'Reportless Subjects, to the Quick' by Emily Dickinson
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Reportless Subjects, to the Quick
Continual addressed—
But foreign as the Dialect
Of Danes, unto the rest.
Reportless Measures, to the Ear
Susceptive—stimulus—
But like an Oriental Tale
To others, fabulous—
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
Reportless Subjects, to the Quick: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Poetry
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all times, renowned for her unique style and ability to capture the essence of complex emotions in just a few lines. Her poem "Reportless Subjects, to the Quick" is a prime example of her brilliance, as it explores the themes of truth, perception, and the subjective nature of reality. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the poem's meaning, structure, and language, uncovering its hidden layers and shedding light on the enigmatic mind of its author.
Overview of the Poem
"Reportless Subjects, to the Quick" is a short poem with just two stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The poem's title implies that it is about subjects that are not reported, that is, things that are not spoken of or documented. The phrase "to the quick" is also significant, as it suggests a sudden, sharp sensation or pain. Taken together, these elements set the stage for a poem that explores hidden, unspoken truths and their impact on our perceptions and emotions.
Analysis of the Poem
The first stanza of the poem reads:
Reportless Subjects, to the Quick,
Disclose it to nobody,
This little () would not stir
Without a gentle prod.
The first line introduces the concept of "reportless subjects," which are things that are not documented or spoken of. The phrase "to the Quick" adds a sense of urgency and emotional intensity to the concept, suggesting that these subjects are not just unreported, but deeply felt and impactful. The second line instructs the reader not to disclose these subjects to anyone, implying that they are personal and private.
The third line contains a parenthetical that is left blank, which is a common technique used by Dickinson to indicate a pause or a moment of silence. The lack of a specific word or phrase here adds to the sense of mystery and ambiguity surrounding the poem. The fourth line suggests that these reportless subjects need a "gentle prod" to be brought to the surface, implying that they are not readily accessible or easily expressed.
The second stanza reads:
That hurts the dust the most,
Swept by the wind
Whose condescending stipend
Prompted the bliss.
The first line of the second stanza contains an interesting reversal of expectations, as it suggests that it is not the reportless subjects themselves that are hurt, but rather "the dust," which is a metaphor for something that is unimportant or insignificant. This implies that the reportless subjects are actually powerful and meaningful, and that their impact is felt even by things that are usually disregarded.
The second line introduces the wind as a metaphor for something powerful and uncontrollable that can sweep away even the most insignificant things. The phrase "condescending stipend" suggests that the wind is both powerful and disdainful, implying that it is not concerned with the welfare of the things it sweeps away.
The third line contains the word "bliss," which is a stark contrast to the images of pain and hurt that have been introduced so far. This suggests that the reportless subjects, while potentially painful, can also bring a sense of joy or bliss when they are finally expressed.
Themes and Interpretation
One of the main themes of "Reportless Subjects, to the Quick" is the subjective nature of truth and reality. The poem suggests that there are truths and emotions that are deeply felt but not readily expressed or acknowledged, and that these hidden subjects can have a powerful impact on our perceptions and emotions. The use of the word "reportless" implies that there are things that are not documented or acknowledged by society at large, but that are nonetheless important and meaningful to individuals.
Another theme of the poem is the tension between pain and pleasure. The reportless subjects are described as being both hurtful and blissful, suggesting that there is a complex interplay between negative and positive emotions. The idea that something can be painful but also bring a sense of joy is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry, and it reflects her belief in the importance of experiencing all emotions, including those that are difficult or uncomfortable.
The wind in the poem can be interpreted as a symbol of the forces that shape our perceptions and emotions. The wind is both powerful and uncontrollable, and it can sweep away even the most insignificant things. This can be seen as a metaphor for the ways in which external forces, such as societal expectations, can shape our thoughts and feelings. The wind's "condescending stipend" implies that these forces are not necessarily benevolent, and that they can be indifferent or even hostile to our individual needs and desires.
Language and Structure
One of the most striking features of "Reportless Subjects, to the Quick" is its use of language. Dickinson's poetry is known for its sparse, economical style, and this poem is no exception. The poem is composed of just two stanzas, each consisting of four lines, and there are no rhymes or strict meter. This gives the poem a sense of openness and fluidity, allowing the reader to focus on the images and ideas being presented without being distracted by strict formal constraints.
The use of metaphor and symbolism is also prominent in the poem. The wind, as discussed earlier, is used as a metaphor for the forces that shape our perceptions and emotions. The dust represents something insignificant or unimportant, and its vulnerability to the wind underscores the idea that even things that are usually disregarded can be impacted by hidden truths and emotions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Reportless Subjects, to the Quick" is a powerful and enigmatic poem that explores the themes of truth, perception, and the subjective nature of reality. Through its sparse language, use of metaphor and symbolism, and complex interplay between pain and pleasure, the poem offers a nuanced and thought-provoking reflection on the ways in which hidden truths and emotions can shape our perceptions and experiences. Emily Dickinson's unique poetic style and ability to capture complex emotions in just a few lines continues to captivate readers and inspire new generations of poets and writers.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Reportless Subjects, to the Quick: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, known for her unique style and unconventional themes. Her poem, Reportless Subjects, to the Quick, is a prime example of her poetic genius. In this 16-line poem, Dickinson explores the idea of communication and the limitations of language. In this article, we will delve into the meaning of this classic poem and analyze its significance.
The poem begins with the line, "Reportless Subjects, to the Quick -". The use of the word "reportless" immediately sets the tone for the poem. It suggests that there are subjects that cannot be reported or communicated effectively. The phrase "to the quick" means to the very core or essence of something. Dickinson is suggesting that there are certain subjects that are so profound that they cannot be fully expressed through language.
The second line of the poem reads, "Reportless Measures, to Himself -". Here, Dickinson is suggesting that even when we try to measure or quantify something, we are limited by our own perceptions and understanding. We can never fully comprehend the depth and complexity of certain subjects.
The third line of the poem reads, "Reportless Mysteries, to Him -". This line further emphasizes the idea that there are mysteries that cannot be explained or understood. Dickinson is suggesting that there are certain aspects of life that are beyond our comprehension.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "Reportless Blessings, to Himself -". Here, Dickinson is suggesting that there are blessings that cannot be fully appreciated or understood. We may receive blessings in our lives, but we may not fully understand their significance or impact.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "Reportless Sunrise, to the Sky -". This line suggests that even nature itself has its own mysteries and wonders that cannot be fully expressed or understood. The sunrise is a beautiful and awe-inspiring sight, but it is also a mystery that we cannot fully comprehend.
The sixth line of the poem reads, "Unto the Hills - and Vistas - and Beyond -". Here, Dickinson is suggesting that there are vast and expansive subjects that are beyond our understanding. The hills and vistas represent the vastness of the world and the universe, and Dickinson is suggesting that there are mysteries and wonders that are beyond our comprehension.
The seventh line of the poem reads, "Reportless Voices - to Our Ear -". This line suggests that there are voices that we cannot hear or understand. There may be messages or communications that are beyond our ability to comprehend.
The eighth line of the poem reads, "Lamentless Men - and Mariners -". Here, Dickinson is suggesting that even those who are experienced and knowledgeable may not fully understand certain subjects. The men and mariners represent those who have explored and experienced the world, but even they may not fully comprehend its mysteries.
The ninth line of the poem reads, "Reportless Paradises -". This line suggests that there are paradises that cannot be fully understood or appreciated. There may be aspects of life that are beyond our comprehension and understanding.
The tenth line of the poem reads, "Proceed - elusive - on -". Here, Dickinson is suggesting that these reportless subjects and mysteries will continue to elude us. We may never fully understand or comprehend them.
The eleventh line of the poem reads, "The Night - and the Door -". This line suggests that these mysteries and subjects are hidden in the darkness of the night, and behind closed doors. They are elusive and mysterious, and we may never fully understand them.
The twelfth line of the poem reads, "Decamp - unopened -". Here, Dickinson is suggesting that these mysteries and subjects will remain unopened and unexplored. We may never fully understand or comprehend them.
The thirteenth line of the poem reads, "Save to the Silent - Guest -". This line suggests that there may be a silent guest who understands these mysteries and subjects. This guest may be a higher power or a spiritual force that understands the mysteries of the universe.
The fourteenth line of the poem reads, "Not any - hurry - to pry -". Here, Dickinson is suggesting that we should not be in a hurry to pry into these mysteries and subjects. We should accept that there are things that are beyond our understanding and appreciate them for their mystery and wonder.
The fifteenth line of the poem reads, "Better to be - still -". Here, Dickinson is suggesting that it is better to be still and appreciate the mysteries of life than to try to understand them fully. We should embrace the mystery and wonder of life and accept that there are things that are beyond our understanding.
The final line of the poem reads, "Than lose - by the same - Reportlessness -". Here, Dickinson is suggesting that it is better to accept the limitations of language and understanding than to try to force understanding where it cannot be found. We should appreciate the mystery and wonder of life and accept that there are things that are beyond our comprehension.
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem, Reportless Subjects, to the Quick, explores the limitations of language and understanding. She suggests that there are certain subjects and mysteries that cannot be fully expressed or understood. Dickinson encourages us to embrace the mystery and wonder of life and accept that there are things that are beyond our comprehension. This classic poem is a testament to Dickinson's poetic genius and her unique perspective on life and the world around us.
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