'Low at my problem bending' by Emily Dickinson


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Low at my problem bending,
Another problem comes—
Larger than mine—Serener—
Involving statelier sums.

I check my busy pencil,
My figures file away.
Wherefore, my baffled fingers
They perplexity?

Editor 1 Interpretation

Low at my problem bending: An Exploration of Emily Dickinson's Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most renowned poets of the 19th century, known for her unique style of writing that often dealt with themes of death, love, and nature. One such poem that showcases her versatility and mastery of language is ‘Low at my problem bending.’ The poem is a reflection of the human condition, with Dickinson exploring the struggles we face in trying to solve our problems.

Literary Analysis

The poem is structured in three stanzas, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The rhyming scheme is A-B-C-B, with the second and fourth lines rhyming. This structure gives the poem a musical quality and lends it to be read aloud. The use of the word ‘low’ in the title sets the tone for the poem, suggesting that the speaker is struggling with something.

The first stanza begins with the speaker describing themselves as ‘low at my problem bending.’ The use of the word ‘low’ suggests that the speaker is feeling defeated and overwhelmed. The phrase ‘bending at my problem’ suggests that the speaker is trying to solve something, but it is not clear what this problem is. The line ‘I am not a subtle solver’ suggests that the speaker is not adept at solving problems, which could be due to a lack of experience or expertise.

The second stanza continues with the theme of the speaker struggling with their problem. The line ‘angle would elude me’ suggests that the speaker is having difficulty understanding the problem, which is hindering their ability to solve it. The use of the word ‘angle’ suggests that the problem is complex or multi-faceted. The line ‘skill would evade me’ further emphasizes the speaker’s lack of expertise in solving problems. The repetition of ‘elude’ and ‘evade’ creates a sense of frustration and helplessness.

The final stanza suggests that the speaker is resigned to their inability to solve the problem. The line ‘it baffles me’ suggests that the speaker is completely stumped by the problem. The use of the word ‘baffle’ creates an image of something that is difficult to understand or solve. The final line ‘as the owl does the mouse’ suggests that the speaker is watching the problem from a distance, unable to intervene or make a difference. The image of the owl and the mouse also suggests that the problem is something that is beyond the speaker’s control.

Interpretation

The poem can be interpreted in several ways. At its core, the poem is a reflection of the struggles we face in trying to solve our problems. The use of the word ‘low’ suggests that we all experience moments of defeat and frustration. The phrase ‘bending at my problem’ suggests that we all have problems that we are trying to solve, but sometimes, we are not successful.

The second stanza suggests that sometimes, our lack of understanding or expertise can hinder our ability to solve problems. This is a common experience, as we all have areas in which we are not experts. The repetition of ‘elude’ and ‘evade’ creates a sense of frustration that we can all relate to.

The final stanza suggests that sometimes, we have to accept that we cannot solve a problem. This can be difficult, especially if we are used to being successful in our endeavors. The image of the owl and the mouse suggests that sometimes, problems are beyond our control, and we have to watch them play out from a distance.

Overall, the poem is a reflection of the human condition. We all face struggles and problems, and sometimes, we are not successful in solving them. The poem encourages us to accept our limitations and to recognize that sometimes, problems are beyond our control.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ‘Low at my problem bending’ is a powerful poem that explores the struggles we face in trying to solve our problems. The use of language and structure creates a sense of frustration and helplessness that we can all relate to. The poem encourages us to accept our limitations and to recognize that sometimes, problems are beyond our control. Emily Dickinson’s mastery of language and her ability to evoke emotions in her readers make this poem a timeless classic that will continue to resonate with readers for years to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Low at my problem bending: Emily Dickinson's Poetic Exploration of the Human Condition

Emily Dickinson's poetry is known for its enigmatic and often cryptic nature. Her poems are filled with metaphors, paradoxes, and unconventional syntax that challenge readers to interpret and decipher their meanings. One such poem is "Low at my problem bending," a short but powerful piece that explores the human condition and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and language.

The poem begins with the line "Low at my problem bending," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is in a state of contemplation, perhaps even despair, as they struggle with a problem that is weighing heavily on their mind. The word "low" suggests a sense of defeat or resignation, as if the speaker is already defeated by the problem before them. The word "problem" is also significant, as it implies that the issue at hand is not a simple one, but rather a complex and difficult one that requires deep thought and reflection.

The second line of the poem reads, "Another problem comes." This line introduces a sense of repetition and cyclical nature to the poem. The speaker is not just dealing with one problem, but rather a series of problems that seem to be never-ending. This repetition creates a sense of hopelessness and despair, as if the speaker is trapped in a cycle of problems that they cannot escape from.

The third line of the poem reads, "Loud as a Horn, right on." This line introduces a new element to the poem, that of sound. The word "loud" suggests a sense of urgency or importance, as if the problem that has just arrived is particularly pressing. The simile "loud as a horn" creates an image of a loud, blaring noise that demands attention. The phrase "right on" suggests that the problem is coming directly at the speaker, as if it is a physical force that cannot be avoided.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "Itself too huge for me." This line is perhaps the most significant in the poem, as it encapsulates the central theme of the piece. The speaker is overwhelmed by the problem before them, which they describe as "too huge" for them to handle. This sense of inadequacy and powerlessness is a common human experience, as we all face challenges that seem insurmountable at times. The word "itself" is also significant, as it suggests that the problem has a life of its own, separate from the speaker. This creates a sense of distance and separation between the speaker and the problem, as if the problem is an external force that is beyond their control.

The fifth and final line of the poem reads, "What shall I do with it?" This line is a rhetorical question that highlights the speaker's sense of helplessness and confusion. The word "it" refers to the problem, which the speaker does not know how to deal with. This question is one that we all ask ourselves at some point in our lives, as we struggle to find solutions to the problems that we face. The fact that the question is left unanswered creates a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty, as if the speaker is still searching for a way to deal with the problem.

In terms of imagery, the poem is filled with vivid and evocative language that creates a sense of atmosphere and emotion. The word "low" in the first line creates an image of the speaker hunched over, as if weighed down by the problem before them. The word "problem" itself is an image that suggests something complex and difficult to solve. The simile "loud as a horn" creates an auditory image of a loud, blaring noise that demands attention. The phrase "too huge" creates a visual image of something that is too big to handle, while the rhetorical question "What shall I do with it?" creates a sense of confusion and uncertainty.

The language of the poem is also significant, as it is filled with paradoxes and contradictions. The phrase "low at my problem bending" suggests a sense of defeat and resignation, while the phrase "loud as a horn, right on" suggests a sense of urgency and importance. The word "itself" in the fourth line creates a sense of distance and separation between the speaker and the problem, while the rhetorical question "What shall I do with it?" creates a sense of connection and intimacy between the two.

In conclusion, "Low at my problem bending" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the human condition and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. Through its vivid imagery and paradoxical language, the poem captures the sense of helplessness and confusion that we all experience at times. The poem is a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles, and that there is always hope for a solution, no matter how insurmountable the problem may seem.

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