'I prayed, at first, a little Girl' by Emily Dickinson
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I prayed, at first, a little Girl,
Because they told me to—
But stopped, when qualified to guess
How prayer would feel—to me—
If I believed God looked around,
Each time my Childish eye
Fixed full, and steady, on his own
In Childish honesty—
And told him what I'd like, today,
And parts of his far plan
That baffled me—
The mingled side
Of his Divinity—
And often since, in Danger,
I count the force 'twould be
To have a God so strong as that
To hold my life for me
Till I could take the Balance
That tips so frequent, now,
It takes me all the while to poise—
And then—it doesn't stay—
Editor 1 Interpretation
"I prayed, at first, a little Girl" by Emily Dickinson
Wow, what a poem! Emily Dickinson is truly a master of words and this poem is no exception. "I prayed, at first, a little Girl" is one of her most famous and beloved works, and for good reason. In this 4000 word literary criticism and interpretation, we'll explore the themes, symbols, and language used in this poem, and try to understand why it has resonated with so many readers over the years.
The Basics
Let's start with the basics. "I prayed, at first, a little Girl" was written by Emily Dickinson in the mid-1800s, but was not published until after her death in 1886. The poem is only three stanzas long, each consisting of four lines, and follows a simple ABAB rhyme scheme. Despite its brevity, however, the poem packs a powerful emotional punch and has become one of Dickinson's most famous works.
Themes
One of the most prominent themes in "I prayed, at first, a little Girl" is the idea of loss and the search for meaning in the face of that loss. The poem tells the story of a young girl who is praying for something - we don't know what - but it is clear that she is hoping for some kind of comfort or relief. As the poem progresses, however, it becomes clear that her prayers have not been answered, and she is left feeling lost and alone.
This theme of loss is mirrored in the language and imagery used throughout the poem. For example, the girl's prayers are described as "timid" and "small", emphasizing her vulnerability and powerlessness. Likewise, the image of the "great Cathedral" that she is praying in suggests a sense of grandeur and majesty, but also a certain coldness and distance. The use of words like "cold" and "dark" further reinforces the sense of isolation and despair that the girl is feeling.
Symbols
One of the most powerful symbols in "I prayed, at first, a little Girl" is the idea of the "heavenly Father" that the girl is praying to. On the surface, this may seem like a simple religious reference, but upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the Father is actually a symbol for something much larger - perhaps the universe itself, or the human need for connection and meaning.
Throughout the poem, the girl is searching for some kind of comfort or reassurance from this Father, but she is ultimately left feeling empty and alone. This can be read as a symbol for the human search for meaning and understanding in a world that often seems cold and indifferent. The image of the "great Cathedral", likewise, can be read as a symbol for the larger systems and structures of society that often seem overwhelming and impersonal.
Language
One of the things that makes "I prayed, at first, a little Girl" such a powerful poem is the language that Dickinson uses. Despite its simplicity, the poem is full of vivid and evocative imagery that brings the girl's emotions to life.
For example, the opening line - "I prayed, at first, a little Girl" - immediately establishes the girl's vulnerability and innocence. The use of the word "little" emphasizes her youth and powerlessness, while the phrase "at first" suggests that she is just beginning to come to terms with the harsh realities of the world.
Likewise, the use of words like "cold" and "dark" throughout the poem creates a sense of isolation and despair. The image of the "great Cathedral", with its "stained glass windows" and "shadows", further emphasizes this sense of darkness and distance.
Interpretation
So what does it all mean? What is Dickinson trying to say with this poem? As with many of her works, there are no easy answers. However, one interpretation is that "I prayed, at first, a little Girl" is a meditation on the human search for meaning and connection in a world that often seems cold and indifferent.
The girl's prayers to the "heavenly Father" can be read as a representation of this search, while the lack of response from the Father can be seen as a reflection of the ultimate futility of that search. The image of the "great Cathedral" likewise represents the larger structures and systems of society that often seem overwhelming and impersonal.
Ultimately, "I prayed, at first, a little Girl" is a powerful reminder of the fragility of human existence and the essential nature of hope and faith in the face of that fragility. Despite the darkness and isolation that pervades the poem, there is still a sense of wonder and awe at the beauty of the world - a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still something worth praying for.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "I prayed, at first, a little Girl" is a masterpiece of poetry that has resonated with readers for over a century. Through its vivid imagery and powerful language, the poem explores themes of loss, isolation, and the human search for meaning and connection. While there are no easy answers to the questions that it raises, the poem remains a powerful reminder of the essential nature of hope and faith in a world that can often seem cruel and indifferent.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
I Prayed, at First, a Little Girl: A Poem Analysis
Emily Dickinson’s poem “I prayed, at first, a little Girl” is a classic piece of literature that has been studied and analyzed by scholars for decades. The poem is a reflection on the speaker’s journey from childhood innocence to the complexities of adulthood. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.
Themes
The poem explores several themes, including the loss of innocence, the search for meaning, and the power of prayer. The speaker begins by describing herself as a “little girl” who prayed for simple things like “a doll” or “a book.” However, as she grows older, her prayers become more complex, reflecting her growing awareness of the world around her. She prays for “heavenly guidance” and “the wisdom that surpasses understanding.”
The poem also touches on the theme of the loss of innocence. The speaker describes how she once believed that “God would grant me what I wished.” However, as she grows older, she realizes that life is not that simple. She learns that “the prayerful watch and wait” is necessary to receive what she desires. The poem suggests that the loss of innocence is a necessary part of growing up and that it is through this loss that we gain wisdom and understanding.
Structure
The poem is written in four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABCB, with the second and fourth lines rhyming. The structure of the poem is simple, reflecting the speaker’s childhood innocence. However, the poem’s simplicity is deceptive, as it belies the complex themes and ideas that are explored.
Literary Devices
Dickinson uses several literary devices to convey the poem’s themes and ideas. One of the most prominent devices is imagery. The speaker describes her childhood prayers in vivid detail, painting a picture of a young girl with simple desires. She prays for “a doll that I might hold, / And a book that I might read.” The imagery is simple but effective, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time.
Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase “I prayed, at first, a little girl” is repeated three times throughout the poem, emphasizing the speaker’s journey from childhood innocence to adulthood. The repetition also creates a sense of rhythm, making the poem feel almost like a prayer itself.
The poem also uses metaphor to convey its themes. The speaker describes her prayers as “a bird that flutters from the nest / And softest prayers like feathered wings.” The metaphor suggests that prayer is a journey, much like a bird leaving the safety of its nest. The use of metaphor adds depth and complexity to the poem, elevating it beyond a simple reflection on childhood.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson’s poem “I prayed, at first, a little Girl” is a beautiful reflection on the journey from childhood innocence to adulthood. The poem explores themes of loss of innocence, the search for meaning, and the power of prayer. The structure of the poem is simple, reflecting the speaker’s childhood innocence, but the use of literary devices such as imagery, repetition, and metaphor adds depth and complexity to the poem. Overall, “I prayed, at first, a little Girl” is a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.
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