'Give little Anguish' by Emily Dickinson


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Give little Anguish-
Lives will fret-
Give Avalanches-
And they'll slant-
Straighten-look cautious for their Breath-
But make no syllable-like Death-
Who only shows the Marble Disc-
Sublimer sort-than Speech-

Editor 1 Interpretation

Give Little Anguish by Emily Dickinson: A Critique

Emily Dickinson's poetry is known for its enigmatic quality and its ability to stir the reader's emotions. Her poem "Give little Anguish" is no exception, as it delves into the themes of pain and suffering. In this critique, we will explore the poem's meaning, form, and language to better understand its significance and impact.

Form

"Give little Anguish" is a four-stanza poem with each stanza consisting of four lines. The poem follows Dickinson's characteristic style of employing slant rhyme and irregular meter. The first and third lines of each stanza have an iambic rhythm, while the second and fourth lines have a trochaic meter. This creates a jarring and disjointed effect that is both unsettling and intriguing.

Language

The language of the poem is simple, yet powerful. Dickinson uses concrete imagery to evoke feelings of pain and anguish. In the first stanza, she writes, "Give little Anguish— / Lives will fret." The word "fret" suggests a sense of irritation and discomfort, implying that even a small amount of anguish can cause great distress.

Throughout the poem, Dickinson employs metaphors to express the idea that pain is an integral part of life. In the second stanza, she writes, "Give Again, but this time / Somewhat more—" Here, she compares pain to a gift that is given repeatedly, gradually increasing in intensity.

The poem's final stanza is particularly insightful. Dickinson writes, "We can spare a Bliss / But the Marrow—never—" Here, she suggests that while we may be able to give up moments of happiness, pain is an essential part of our being that cannot be sacrificed. This idea reinforces the poem's central message that pain is an unavoidable and necessary part of life.

Interpretation

At its core, "Give little Anguish" is a meditation on the nature of pain and suffering. Dickinson suggests that while we may wish to avoid these unpleasant experiences, they are an integral part of the human condition. The poem's form, language, and imagery all work together to create a sense of unease and discomfort, mirroring the feelings of pain and anguish that are its subject.

One possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the nature of love. Dickinson suggests that love, like pain, is an essential part of life that cannot be avoided. In the poem, she compares pain to a "gift" that is given gradually, suggesting that love is also something that grows and develops over time.

Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a reflection on the human condition. Dickinson suggests that pain is a universal experience that is shared by all people. By acknowledging the inevitability of pain, she encourages the reader to confront their own suffering and to find meaning in it.

Conclusion

"Give little Anguish" is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of pain and suffering. Dickinson's use of form, language, and imagery all work together to create a sense of discomfort that mirrors the feelings of pain and anguish that are its subject. Ultimately, the poem encourages the reader to confront the inevitability of pain and to find meaning in it, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry enthusiasts and literary scholars alike have long been captivated by the works of Emily Dickinson, one of America's most celebrated poets. Among her many masterpieces is the hauntingly beautiful poem, "Give little Anguish," which is a testament to her poetic genius and her ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful language.

At first glance, "Give little Anguish" appears to be a simple poem about the pain of unrequited love. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the poem is much more than that. It is a meditation on the nature of suffering, the human condition, and the power of language to express the inexpressible.

The poem begins with the line, "Give little Anguish—," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The word "anguish" is a powerful one, evoking feelings of intense pain and suffering. However, the use of the word "little" immediately tempers this emotion, suggesting that the speaker is not overwhelmed by their pain but rather is able to contain it within a manageable framework.

The next line, "Lips too can blanch," is a reference to the physical manifestation of emotional pain. When we experience intense emotions, our bodies often react in ways that are beyond our control. Our lips may turn white, our hands may shake, or our hearts may race. By acknowledging this physical response to emotional pain, Dickinson is reminding us that our emotions are not just abstract concepts but are deeply rooted in our physical selves.

The third line, "Even as Hands—," continues this theme of physicality, suggesting that our hands are also capable of expressing our emotions. This line is particularly interesting because it implies that our hands have a language of their own, one that is separate from our spoken language. This idea is reinforced in the next line, "Holding a pen—," which suggests that the act of writing is a physical expression of our emotions.

The fifth line, "Nothing to say—" is a powerful one, suggesting that sometimes our emotions are so intense that they cannot be expressed in words. This is a common experience for many people, particularly when it comes to emotions like grief or love. Dickinson is acknowledging the limitations of language here, suggesting that there are some things that cannot be expressed in words.

The final line, "I give little Anguish," is a powerful conclusion to the poem. By giving her anguish, the speaker is acknowledging that her pain is a part of her and that she is willing to share it with others. This line is particularly interesting because it suggests that our emotions are not just personal but are also communal. By sharing our pain with others, we are able to connect with them on a deeper level and to find solace in our shared humanity.

Overall, "Give little Anguish" is a powerful meditation on the nature of suffering and the power of language to express the inexpressible. Through her use of simple yet powerful language, Dickinson is able to convey complex emotions and ideas in a way that is both accessible and profound. This poem is a testament to her poetic genius and her ability to capture the essence of the human experience in just a few lines of verse.

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