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'Not that We did, shall be the test' by Emily Dickinson


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Not that We did, shall be the test
When Act and Will are done
But what Our Lord infers We would
Had We diviner been—

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Not that We did, shall be the test" by Emily Dickinson: A Critical Analysis

Emily Dickinson's poem "Not that We did, shall be the test" is a classic representation of her poetic style, which is characterized by its unconventional structure, puzzling syntax, and enigmatic themes. Written in the mid-19th century, this poem is a reflection on the human condition, mortality, and the meaning of life. In this literary criticism, we will delve into the poem's imagery, symbolism, and meaning to uncover its hidden depths.

Form and Structure

One of the most striking features of "Not that We did, shall be the test" is its form and structure. The poem consists of seven stanzas, each with four lines, and follows a loose rhyme scheme of ABCB. However, Dickinson's use of punctuation and capitalization is unconventional, to say the least. She capitalizes seemingly random words, uses dashes and ellipses to break up sentences, and often omits punctuation altogether.

At first glance, this may seem like a haphazard approach to poetry, but upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Dickinson's unconventional style is deliberate. Her use of capitalization and punctuation is meant to draw attention to certain words and phrases, and her disjointed syntax creates a sense of tension and ambiguity that is central to the poem's themes.

Imagery and Symbolism

Like many of Dickinson's poems, "Not that We did, shall be the test" is rich in imagery and symbolism. The poem begins with the lines, "Not that We did, shall be the test/When Act and Will are done." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that our actions and intentions are not the only things that matter in the grand scheme of things. Rather, it is what we leave behind that truly defines us.

Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses a variety of images to convey this idea. In the second stanza, she writes, "The Past -- precedes -- us -- as/Our Dreams -- suspend -- the Night," suggesting that our memories and aspirations are like shadows that follow us wherever we go. In the third stanza, she compares life to a "sumptuous Table," suggesting that our time on earth is like a feast that will soon come to an end.

Perhaps the most powerful image in the poem is that of the "great Reward" that awaits us after death. In the fourth stanza, Dickinson writes, "The Height of our Delight/Is coldly -- as the Frost -- tonight --" Here, she is suggesting that even the greatest joys of life are fleeting and will eventually give way to the cold embrace of death.

Themes and Interpretation

At its core, "Not that We did, shall be the test" is a meditation on the human condition and the meaning of life. Dickinson is suggesting that our actions and intentions are important, but they are not the only things that matter. Rather, it is what we leave behind that truly defines us.

One interpretation of the poem is that Dickinson is suggesting that our legacy is the most important thing we can leave behind. This is reflected in the lines, "The Height of our Delight/Is coldly -- as the Frost -- tonight --" Here, she is suggesting that even the greatest joys of life will eventually fade away, but our legacy will endure.

Another interpretation of the poem is that Dickinson is suggesting that our mortality is what gives life its meaning. This is reflected in the lines, "The Past -- precedes -- us -- as/Our Dreams -- suspend -- the Night," suggesting that our memories and aspirations are what make life worth living.

Ultimately, the meaning of the poem is open to interpretation, and it is up to the reader to decide what it means to them. However, one thing is clear: "Not that We did, shall be the test" is a powerful and thought-provoking work of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Not that We did, shall be the test: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her works are known for their unique style, unconventional punctuation, and profound themes. One of her most famous poems, "Not that We did, shall be the test," is a perfect example of her poetic genius. In this article, we will take a deep dive into this classic poem and explore its meaning, structure, and significance.

The poem begins with the line, "Not that We did, shall be the test." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and introduces the central theme of the poem, which is the idea that our actions do not define us. The speaker is suggesting that our true nature is not determined by what we do, but rather by something deeper and more intrinsic.

The second line of the poem, "Since Thou hast not, thyself, a face," is a reference to God or a higher power. The speaker is acknowledging that there is something greater than ourselves that is responsible for our existence. This line also suggests that our true nature is not something that can be seen or measured, but rather something that is intangible and spiritual.

The third line of the poem, "Nor fronting stealthily at night," is a reference to the idea that our true nature is not something that can be hidden or disguised. The speaker is suggesting that we cannot hide who we truly are, no matter how hard we try. This line also suggests that our true nature is not something that can be changed or altered, but rather something that is inherent and unchanging.

The fourth line of the poem, "Exchange with Him no word nor sigh," is a reference to the idea that our true nature is not something that can be communicated or expressed through words or actions. The speaker is suggesting that our true nature is something that can only be felt or experienced on a deeper level.

The fifth line of the poem, "Lest souls remorseless picnick on," is a reference to the idea that our true nature is not something that can be judged or evaluated by others. The speaker is suggesting that our true nature is something that is beyond the realm of human judgment and that we should not be concerned with what others think of us.

The sixth and final line of the poem, "Forevermore, be hid, my heart," is a reference to the idea that our true nature is something that is deeply personal and private. The speaker is suggesting that we should keep our true nature hidden and protected, as it is something that is sacred and precious.

The structure of the poem is also significant. The poem consists of six lines, each with a different length and rhythm. This structure creates a sense of movement and progression, as the poem builds towards its final line. The use of enjambment, or the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next, also adds to the sense of movement and fluidity in the poem.

The use of imagery in the poem is also noteworthy. The references to God, night, and remorseless souls create a sense of mystery and depth in the poem. The use of the word "picnick" is also interesting, as it suggests a sense of frivolity or superficiality. This contrast between the serious and the frivolous adds to the complexity of the poem and underscores its central theme.

In conclusion, "Not that We did, shall be the test" is a classic poem that explores the idea that our true nature is not defined by our actions or our outward appearance. The poem suggests that our true nature is something that is deeper and more intrinsic, and that it cannot be hidden or disguised. The structure and imagery of the poem add to its complexity and depth, making it a timeless work of art.

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