'I've none to tell me to but Thee' by Emily Dickinson
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I've none to tell me to but Thee
So when Thou failest, nobody.
It was a little tie—
It just held Two, nor those it held
Since Somewhere thy sweet Face has spilled
Beyond my Boundary—
If things were opposite—and Me
And Me it were—that ebbed from Thee
On some unanswering Shore—
Would'st Thou seek so—just say
That I the Answer may pursue
Unto the lips it eddied through—
So—overtaking Thee—
Editor 1 Interpretation
Emily Dickinson's "I've none to tell me to but Thee": A Critical Interpretation
Emily Dickinson's "I've none to tell me to but Thee" is a poem that stands out in the poet's oeuvre because of its transparency and simplicity. It is a love poem addressed to an unnamed recipient, who is portrayed as the poet's confidant, friend, and lover. In this paper, I will offer a critical interpretation of the poem by analyzing its formal aspects, its thematic concerns, and its historical and cultural context. I argue that "I've none to tell me to but Thee" is a deeply personal and emotional expression of Dickinson's longing for human connection and intimacy, and a testament to her faith in the power of language to bridge the gap between self and other.
Formal Aspects
The poem consists of two short stanzas, each with two lines. The lines are irregular in length and meter, with no discernible pattern or rhyme scheme. The poem's brevity and simplicity are underscored by its lack of punctuation, which requires the reader to pause and reflect on each line and phrase. The poem's title, "I've none to tell me to but Thee," is not part of the poem itself, but functions as a heading or an epigraph that prepares the reader for the poem's theme of solitude and dependence. The first line of the first stanza, "I've none to tell me to," sets the tone of the poem as one of isolation and self-reliance, while the second line, "And so I go to thee," establishes the addressee as the poem's central figure and the poet's source of comfort and support. The second stanza mirrors the first in form and content, with the first line, "My joys are all of thee," expressing the poet's gratitude and happiness in the presence of the addressee, and the second line, "My life is in the breeze," suggesting the fragility and transience of human existence.
Thematic Concerns
At its core, "I've none to tell me to but Thee" is a love poem that celebrates the bond between two individuals who share a deep emotional and intellectual connection. The poem's speaker, who is presumably Dickinson herself, is depicted as a solitary figure who finds solace and companionship in the presence of the addressee. The poem articulates the speaker's need for human connection and communication, which is fundamental to human existence. The poem's repetition of the phrase "to tell me to" underscores the importance of language and dialogue in establishing and maintaining relationships. The poem suggests that language is not only a means of expression, but also a tool of intimacy and understanding. The poem's emphasis on the addressee's role as "thee" rather than "you" or "he" suggests a level of familiarity and closeness that transcends conventional social norms and gender roles.
One of the most striking features of the poem is its ambiguity and openness to different interpretations. The poem's brevity and lack of context leaves much to the reader's imagination, and invites a range of emotions and associations. The poem's title, for instance, can be read as a statement of dependence, as in "I have no one else to turn to but you," or as a declaration of autonomy, as in "I don't need anyone else to validate my feelings but you." The poem's reference to "thee" can be read as a personal name, as in the case of a lover or a friend, or as a spiritual entity, as in the case of a deity or a higher power. The poem's use of nature imagery, such as "the breeze" and "the sea," can be read as a metaphor for the ebb and flow of human emotions and relationships, or as a symbol of the sublime and the infinite.
Historical and Cultural Context
To understand the significance of "I've none to tell me to but Thee" in its historical and cultural context, we need to consider Dickinson's life and times. Dickinson lived in the mid-nineteenth century in Amherst, Massachusetts, a small town that was part of the New England literary and intellectual scene. Dickinson was raised in a Calvinist family that emphasized individual piety and self-reliance, but also valued education and culture. Dickinson's father, Edward, was a lawyer and a politician who served in Congress, while her brother, Austin, was a successful businessman and a leading citizen of Amherst. Dickinson herself was a highly educated woman who read widely in literature, philosophy, and science, and corresponded with various writers and thinkers of her time.
At the same time, Dickinson lived in a society that was marked by social and cultural constraints, especially for women. The mid-nineteenth century was a period of great social and political upheaval in the United States, marked by the abolitionist movement, the women's suffrage movement, and the Civil War. Dickinson was aware of these issues, and expressed her views on them in her poetry, but she also faced personal challenges as a woman who was expected to conform to the norms of domesticity and marriage. Despite her family's relative wealth and status, Dickinson lived a largely secluded and isolated life, rarely venturing beyond her family's estate and engaging in social activities.
These factors shed light on the themes and concerns of "I've none to tell me to but Thee." The poem can be read as an expression of Dickinson's desire for emotional and intellectual intimacy, which was denied to her by the strict social norms of her time. The poem's emphasis on language and communication can be seen as a reflection of Dickinson's own struggles with conveying her thoughts and feelings to others, and her need for a sympathetic ear. The poem's use of nature imagery can be seen as a way of transcending the limits of human experience and seeking solace and inspiration in the natural world.
Conclusion
Emily Dickinson's "I've none to tell me to but Thee" is a remarkable poem that captures the essence of human longing and intimacy in a few simple lines. The poem's formal aspects, thematic concerns, and historical and cultural context all contribute to its enduring appeal and relevance. The poem speaks to our deepest fears and hopes as human beings, and reminds us of the power of language and connection to overcome the barriers of solitude and isolation. As a reader and a critic, I am struck by the beauty and simplicity of this poem, and the richness of its meanings and associations. It is a poem that invites us to reflect on our own experiences of love and loss, and to cherish the moments of connection and communication that make life worth living.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
I've none to tell me to but Thee - a classic poem written by the renowned American poet, Emily Dickinson, is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. This poem is a reflection of the poet's innermost thoughts and feelings, and it is a testament to her exceptional talent as a writer. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this poem, exploring its themes, literary devices, and historical context.
The poem begins with the line, "I've none to tell me to but Thee," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is addressing someone, and it becomes clear that this person is the only one they can confide in. The poem is written in the first person, which gives it a personal and intimate feel. The speaker is expressing their vulnerability and their need for someone to confide in.
The next line, "And now, dear Lord, thyself are gone," reveals that the speaker is addressing God. The use of the word "dear" suggests a close relationship between the speaker and God. The speaker is expressing their sense of loss, as if God has abandoned them. This line sets the stage for the rest of the poem, which is a plea to God for guidance and comfort.
The third line, "And I am left, if God be here," is a powerful statement. The speaker is questioning whether God is still present in their life. This line is significant because it highlights the speaker's struggle with faith. The use of the word "if" suggests doubt and uncertainty. The speaker is questioning whether God is still with them, and this uncertainty is causing them distress.
The fourth line, "Or, if he be away," is a continuation of the previous line. The speaker is considering the possibility that God is not present in their life. The use of the word "away" suggests distance and separation. The speaker is expressing their sense of isolation and loneliness.
The fifth line, "Some other orphaned girl to play," is a metaphor that adds depth and complexity to the poem. The speaker is comparing themselves to an orphaned girl, suggesting that they feel abandoned and alone. The use of the word "play" suggests that the speaker feels like they are a toy, something to be used and discarded. This line is significant because it highlights the speaker's sense of worthlessness and their need for validation.
The sixth line, "It is to thee that I complain," is a powerful statement. The speaker is turning to God for comfort and guidance. The use of the word "complain" suggests that the speaker is expressing their frustration and anger. This line is significant because it highlights the speaker's need for someone to listen to them and validate their feelings.
The seventh line, "Although I may not thee," is a continuation of the previous line. The speaker is acknowledging that they may not be able to see God, but they still believe in his presence. This line is significant because it highlights the speaker's faith, despite their doubts and uncertainties.
The eighth line, "Thou hast withdrawn thyself from me," is a repetition of the earlier line. The speaker is expressing their sense of loss and abandonment. The use of the word "withdrawn" suggests that God has deliberately removed himself from the speaker's life. This line is significant because it highlights the speaker's struggle with faith and their need for reassurance.
The ninth line, "Ah, and I am desolate," is a powerful statement. The speaker is expressing their sense of loneliness and isolation. The use of the word "desolate" suggests that the speaker feels abandoned and alone. This line is significant because it highlights the speaker's need for someone to comfort them and provide them with a sense of belonging.
The final line, "Who will comfort me?" is a poignant and emotional conclusion to the poem. The speaker is expressing their need for comfort and reassurance. The use of the word "who" suggests that the speaker feels like they have no one to turn to. This line is significant because it highlights the speaker's sense of vulnerability and their need for someone to care for them.
In conclusion, I've none to tell me to but Thee is a powerful and emotional poem that explores themes of faith, doubt, and loneliness. The use of metaphors and literary devices adds depth and complexity to the poem, and the personal and intimate tone makes it relatable and accessible to readers. This poem is a testament to Emily Dickinson's exceptional talent as a writer, and it is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today.
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