'If your Nerve, deny you' by Emily Dickinson
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If your Nerve, deny you—
Go above your Nerve—
He can lean against the Grave,
If he fear to swerve—
That's a steady posture—
Never any bend
Held of those Brass arms—
Best Giant made—
If your Soul seesaw—
Lift the Flesh door—
The Poltroon wants Oxygen—
Nothing more—
Editor 1 Interpretation
If your Nerve, deny you
Emily Dickinson's poem, "If your Nerve, deny you," is a poetic masterpiece that speaks to the human spirit and the quest for courage in the face of fear. The poem is profound in its simplicity and has inspired generations of readers to overcome their fears and take risks in life.
The Poet
Emily Dickinson was a reclusive poet who lived in Amherst, Massachusetts, during the mid-19th century. She was known for her unique poetic style, which was characterized by short lines, unconventional punctuation, and a focus on the human psyche. Dickinson wrote over 1,800 poems during her lifetime, most of which were not published until after her death.
The Poem
"If your Nerve, deny you," is a short poem consisting of three stanzas. The poem is written in Dickinson's characteristic style, with short lines and unconventional punctuation. The poem's central theme is courage in the face of fear, and it encourages readers to push past their fears and take risks in life.
Stanza One
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It begins by addressing the reader directly, saying "If your Nerve, deny you—." The use of the word "nerve" here refers to courage, which is often associated with the nervous system. The phrase "deny you" suggests a lack of courage, which is something that many people struggle with.
The stanza then goes on to describe a situation where a person's nerve might fail them. It says, "Go above your Nerve—." This implies that the person should push past their fear and do something that they might not have the courage to do otherwise. The stanza ends with the line, "He can lean against the Grave, if he brave," which suggests that if a person is brave enough to face their fears, they will not regret it even if they fail.
Stanza Two
The second stanza of the poem continues the theme of courage in the face of fear. It begins with the line, "Herpetology—the study of reptiles—." This line is significant because it refers to a field of study that is often associated with fear. Many people are afraid of snakes and other reptiles, so the fact that the poem references herpetology suggests that it is speaking directly to the reader's fears.
The stanza then goes on to say, "Or the Heavens—reach—" This line suggests that there are two types of fears: earthly fears (like the fear of snakes) and spiritual fears (like the fear of death or the unknown). The use of the word "reach" suggests that these fears are something that can be overcome if a person is willing to take a risk.
The stanza ends with the line, "All, experience Omnipotence—" This line suggests that if a person is brave enough to face their fears, they will experience a sense of power or control that they might not have felt before. This is a powerful message that encourages readers to push past their fears and take risks in life.
Stanza Three
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. It begins with the line, "Put forth a Dingy—." This line suggests that the reader should take a risk, even if it seems small or insignificant. The use of the word "dingy" suggests that the risk might be dirty or unpleasant, but it is still worth taking.
The stanza then goes on to say, "And risk the Firmament—." This line suggests that the reader should aim high and take a big risk, even if it seems impossible or daunting. The use of the word "firmament" suggests that the risk is something that is beyond the reader's current reach, but it is still worth striving for.
The poem ends with the line, "To dip your Courage—in—" This line suggests that if the reader is brave enough to take a risk, they will be rewarded with a sense of courage and strength that they might not have felt before. The use of the word "dip" suggests that this courage is something that can be experienced and felt.
Interpretation
"If your Nerve, deny you," is a powerful poem that speaks to the human spirit and the quest for courage in the face of fear. The poem encourages readers to push past their fears and take risks in life, no matter how small or large. The use of metaphors, such as herpetology and the firmament, adds depth and complexity to the poem and makes it accessible to readers of all backgrounds.
The poem's overall message is that courage is something that can be learned and developed over time. By taking risks and facing our fears, we can become stronger and more resilient, and we can experience a sense of power and control that we might not have felt before.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "If your Nerve, deny you," is a timeless poem that speaks to the human spirit and the quest for courage in the face of fear. Emily Dickinson's unique poetic style and use of metaphors make the poem both accessible and profound, and its message is one that will continue to inspire readers for generations to come. Whether we are facing earthly fears or spiritual fears, the poem reminds us that we have the power to overcome them if we are brave enough to take a risk.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
If your Nerve, deny you - by Emily Dickinson
If your Nerve, deny you— Go above your Nerve— He can lean against the Grave, If he fear to swerve—
Emily Dickinson, the renowned American poetess, is known for her unique style of writing that often deals with themes of death, nature, and spirituality. Her poem, "If your Nerve, deny you," is a perfect example of her style and themes. In this poem, Dickinson encourages her readers to overcome their fears and push beyond their limits.
The poem begins with the line, "If your Nerve, deny you," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The word "nerve" here refers to courage or bravery. Dickinson is saying that if you lack the courage to do something, you should go beyond your limits and find the strength to do it anyway.
The second line, "Go above your Nerve," reinforces this idea. Dickinson is telling her readers to rise above their fears and take action. She is saying that it is better to try and fail than to never try at all.
The third line, "He can lean against the Grave," is a metaphor for death. Dickinson is saying that if you are too afraid to take risks and push beyond your limits, you might as well be dead. She is urging her readers to live life to the fullest and not let their fears hold them back.
The final line, "If he fear to swerve," is a reminder that it is easy to get sidetracked by fear and doubt. Dickinson is saying that even if you are afraid, you should not let that stop you from pursuing your dreams. You should stay focused and keep moving forward.
Overall, "If your Nerve, deny you" is a powerful poem that encourages readers to overcome their fears and push beyond their limits. Dickinson's use of metaphors and imagery adds depth and meaning to the poem, making it a timeless classic that continues to inspire readers today.
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