer the shopkeeper diamonds and rubies, suggesting that they are willing to pay for this small gesture. However, the shopkeeper cannot sell them a smile, as it is not something that can be bought or sold. This is where the poem takes a turn, as the speaker begins to question the value of a smile.
The speaker asks how much a smile weighs, comparing it to diamonds and other precious stones. This is a clever metaphor, as it suggests that a smile is just as valuable as any material possession. However, the speaker then realizes that a smile cannot be weighed or measured, as it is something intangible.
The final lines of the poem are particularly powerful, as the speaker suggests that "nothing" weighs a ton. This is a profound statement, as it suggests that the things we cannot see or touch are often the most valuable. A smile may seem small and insignificant, but it can have a profound impact on someone's life.
Significance
"I Came to Buy a Smile-Today" is a timeless poem that speaks to the human condition. It reminds us that the things we cannot see or touch are often the most valuable, and that a small gesture of kindness can have a profound impact on someone's life.
The poem is also a commentary on the value of material possessions. The speaker offers diamonds and rubies, but realizes that they cannot buy the one thing they truly want. This suggests that material possessions are not the key to happiness, and that true happiness comes from within.
Finally, the poem is a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of a smile. A smile may seem small and insignificant, but it can brighten someone's day and make a world of difference. In a world that can often be dark and difficult, a smile is a beacon of hope and positivity.
Conclusion
"I Came to Buy a Smile-Today" is a classic poem that speaks to the human condition. It reminds us of the value of small gestures of kindness, the limitations of material possessions, and the power of a smile. Emily Dickinson's unique style and unconventional approach to poetry make this poem a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today.
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