'Had I presumed to hope' by Emily Dickinson
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Had I presumed to hope-
The loss had been to Me
A Value-for the Greatness' Sake-
As Giants-gone away-Had I presumed to gain
A Favor so remote-
The failure but confirm the Grace
In further Infinite-'Tis failure-not of Hope-
But Confident Despair-
Advancing on Celestial Lists-
With faint-Terrestial power-'Tis Honor-though I die-
For That no Man obtain
Till He be justified by Death-
This-is the Second Gain-
Editor 1 Interpretation
Had I Presumed to Hope: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Emily Dickinson is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential voices in American poetry. Her unique style and thematic concerns have fascinated readers and critics alike for over a century. Among her most famous poems is "Had I Presumed to Hope," which explores themes of love, longing, and mortality. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem.
The Poem
Had I presumed to hope—
The loss had been to Me
A Value—for the Greatness’ Sake—
As Giants—gone away—
Had I presumed to gain—
A Favor so remote—
The failure but confirm the Grace
In further Infinite—
'Tis failure—not success—
That crowns the enterprise—
And he attains the summit first
Who—fails—and—then—succeeds—
Analysis
The poem begins with the speaker expressing a sense of regret for having "presumed to hope." The loss, the speaker suggests, would have been too great to bear. This loss is not specified, but the suggestion is that it has something to do with love or a romantic relationship. The use of the word "presumed" suggests that the speaker had no right to hope in the first place, perhaps because the object of her affection was unattainable or belonged to someone else.
The second stanza expands on this idea, suggesting that the failure to gain what was hoped for would have had value in and of itself. The speaker compares this failure to the loss of giants, implying that it is a great and noble thing to have hoped for something so distant and unattainable.
The final stanza turns the idea of failure on its head. The speaker suggests that it is not success that is important, but failure. It is only through failure that one can truly achieve greatness. The image of "attaining the summit" suggests a mountain-climbing metaphor, where the true achievement lies not in reaching the top, but in the journey itself.
Interpretation
"Had I Presumed to Hope" is a deeply personal poem that explores themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in life. The speaker's sense of regret and loss suggests that she has experienced a great disappointment in love. The use of the word "presumed" implies that she had no right to hope in the first place, perhaps because the object of her affection was married or otherwise unavailable.
The second stanza suggests that the failure to gain what was hoped for would have had value in and of itself. The speaker compares this failure to the loss of giants, suggesting that it is a great and noble thing to have hoped for something so distant and unattainable. This may suggest that the speaker feels that her own hopes and dreams are similarly lofty and unattainable.
The final stanza turns the idea of failure on its head. The speaker suggests that it is not success that is important, but failure. It is only through failure that one can truly achieve greatness. This may suggest that the speaker has come to accept her disappointment in love as a necessary step on the path to achieving greatness.
Overall, "Had I Presumed to Hope" is a powerful meditation on the nature of hope, loss, and the search for meaning in life. The poem's central message, that failure is necessary for greatness, is a deeply resonant one that speaks to the human experience on a universal level.
Conclusion
"Had I Presumed to Hope" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers and critics today. Its themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in life are timeless and universal, and its message that failure is necessary for greatness is a powerful one that speaks to the human experience on a deep and profound level. Emily Dickinson's unique style and voice continue to inspire and captivate readers, making her one of the most important voices in American poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to move and inspire people. It can evoke emotions, stir the imagination, and challenge our perceptions of the world. Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned poets of the 19th century, was a master of this art form. Her poem "Had I presumed to hope" is a perfect example of her ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful language.
The poem begins with the line "Had I presumed to hope," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is acknowledging that they have dared to hope for something, but they are also aware that this hope may not be fulfilled. This sense of uncertainty is a recurring theme throughout the poem, as the speaker grapples with their own desires and fears.
The second line of the poem, "The loss had been to me," is a powerful statement that highlights the speaker's vulnerability. They are admitting that they have already experienced a loss, and that this loss has affected them deeply. This loss could be anything - a failed relationship, a missed opportunity, or even the death of a loved one. Whatever it is, the speaker is acknowledging that it has had a profound impact on their life.
The third line of the poem, "The gain was but myself," is a turning point in the piece. The speaker is acknowledging that even though they have experienced a loss, they have also gained something - themselves. This line is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, we still have ourselves, and that is something to be grateful for.
The fourth line of the poem, "I left myself - was lost," is a poignant statement that speaks to the speaker's sense of identity. They are acknowledging that they have lost themselves in the pursuit of their hopes and dreams. This is a common experience for many people, as we often become so focused on achieving our goals that we forget who we are in the process.
The fifth line of the poem, "Till further on I cast my sight," is a hopeful statement that suggests that the speaker is beginning to see a way forward. They are looking ahead, rather than dwelling on the past, and this is a positive step towards healing and growth.
The sixth line of the poem, "The horizon seemed a bright," is a beautiful image that evokes a sense of hope and possibility. The horizon is often used as a metaphor for the future, and in this case, it represents the speaker's newfound sense of optimism.
The seventh line of the poem, "And all I had was gone," is a reminder that even though the speaker has gained a sense of hope, they have also lost something. This line is a testament to the complexity of human emotions, as we often experience conflicting feelings at the same time.
The eighth line of the poem, "How instantaneous it was," is a powerful statement that speaks to the suddenness of change. The speaker is acknowledging that their perspective has shifted in an instant, and this is a reminder that we are capable of changing our outlook on life at any moment.
The ninth line of the poem, "The peril as a breeze," is a metaphor that suggests that the speaker's sense of loss and uncertainty is no longer as overwhelming as it once was. It has become more manageable, like a gentle breeze.
The final line of the poem, "I only felt the glory," is a triumphant statement that speaks to the speaker's newfound sense of joy and fulfillment. They have overcome their sense of loss and uncertainty, and are now able to appreciate the beauty and wonder of life.
In conclusion, "Had I presumed to hope" is a powerful poem that speaks to the complexity of human emotions. Emily Dickinson's use of simple yet evocative language allows the reader to connect with the speaker's journey, and to feel a sense of empathy and understanding. The poem is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, and that we are capable of overcoming our fears and doubts.
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