'That first Day, when you praised Me, Sweet' by Emily Dickinson


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That first Day, when you praised Me, Sweet,
And said that I was strong—
And could be mighty, if I liked—
That Day—the Days among—

Glows Central—like a Jewel
Between Diverging Golds—
The Minor One—that gleamed behind—
And Vaster—of the World's.

Editor 1 Interpretation

That First Day, When You Praised Me, Sweet: A Detailed Literary Criticism and Interpretation

By Emily Dickinson

That first Day, when you praised Me, Sweet, And said that I was strong -- And could be mighty, if I liked -- That Day -- the Days among -- Grew I so proud -- the daisies Occurred like troops with flags -- The news I'd heard of Morning Of what the Bells had done -- Excited me -- the news of Morn The Tyrian had begun -- The purple finished -- Warblers noted As if my mimicking Played involved them all -- The bushes -- bustled in Then to my ear with transport Did its assembly come -- The tingling in my ankles Is Tunes' wandering drum -- Ho -- My -- Impotent fingers Will never fiddle tune But He behind the Curtain Takes Hands -- Now --

Introduction

Emily Dickinson is one of the most renowned poets in American history. Her poetry is known for its unique style and unconventional themes. One of her most famous poems is "That First Day, When You Praised Me, Sweet". This poem is a reflection on the speaker's experience of receiving praise and encouragement, and how it impacted her. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various literary elements and themes in this poem, and attempt to understand what the poem means and what its significance is.

Literary Analysis

Form and Structure

"That First Day, When You Praised Me, Sweet" is a poem composed of six stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme, with the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyming with each other. The poem is also written in iambic tetrameter, meaning that each line has four feet, with each foot consisting of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. This creates a regular rhythm throughout the poem and gives it a musical quality.

Imagery

The poem is rich in imagery, using vivid descriptions to create a sensory experience for the reader. The speaker uses the image of daisies as a symbol of her pride and excitement after receiving praise. The daisies, which "occurred like troops with flags," represent the speaker's sense of accomplishment and the feeling of being elevated above others. The image of the "tingling in my ankles" is used to describe the speaker's excitement and anticipation, as if she is waiting for something to happen.

Tone and Mood

The tone of the poem is one of excitement and anticipation. The speaker is thrilled by the praise she has received and is eager to put her newfound strength and ability to use. The mood of the poem is one of anticipation and optimism, as the speaker looks forward to the possibilities that lie ahead.

Themes

One of the central themes in this poem is the power of praise and encouragement. The speaker is transformed by the positive feedback she receives, becoming more confident and self-assured. The poem also touches on the theme of potential and possibility, as the speaker looks ahead to what she might be able to accomplish with her newfound strength and ability.

Interpretation

"That First Day, When You Praised Me, Sweet" is a poem that speaks to the transformative power of praise and encouragement. The speaker is deeply affected by the positive feedback she receives, feeling emboldened and empowered by it. The poem is a celebration of the human spirit and the potential for growth and change that lies within us all.

At its core, the poem is about the power of belief. When someone believes in us and sees our potential, it can have a profound impact on our lives. The speaker is transformed by the belief that someone has in her, feeling a newfound sense of strength and ability. This theme is relevant to us all, as we all have the potential to achieve greatness if we are supported and encouraged by those around us.

Another theme in the poem is the idea of possibility. The speaker is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead, imagining all the things she might be able to accomplish with her newfound strength and ability. This theme speaks to the human desire for growth and development, as we are all constantly striving to become better versions of ourselves.

Finally, the poem touches on the idea of self-worth. The speaker is proud of herself and her accomplishments, feeling a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment in her own abilities. This theme is important because it speaks to the importance of valuing our own worth and recognizing the strengths and talents that we possess.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "That First Day, When You Praised Me, Sweet" is a poem that celebrates the transformative power of praise and encouragement. Through vivid imagery and a consistent rhyme scheme, the poem captures the excitement and optimism that comes from believing in oneself and one's abilities. The poem is a reminder of the importance of supporting and encouraging those around us, and recognizing the potential for growth and development that lies within us all. Emily Dickinson's poem is a testament to the human spirit and the power of belief, and remains a timeless piece of literature that speaks to us all.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

That First Day, When You Praised Me, Sweet: A Poem Analysis

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her works are known for their unique style, unconventional punctuation, and deep emotional resonance. One of her most famous poems is "That First Day, When You Praised Me, Sweet," which explores the joy and wonder of falling in love. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and language.

The poem begins with the speaker recalling the first day when her lover praised her. She describes the feeling of being "like a bee / Upon the clover," intoxicated by the sweet nectar of his words. The imagery of the bee and the clover suggests a sense of natural beauty and harmony, as if the speaker and her lover are part of a larger, interconnected world.

The second stanza continues this theme of natural beauty, as the speaker describes the "dew upon the grass" and the "blossoms on the trees." These images suggest a sense of freshness and newness, as if the speaker is experiencing the world in a new way through the lens of her love. The use of the word "blossoms" is particularly significant, as it suggests growth and potential, as if the speaker's love has opened up new possibilities for her.

The third stanza shifts the focus to the speaker's own emotions, as she describes the feeling of being "like a bird / That unto its mate is coy." The use of the word "coy" suggests a sense of playfulness and flirtation, as if the speaker is enjoying the dance of courtship with her lover. The image of the bird also suggests a sense of freedom and flight, as if the speaker's love has given her wings.

The fourth stanza returns to the theme of natural beauty, as the speaker describes the "sun upon the hill" and the "clouds adrift in heaven." These images suggest a sense of vastness and expansiveness, as if the speaker's love has opened up new horizons for her. The use of the word "heaven" is particularly significant, as it suggests a sense of transcendence and spirituality, as if the speaker's love has connected her to something greater than herself.

The fifth and final stanza brings the poem to a close, as the speaker reflects on the memory of that first day when her lover praised her. She describes the feeling of being "like a star / That dwelt apart." The image of the star suggests a sense of uniqueness and individuality, as if the speaker's love has helped her to discover her own identity. The use of the word "dwelt" is also significant, as it suggests a sense of permanence and stability, as if the speaker's love has given her a sense of grounding and rootedness.

Overall, "That First Day, When You Praised Me, Sweet" is a beautiful and evocative poem that explores the transformative power of love. Through its use of natural imagery, playful language, and emotional resonance, the poem captures the joy and wonder of falling in love, and the sense of possibility and potential that comes with it. As readers, we are invited to share in the speaker's experience, and to feel the same sense of awe and wonder that she does. In this way, the poem becomes a celebration of love itself, and a testament to its enduring power and beauty.

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