'March is the Month of Expectation' by Emily Dickinson


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March is the Month of Expectation.
The things we do not know—
The Persons of prognostication
Are coming now—
We try to show becoming firmness—
But pompous Joy
Betrays us, as his first Betrothal
Betrays a Boy.

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

March is the Month of Expectation by Emily Dickinson

Have you ever read a poem that was so simple and yet so profound that it left you with a sense of wonder and amazement? Well, that is exactly what Emily Dickinson’s “March is the Month of Expectation” does. This poem captures the essence of the month of March and the sense of anticipation and excitement that comes with it.

The Poem

“March is the Month of Expectation, The things we do not know, The Persons of Prognostication Are coming now

We try to show becoming firmness- But pompous Joy Betrays us, as his first Betrothal Betrays a Boy.”

At first glance, this poem may seem like a simple observation of the month of March, but upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that there is a deeper meaning to be found.

Analysis

Dickinson begins the poem by stating that March is the month of expectation. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is all about the anticipation and excitement that comes with this month. The use of the word “expectation” is significant because it implies that something is coming, something that we can’t quite put our finger on yet, but that we know is on its way.

The second line of the poem, “The things we do not know,” adds to the sense of mystery and anticipation. It implies that there are things on the horizon that we are not yet aware of, but that we will soon discover. This line is also a clever play on words, as it can be interpreted in two ways. It can either mean that there are things that we don’t know, or it can mean that there are things that we know we don’t know.

The third line of the poem, “The Persons of Prognostication,” is a bit more difficult to interpret. The word “prognostication” means the act of predicting the future, but who are these “persons” that Dickinson is referring to? It’s possible that she is talking about the people who are able to predict the weather or other events that may happen in March.

The next two lines of the poem, “We try to show becoming firmness- / But pompous Joy,” reveal the struggle that comes with trying to maintain a sense of stability and control during a time of great anticipation and excitement. We want to appear strong and in control, but our emotions often get the best of us.

The final two lines of the poem, “Betrays us, as his first Betrothal / Betrays a Boy,” are perhaps the most interesting. The use of the word “betrothal” implies a sense of commitment or promise, which is then juxtaposed with the idea of betrayal. This suggests that the excitement and anticipation that comes with March can often lead to disappointment or letdown if things don’t go as planned.

Interpretation

So what is Dickinson trying to say with this poem? It seems that she is commenting on the human experience of anticipation and excitement. We all experience moments of excitement and anticipation in our lives, but often these moments are tempered by disappointment or letdown. Dickinson is acknowledging this reality, but she is also celebrating the sense of wonder and amazement that comes with anticipating something great.

The poem also has a sense of timelessness to it. While it was written over 150 years ago, it still resonates with readers today. March is still the month of expectation, and we still struggle with maintaining a sense of control in the face of great excitement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “March is the Month of Expectation” is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that captures the essence of the month of March and the sense of anticipation and excitement that comes with it. Dickinson’s use of language and imagery is masterful, and her commentary on the human experience is both poignant and timeless. This poem is a true gem of American literature, and it will continue to be appreciated for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

March is the Month of Expectation: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

As the winter snow begins to melt away and the first signs of spring emerge, Emily Dickinson's poem "March is the Month of Expectation" captures the excitement and anticipation that comes with the changing of the seasons. In this 12-line poem, Dickinson uses vivid imagery and personification to convey the sense of hope and renewal that accompanies the arrival of spring.

The poem begins with the line "March is the Month of Expectation," immediately setting the tone for what is to come. The word "expectation" suggests that something is about to happen, that there is a sense of anticipation in the air. This is further reinforced by the use of the word "month," which implies a specific period of time during which something is expected to occur.

Dickinson then goes on to describe the various signs of spring that can be seen in March. She writes, "The things we do not know / The Dryad holds the Acorn / To her enameled lip." Here, Dickinson personifies nature, giving it human-like qualities. The Dryad, a mythical tree nymph, is said to hold the acorn to her "enameled lip," as if she is about to take a drink. This image suggests that nature is alive and active, and that it is preparing for something.

The next two lines continue this theme of personification, as Dickinson writes, "Half curious, if she will / Affirm or deny." The Dryad is portrayed as being curious, as if she is wondering whether or not spring will actually arrive. This adds to the sense of anticipation that is present throughout the poem.

Dickinson then shifts her focus to the animals that can be seen in March. She writes, "The world will never have / This dominion again." Here, she suggests that the animals are taking advantage of the changing season, as if they know that this is their time to thrive. The word "dominion" implies that the animals are in control, that they are the rulers of the world during this time.

The final two lines of the poem bring everything together, as Dickinson writes, "The tide forsakes the shore / And comes the freighted breeze." Here, she uses the metaphor of the tide to represent the changing of the seasons. The tide is said to "forsake" the shore, as if it is leaving behind the old season and moving on to the new one. The "freighted breeze" that follows suggests that something new is coming, that there is a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air.

Overall, "March is the Month of Expectation" is a beautifully crafted poem that captures the essence of spring. Dickinson's use of vivid imagery and personification creates a sense of hope and renewal, as if anything is possible during this time of year. The poem is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always the promise of something better on the horizon.

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