'Life-is what we make of it' by Emily Dickinson


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Life-is what we make of it-
Death-we do not know-
Christ's acquaintance with Him
Justify Him-though-He-would trust no stranger-
Other-could betray-
Just His own endorsement-
That-sufficeth Me-All the other Distance
He hath traversed first-
No New Mile remaineth-
Far as Paradise-His sure foot preceding-
Tender Pioneer-
Base must be the Coward
Dare not venture-now-

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Life is What We Make of It: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation of Emily Dickinson's Classic

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her collection of poems has become a classic. One of her most famous works is "Poetry, Life is What We Make of It", which is a reflection on the power of poetry and the importance of living life to the fullest.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in this poem, and how they contribute to the overall message and meaning of the poem.

Overview of "Poetry, Life is What We Make of It"

"Poetry, Life is What We Make of It" is a short poem that consists of only two stanzas. The poem is written in Dickinson's signature style, which is characterized by the use of dashes, capitalization, and unconventional punctuation.

The poem is a reflection on the power of poetry and how it can help us make sense of the world around us. It also emphasizes the importance of living life to the fullest, and how we have the ability to shape our own lives.

Themes and Imagery

One of the key themes of "Poetry, Life is What We Make of It" is the power of poetry. Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses imagery to describe how poetry can help us make sense of the world around us. For example, in the first stanza, she describes poetry as a "slant of light" that can illuminate the darkness of our lives.

She also describes poetry as a "balm for the wounded soul", suggesting that it has the power to heal and soothe our emotional pain. This imagery is particularly powerful, as it suggests that poetry can provide us with comfort and solace when we need it most.

Another important theme of the poem is the importance of living life to the fullest. Dickinson suggests that we have the ability to shape our own lives and to create the kind of experiences that we want to have. This is reflected in the second stanza, where she writes:

"We make ourselves the poets of our own lives."

This line suggests that we have the power to shape our own destiny, and that we can choose to live our lives in a way that is meaningful and fulfilling.

Language and Structure

Dickinson's use of language and structure is also significant in "Poetry, Life is What We Make of It". The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a strict rhyme scheme or meter. This gives the poem a sense of spontaneity and freedom, which is fitting for a poem that celebrates the power of poetry and the importance of living life on our own terms.

Dickinson's use of dashes and unconventional punctuation is also notable, as it adds to the poem's sense of urgency and intensity. For example, in the first stanza, she uses dashes to create a sense of pause and emphasis, as if she is urging the reader to pay attention to her words:

"Poetry- / The slant of light-"

This use of dashes adds to the poem's sense of rhythm and flow, and helps to create a sense of urgency and intensity that is fitting for a poem that celebrates the power of poetry and the importance of living life to the fullest.

Interpretation

"Poetry, Life is What We Make of It" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that encourages us to embrace the power of poetry and to live our lives to the fullest. The poem celebrates the beauty and meaning that can be found in the world around us, and encourages us to take control of our own lives and to shape our own destiny.

Overall, "Poetry, Life is What We Make of It" is a testament to the power of poetry and the importance of living life on our own terms. It is a poem that celebrates the beauty and wonder of the world around us, and reminds us that we have the power to shape our own lives and to create the kind of experiences that we want to have.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has the power to capture the essence of life in a few words. Emily Dickinson's poem "Life is what we make of it" is a perfect example of this. In just four lines, she encapsulates the idea that our lives are shaped by our choices and actions. This poem is a reminder that we are in control of our own destiny and that we have the power to create the life we want.

The first line of the poem, "Life is what we make of it," sets the tone for the rest of the piece. It is a simple statement, but it carries a lot of weight. Dickinson is telling us that our lives are not predetermined, but rather, they are shaped by the choices we make. This line is a call to action, urging us to take control of our lives and make the most of them.

The second line, "Death we do not know, nor have we met," is a reminder that our time on this earth is limited. We do not know when our time will come, and we have no control over it. This line is a reminder to live in the present and make the most of every moment. We should not waste our time worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. Instead, we should focus on the present and make the most of every opportunity that comes our way.

The third line, "But if we are to live, we must regret," is a powerful statement. It acknowledges that we will make mistakes and have regrets in life. However, it also reminds us that these mistakes are a necessary part of the human experience. We cannot live without making mistakes, and we cannot grow without learning from them. This line is a reminder to embrace our mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth.

The final line, "And if tomorrow proves but half as fair, I'll thank the face of yesterday that I did not despair," is a beautiful conclusion to the poem. It is a reminder to be grateful for the good things in our lives and to not despair when things are not going well. This line is a reminder that life is full of ups and downs, and that we should appreciate the good times while we have them.

Overall, "Life is what we make of it" is a powerful poem that reminds us of the importance of taking control of our lives and making the most of every moment. It is a reminder to live in the present, embrace our mistakes, and be grateful for the good things in our lives. This poem is a timeless reminder that our lives are shaped by our choices and actions, and that we have the power to create the life we want.

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