'I can't tell you—but you feel it' by Emily Dickinson


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I can't tell you—but you feel it—
Nor can you tell me—
Saints, with ravished slate and pencil
Solve our April Day!

Sweeter than a vanished frolic
From a vanished green!
Swifter than the hoofs of Horsemen
Round a Ledge of dream!

Modest, let us walk among it
With our faces veiled—
As they say polite Archangels
Do in meeting God!

Not for me—to prate about it!
Not for you—to say
To some fashionable Lady
"Charming April Day"!

Rather—Heaven's "Peter Parley"!
By which Children slow
To sublimer Recitation
Are prepared to go!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Interpretation of Emily Dickinson's "I Can't Tell You—But You Feel It"

Emily Dickinson's poem "I Can't Tell You—But You Feel It" is a brief but powerful piece of poetry. In this poem, Dickinson explores the limits of language and how emotions cannot always be expressed through words. She also explores the idea that emotions can be felt and understood without being explicitly stated.

The poem starts off with a statement that "I can't tell you—But you feel it," indicating that the speaker is unable to articulate what they want to say. The poem then goes on to describe the emotions that the speaker is feeling, such as "An icy film on glass," "A tremble in the breast," and "A feather to the soul." These descriptions are vivid and sensory, emphasizing the physical and emotional nature of the speaker's experience.

One interpretation of the poem is that Dickinson is commenting on the limitations of language. Despite our best efforts, there are some things that cannot be expressed through words alone. The speaker's inability to articulate what they are feeling suggests that there are certain emotions that defy description. The line "I can't tell you" is a succinct expression of this idea, and it is echoed in the final stanza when the speaker says, "Silent, upon a peak in Darien."

Another interpretation of the poem is that Dickinson is exploring the idea that emotions can be felt and understood without being explicitly stated. The sensory descriptions used in the poem create a vivid picture of the speaker's experience, and it is possible for the reader to empathize with the speaker's emotions without knowing exactly what they are. This idea is reinforced by the repetition of the phrase "You feel it," which suggests that the emotions the speaker is experiencing are universal.

Overall, Dickinson's "I Can't Tell You—But You Feel It" is a powerful exploration of the limitations of language and the universality of emotions. The vivid sensory descriptions and repetition of the phrase "You feel it" create a sense of empathy and understanding that transcends the need for explicit expression.

Literary Criticism of Emily Dickinson's "I Can't Tell You—But You Feel It"

Emily Dickinson's poetry is known for its complex themes and innovative use of language. "I Can't Tell You—But You Feel It" is no exception. In this poem, Dickinson explores the limitations of language and the power of emotions to transcend words.

One of the most striking features of the poem is its vivid sensory descriptions. The phrase "An icy film on glass" creates a strong image in the reader's mind, evoking the sensation of cold and the visual of frost on a windowpane. Similarly, "A tremble in the breast" and "A feather to the soul" create powerful images that convey the physical and emotional nature of the speaker's experience.

The repetition of the phrase "You feel it" is also significant. This repetition creates a sense of universality, suggesting that the emotions the speaker is experiencing are not unique to them but are instead something that everyone can understand. This idea is reinforced by the final line of the poem, "Silent, upon a peak in Darien," which suggests that the speaker has reached a state of emotional transcendence that can only be expressed through silence.

Another important aspect of the poem is the tension between what can and cannot be expressed through language. The phrase "I can't tell you" is a succinct expression of the limitations of language, suggesting that there are some emotions that defy description. However, the vivid sensory descriptions used in the poem also suggest that language can be a powerful tool for conveying emotion.

Overall, "I Can't Tell You—But You Feel It" is a complex and thought-provoking poem that explores the limits of language and the power of emotions. The sensory descriptions and repetition of the phrase "You feel it" create a sense of universality that transcends the need for explicit expression, while the tension between what can and cannot be expressed through language adds a layer of complexity to the poem's theme.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

I can't tell you—but you feel it. These words, written by the legendary poet Emily Dickinson, are a perfect example of the power of poetry. In just six words, Dickinson manages to convey a complex and profound idea that resonates with readers to this day. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind this classic poem and why it continues to captivate readers over a century after it was written.

First, let's take a closer look at the poem itself. At first glance, it may seem like a simple statement: the speaker cannot tell the reader something, but they can feel it. However, upon closer examination, we can see that there is much more going on here. The use of the word "feel" is particularly significant. It implies that the thing the speaker cannot tell us is something that is not easily put into words. It is a feeling, an emotion, a sensation that is difficult to articulate.

This idea is reinforced by the use of the dash in the middle of the poem. The dash is a common punctuation mark in Dickinson's poetry, and it is often used to create a pause or break in the flow of the poem. In this case, the dash serves to emphasize the idea that there is something that cannot be expressed in words. It is a moment of silence, a gap in our understanding that we can only fill with our own emotions and experiences.

So what is it that the speaker cannot tell us? The poem is deliberately vague on this point, leaving it up to the reader to interpret. Some have suggested that the poem is about love, or the ineffable connection between two people that cannot be put into words. Others have seen it as a commentary on the limitations of language itself, and the idea that there are some things that are simply beyond our ability to express.

Whatever interpretation we choose, it is clear that the poem is about the power of emotion and the limitations of language. It reminds us that there are some things that we can only experience, not explain. This is a theme that runs throughout Dickinson's poetry, and it is one of the reasons why she remains such a beloved and influential poet to this day.

Another reason why Dickinson's poetry continues to resonate with readers is her unique style. She was known for her unconventional use of punctuation, capitalization, and syntax, which gave her poetry a distinctive and often challenging quality. Her poems are full of unexpected turns of phrase and surprising images, which can be both disorienting and exhilarating for readers.

In the case of "I can't tell you—but you feel it," Dickinson's use of the dash and the ellipsis (the three dots at the end of the poem) create a sense of ambiguity and open-endedness that invites readers to fill in the gaps with their own experiences and emotions. This is a hallmark of Dickinson's style, and it is one of the reasons why her poetry continues to be so popular with readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Finally, it is worth noting that Dickinson's poetry was not widely recognized during her lifetime. She was a reclusive figure who rarely left her home in Amherst, Massachusetts, and she published only a handful of poems during her lifetime. It was not until after her death in 1886 that her poetry began to gain wider recognition, thanks in large part to the efforts of her sister Lavinia and her friend Mabel Loomis Todd.

Today, Dickinson is widely regarded as one of the greatest American poets of all time, and her influence can be seen in the work of countless poets and writers who have followed in her footsteps. Her poetry continues to inspire and challenge readers, and her unique voice and style remain as fresh and relevant today as they were over a century ago.

In conclusion, "I can't tell you—but you feel it" is a classic poem that encapsulates the power and beauty of Emily Dickinson's poetry. It is a reminder that there are some things that cannot be put into words, and that the most profound experiences are often the ones that are the hardest to express. Dickinson's unique style and voice continue to captivate readers to this day, and her legacy as one of America's greatest poets is secure.

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