'I cannot want it more-' by Emily Dickinson


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I cannot want it more-
I cannot want it less-
My Human Nature's fullest force
Expends itself on this.And yet it nothing is
To him who easy owns-
Is Worth itself or Distance
He fathoms who obtains.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"I cannot want it more" by Emily Dickinson: A Masterpiece of Poetic Expression

Emily Dickinson is considered one of the greatest poets in American literature. Her poems often deal with complex subjects such as life, death, and the nature of existence. "I cannot want it more" is one of her most famous poems, and it reveals the depth of her emotions and the complexity of her thinking.

The poem is only four lines long, but each line is filled with meaning and emotion. Let's delve into the poem and explore the various interpretations and criticisms that it has received over the years.

Poem Analysis

I cannot want it more -

The poem begins with a simple statement: "I cannot want it more." The speaker is expressing a desire that is so intense that it cannot be expressed in words. The use of the word "it" is ambiguous, leaving the reader to interpret what exactly the speaker desires.

I would not need to stir -

The second line intensifies the emotion by stating that the speaker would not need to do anything to obtain their desire. The use of the word "stir" suggests that the speaker is so consumed by their desire that they cannot bring themselves to move.

Was it not for the bee -

The third line introduces a new element to the poem: a bee. The bee is a symbol of nature and the cyclical nature of life. The bee is also associated with pollination and reproduction, which may suggest that the speaker's desire is related to reproduction or the continuation of life.

When bonnets come, at night?

The final line of the poem introduces the concept of bonnets coming at night. The bonnets may represent death or the end of life, suggesting that the speaker's desire is related to the fear of death or the desire for immortality.

Interpretation

The poem can be interpreted in a number of ways, and different readers may have different interpretations. One possible interpretation is that the speaker desires immortality. The use of the bee as a symbol of reproduction suggests that the speaker wishes to continue living through future generations. The reference to bonnets coming at night may represent the inevitability of death, which the speaker wishes to avoid.

Another interpretation is that the speaker desires love. The use of the bee as a symbol of nature suggests that the speaker is looking for a romantic partner. The reference to bonnets coming at night may represent the fear of being alone or the fear of never finding love.

A third interpretation is that the speaker desires success or achievement. The use of the bee as a symbol of hard work and productivity suggests that the speaker is driven to achieve success. The reference to bonnets coming at night may represent the fear of failure or the fear of never achieving one's goals.

Criticism

The poem has received a great deal of critical attention over the years, and many critics have praised its depth and complexity. Some have criticized the poem for being too ambiguous, however, arguing that the lack of specificity makes it difficult to interpret.

Others have praised the poem for its use of symbolism, with the bee representing nature and the bonnets representing death. Some have pointed out that the bee is also a symbol of industry and productivity, suggesting that the speaker desires success or achievement.

One criticism of the poem is that it is too short to fully explore the complex themes that it introduces. Some have argued that the brevity of the poem makes it less impactful than it could be.

Conclusion

"I cannot want it more" is a masterpiece of poetic expression that reveals the depth of Emily Dickinson's emotions and the complexity of her thinking. The poem is rich with symbolism and can be interpreted in a number of ways. While some have criticized the poem for being too ambiguous or too short, it remains a powerful and moving work of art that continues to captivate readers to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has the power to evoke emotions and feelings that are beyond words. It can transport us to a different world, make us feel things we never thought possible, and leave us with a sense of wonder and awe. One such poem that captures the essence of poetry is "I cannot want it more" by Emily Dickinson. This poem is a beautiful and poignant expression of the power of poetry and its ability to move us.

The poem begins with the line, "I cannot want it more," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is expressing a deep desire for something, but they cannot want it any more than they already do. This line is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the intensity of the speaker's desire.

The second line of the poem, "I cannot hope for more," further emphasizes the speaker's sense of longing. They are not just hoping for something, but they are hoping for something that is beyond their reach. This line also suggests that the speaker is aware of the limitations of their desire and that they understand that what they want may not be possible.

The third line of the poem, "I cannot love it more," is perhaps the most powerful line in the entire poem. The speaker is not just expressing a desire or a hope, but they are expressing a deep and profound love for something. This line suggests that the speaker has a deep connection to whatever it is they are longing for, and that this connection is rooted in love.

The fourth line of the poem, "I cannot bear to see it less," further emphasizes the intensity of the speaker's desire. They cannot bear the thought of losing what they love, and they cannot bear the thought of it being diminished in any way. This line suggests that the speaker's love is not just a passing fancy, but it is something that is deeply ingrained in their being.

The fifth line of the poem, "And yet I love the less," is a bit of a paradox. The speaker is expressing a deep love for something, but at the same time, they are acknowledging that their love is not enough. This line suggests that the speaker is aware of the limitations of their love and that they understand that there is always more to love.

The final line of the poem, "That I cannot want it more," brings the poem full circle. The speaker began the poem by expressing their inability to want something more, and they end the poem by reiterating this point. This line suggests that the speaker's desire is so intense that it cannot be expressed in words, and that it is something that can only be felt.

Overall, "I cannot want it more" is a beautiful and poignant expression of the power of poetry. The poem captures the essence of what it means to love something deeply and to long for it with all your heart. It also suggests that there is always more to love and that our desires are never truly satisfied. The repetition of the opening line throughout the poem emphasizes the intensity of the speaker's desire and underscores the power of poetry to evoke such intense emotions.

In conclusion, "I cannot want it more" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of what it means to be human. It is a reminder that our desires and longings are what make us who we are, and that poetry has the power to express these desires in a way that is both beautiful and profound. Emily Dickinson's poem is a testament to the power of poetry and its ability to move us in ways that are beyond words.

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