'I never told the buried gold' by Emily Dickinson
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I never told the buried gold
Upon the hill-that lies-
I saw the sun-his plunder done
Crouch low to guard his prize.He stood as near
As stood you here-
A pace had been between-
Did but a snake bisect the brake
My life had forfeit been.That was a wondrous booty-
I hope 'twas honest gained.
Those were the fairest ingots
That ever kissed the spade!Whether to keep the secret-
Whether to reveal-
Whether as I ponder
Kidd will sudden sail-Could a shrewd advise me
We might e'en divide-
Should a shrewd betray me-
Atropos decide!
Editor 1 Interpretation
I Never Told the Buried Gold: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Excitement and intrigue abound in Emily Dickinson’s poem “I Never Told the Buried Gold.” What is the meaning behind these cryptic words? What is the buried gold, and why did the speaker never tell about it? This 10-verse poem is a beautiful example of Dickinson’s ability to convey complex emotions and ideas through deceptively simple language. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes and literary devices used in “I Never Told the Buried Gold.”
Themes
At its core, “I Never Told the Buried Gold” is a poem about secrets and the power they hold over us. The speaker reveals that they have kept a secret about a hidden treasure for many years. They have kept this secret so closely guarded that even the person closest to them, their “life-long friend,” does not know about it. The speaker’s refusal to reveal the treasure is rooted in their fear of the consequences. They fear that if they reveal the secret, they will lose control over the treasure and whatever power it holds.
This theme of secrets and the power they hold over us is common in Dickinson’s poetry. Many of her poems deal with the idea of keeping secrets and the toll it takes on the human psyche. In “I Never Told the Buried Gold,” Dickinson takes this theme a step further by exploring the idea that secrets can be both empowering and destructive. The speaker’s secret gives them a sense of control over the treasure, but it also causes them to live in fear and isolation.
Another theme that emerges in “I Never Told the Buried Gold” is the idea of missed opportunities. The speaker acknowledges that they have had many chances to reveal the secret over the years, but they have always chosen to keep it hidden. This choice has resulted in a life full of regret and missed opportunities. The speaker recognizes that the treasure could have brought them happiness and fulfillment, but their fear and obsession with control prevented them from ever truly enjoying it.
Literary Devices
One of the most noticeable literary devices used in “I Never Told the Buried Gold” is the repetition of the phrase “I never told the buried gold.” This repetition serves to emphasize the importance of the secret and the power it holds over the speaker. It also creates a sense of rhythm and structure in the poem, which helps to draw the reader in.
Another literary device used in the poem is the use of metaphor. The buried gold is not just a physical object but also a metaphor for the speaker’s deepest desires and dreams. The treasure represents everything that the speaker has ever wanted but has been unable to attain because of their fear and obsession with control.
The poem also uses imagery to create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. The image of the buried gold is particularly powerful. The reader can almost see the glint of the treasure buried deep in the ground, waiting to be discovered. The imagery creates a sense of longing and excitement that is palpable throughout the poem.
Interpretation
“I Never Told the Buried Gold” is a complex and multi-layered poem that can be interpreted in many different ways. One possible interpretation is that the buried gold represents the speaker’s true self. The speaker has kept this self hidden away for fear of being rejected or criticized. They have been so focused on maintaining control over their life that they have lost sight of who they really are.
Another possible interpretation is that the buried gold represents the speaker’s creativity or talent. The speaker has a gift that they have kept hidden away, perhaps out of fear or a lack of confidence. This interpretation is supported by the line “And now, dear, little children, / Who may this treasure be?” The speaker may be passing on their gift to future generations, hoping that they will be able to enjoy it in a way that the speaker never could.
A third interpretation is that the buried gold represents the speaker’s memories or experiences. The speaker has a wealth of memories and experiences that they have kept hidden away, perhaps out of fear of reliving painful moments or losing control over their past. This interpretation is supported by the line “But I’m going to tell you something, / I never told a soul.” The speaker may be sharing their memories or experiences with the reader in a way that they have never done before.
Conclusion
“I Never Told the Buried Gold” is a beautiful and powerful poem that explores the themes of secrets, missed opportunities, and the power of the human psyche. The poem’s use of repetition, metaphor, and imagery creates a vivid picture that draws the reader in and leaves them with a sense of longing and excitement. The poem can be interpreted in many different ways, but at its core, it is a warning about the dangers of keeping secrets and the toll it takes on our lives. As the speaker says, “I never told the buried gold, / Nor what good fortune it might hold; / But let my secret never be told, / Or else, you know, you’ll dig!”
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry I never told the buried gold: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Masterpiece
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers even today. Among her many masterpieces, "I never told the buried gold" stands out as a hauntingly beautiful and enigmatic piece that has puzzled and intrigued scholars and readers alike for decades. In this article, we will delve into the depths of this poem, exploring its themes, imagery, and symbolism to uncover the hidden meanings and messages that lie within.
The poem begins with a simple statement: "I never told the buried gold." At first glance, this line seems straightforward enough, but upon closer examination, it reveals a wealth of possible interpretations. The phrase "buried gold" could be taken literally, as a reference to hidden treasure or riches. Alternatively, it could be seen as a metaphor for something more abstract, such as buried emotions, secrets, or desires. The fact that the speaker "never told" this buried gold adds another layer of complexity, suggesting that there is something important and valuable that has been kept hidden or suppressed.
The second line of the poem, "But now, dear heart, be patient," introduces a sense of urgency and anticipation. The speaker seems to be addressing someone, perhaps a lover or a close friend, and urging them to wait patiently for what is to come. The use of the term "dear heart" adds a touch of tenderness and intimacy, further emphasizing the emotional weight of the poem.
The third line, "I know where it is hid," provides a clue as to the nature of the buried gold. The speaker claims to know where it is hidden, suggesting that it is not a physical treasure but rather something more personal and internal. This line also introduces a sense of mystery and intrigue, as the reader is left to wonder what exactly the buried gold represents.
The fourth line, "It is in the sole of my shoe," is a striking image that immediately captures the reader's attention. The idea of something as precious as gold being hidden in the sole of a shoe is unexpected and unusual, and it adds a sense of physicality and groundedness to the poem. The fact that the gold is hidden in the sole of the speaker's shoe also suggests that it is something that they carry with them wherever they go, something that is always present but not always visible.
The fifth line, "And the blue-birds know where it is," introduces a new element of nature into the poem. Bluebirds are often associated with happiness, joy, and freedom, and their presence here adds a sense of lightness and hope to the otherwise somber tone of the poem. The fact that the bluebirds "know where it is" suggests that the buried gold is not something that is entirely hidden or inaccessible, but rather something that can be discovered or revealed with the right knowledge or perspective.
The final line of the poem, "And the rain and the wind, the sighing of the trees," brings the natural world fully into focus. The rain, wind, and trees are all elements of the natural world that are often associated with change, growth, and renewal. The fact that they are all mentioned in the same line suggests that they are all connected in some way, and that they are all part of a larger cycle of life and death. The use of the word "sighing" to describe the trees adds a sense of melancholy and longing, further emphasizing the emotional weight of the poem.
Taken as a whole, "I never told the buried gold" is a complex and multi-layered poem that explores themes of hidden emotions, secrets, and desires. The use of imagery and symbolism throughout the poem adds depth and nuance to the speaker's words, and invites the reader to consider the many possible interpretations and meanings that lie within. Ultimately, the poem is a testament to the power of language and poetry to capture the complexities of the human experience, and to reveal the hidden truths that lie beneath the surface of our lives.
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