'How many schemes may die' by Emily Dickinson
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How many schemes may die
In one short Afternoon
Entirely unknown
To those they most concern—
The man that was not lost
Because by accident
He varied by a Ribbon's width
From his accustomed route—
The Love that would not try
Because beside the Door
It must be competitions
Some unsuspecting Horse was tied
Surveying his Despair
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
"How many schemes may die" by Emily Dickinson
Have you ever felt like all your plans and dreams have been crushed? Like the world is conspiring against you and no matter how hard you try, things just don't work out? Well, if you have, then you are not alone. Emily Dickinson perfectly captures this feeling in her classic poem "How many schemes may die."
Background
Emily Dickinson is known for her unique style of writing, characterized by her use of short lines, unconventional punctuation, and imagery. She was a recluse who lived most of her life in Amherst, Massachusetts, and her poetry was not published until after her death. Dickinson's work explores themes such as death, nature, love, and spirituality.
"How many schemes may die" was written in 1863, during the American Civil War. Dickinson was known for her strong opposition to war, and this poem can be seen as a reflection of the turmoil and uncertainty of the time.
Analysis
The poem begins with the lines "How many schemes may die / In one short afternoon." Right from the start, Dickinson establishes a sense of urgency and a feeling of sudden loss. The word "schemes" suggests plans or ideas, and the fact that they can die in just one afternoon emphasizes their fragility and vulnerability.
The second stanza continues with the lines, "Whole heaps of thought may perish / In a single sigh." This line is particularly powerful because it suggests that even the most well thought out plans can be destroyed in an instant. The idea of a "single sigh" implies that the cause of the destruction may be something as simple as a change of heart or a shift in circumstances.
The third stanza of the poem is the most poignant. It reads, "And therefore how despairing / The soul that trusts a lie!" Here, Dickinson suggests that those who put their faith in these fleeting plans are doomed to disappointment and despair. The use of the word "lie" implies that the plans were never truly viable in the first place, and that the trust placed in them was misplaced.
The final stanza of the poem provides a glimmer of hope. Dickinson writes, "To feel if any human eye / Were looking, watching still." Here, she suggests that the presence of a supportive and empathetic friend or family member can provide comfort and reassurance in the face of disappointment. The use of the word "still" suggests steadfastness and endurance, which may be just what is needed to weather the storm of disappointment and loss.
Interpretation
At its core, "How many schemes may die" is a poem about the fragility of human plans and the unpredictable nature of life. Dickinson recognizes that life is full of disappointments and setbacks, but she also suggests that the support of others can help us to get through them.
The poem can also be seen as a reflection of Dickinson's own life. She was a reclusive figure who suffered from chronic illness and was often misunderstood by those around her. The idea of plans and dreams being destroyed in an instant may have resonated with her personal experience of disappointment and struggle.
Overall, "How many schemes may die" is a powerful poem that captures the essence of human vulnerability and the importance of connection and support. It is a reminder to us all that life is unpredictable, but that we can find comfort and strength in the presence of others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "How many schemes may die" is a poignant reflection on the fragility of human plans and the importance of support in times of disappointment and loss. The poem's use of language and imagery creates a sense of urgency and vulnerability, while also providing a glimmer of hope for those who may be struggling. Dickinson's unique style and perspective make this poem an enduring classic that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
How Many Schemes May Die: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. Among her many famous poems is "How Many Schemes May Die," a powerful and thought-provoking piece that explores the fleeting nature of human ambition and the inevitability of death. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem, examining its themes, structure, and language to gain a deeper understanding of Dickinson's unique poetic vision.
The poem begins with a simple yet profound question: "How many schemes may die?" This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, hinting at the transience and fragility of human plans and aspirations. Dickinson goes on to describe various scenarios in which these schemes might perish, from "the man who sails away" to "the girl who sat beside the door." Each of these characters represents a different aspect of human ambition, whether it be the desire for adventure, love, or success.
As the poem progresses, Dickinson's language becomes increasingly vivid and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. She describes the "fleeting breath" of the man who sails away, the "fading flowers" of the girl who sits by the door, and the "dying ember" of the man who seeks fame. These images are powerful and poignant, reminding us of the impermanence of all things and the futility of trying to hold onto them.
At the same time, however, Dickinson's poem is not entirely pessimistic. While she acknowledges the inevitability of death and the transience of human ambition, she also suggests that there is something enduring and meaningful in the very act of striving. She writes, "But when the dreamers die, / Some other dreamers do." This line suggests that even though individual schemes may perish, the human spirit of creativity and imagination endures, passing from one generation to the next.
This idea is further reinforced by the poem's structure, which is characterized by a series of short, staccato lines that build upon one another to create a sense of momentum and progression. Each line is like a small burst of energy, propelling the poem forward and building towards its final, climactic conclusion. This structure reflects the idea that even though individual schemes may die, the human spirit of creativity and imagination endures, passing from one generation to the next.
In addition to its themes and structure, "How Many Schemes May Die" is also notable for its use of language and imagery. Dickinson's language is spare and economical, yet rich in meaning and suggestion. She uses metaphors and similes to create vivid and evocative images, such as the "fleeting breath" of the man who sails away and the "dying ember" of the man who seeks fame. These images are powerful and poignant, reminding us of the impermanence of all things and the futility of trying to hold onto them.
Overall, "How Many Schemes May Die" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the fleeting nature of human ambition and the inevitability of death. Through its vivid language, evocative imagery, and powerful structure, it reminds us of the impermanence of all things and the futility of trying to hold onto them. At the same time, however, it also suggests that there is something enduring and meaningful in the very act of striving, and that the human spirit of creativity and imagination endures, passing from one generation to the next. As such, it is a timeless work of poetry that continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day.
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