'The things we thought that we should do' by Emily Dickinson
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The things we thought that we should do
We other things have done
But those peculiar industries
Have never been begun—
The Lands we thought that we should seek
When large enough to run
By Speculation ceded
To Speculation's Son—
The Heaven, in which we hoped to pause
When Discipline was done
Untenable to Logic
But possibly the one—
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Things We Thought That We Should Do: A Detailed Literary Criticism
Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like you were reading a personal diary entry? A poem that spoke to you in a way that no other piece of literature has ever done? That's the effect that Emily Dickinson's poem "The Things We Thought That We Should Do" has on me. This classic poem is a true masterpiece, and in this literary criticism, I'm going to analyze and interpret it in detail.
First, let's take a look at the structure of the poem. It consists of four stanzas, each containing four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABCB, which means that the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyme. This creates a sense of stability and order, which is in contrast to the chaotic and uncertain themes of the poem.
The title of the poem, "The Things We Thought That We Should Do," sets the tone for the entire piece. It hints at regret, at missed opportunities, and at the realization that we can never truly know what we should do. The title is also repeated in the first line of the first stanza, which is a common device used by Dickinson to emphasize the theme of the poem.
In the first stanza, Dickinson writes:
"The things we thought that we should do We other things have done But those peculiar industries Have never been begun."
This stanza sets the scene for the entire poem. It tells us that we often have plans and ideas of what we should do, but we end up doing other things instead. The use of the word "peculiar" emphasizes the uniqueness of these ideas, and the fact that they are never pursued creates a sense of regret.
In the second stanza, Dickinson continues with:
"The lands we thought that we should seek When large and far away Turned phantom as we followed them, And we still deeper stray."
This stanza explores the theme of chasing dreams and aspirations. The lands that we thought we should seek are far away and seemingly unattainable. As we pursue them, they become more and more distant, like a phantom that we can never catch. This creates a feeling of hopelessness and frustration.
In the third stanza, Dickinson writes:
"The souls we thought that we should know Are strangers to our eyes Forever interviewed, but did Not meet with our replies."
This stanza explores the theme of relationships and connections. The souls that we thought we should know remain strangers to us, and despite our efforts to connect with them, we are unable to do so. The use of the word "interviewed" creates a sense of formality and detachment, as if these relationships are forced and superficial.
In the final stanza, Dickinson concludes with:
"The time we thought that we should spend Forever turns its face For we have never thought we could Regain the vanished race."
This stanza explores the theme of time and the fleeting nature of life. The time that we thought we should spend is gone forever, and we can never regain it. The use of the word "vanished" creates a sense of finality and loss.
Overall, "The Things We Thought That We Should Do" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of regret, missed opportunities, and the fleeting nature of life. Dickinson's use of structure, repetition, and imagery creates a sense of order and stability in contrast to the chaotic and uncertain themes of the poem. As I read this poem, I can't help but wonder about the things that I have thought I should do, and the things that I have done instead. It's a poem that speaks to the reader on a personal level, and it's a true masterpiece of literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Things We Thought That We Should Do: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers around the world. Among her many famous poems is "The Things We Thought That We Should Do," a powerful and thought-provoking piece that explores the complexities of human desire and the struggle to find meaning in life.
At its core, "The Things We Thought That We Should Do" is a meditation on the nature of ambition and the pursuit of success. The poem begins with a simple statement: "The things we thought that we should do / We other things have done." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, hinting at the idea that our desires and aspirations are often at odds with the reality of our lives.
As the poem unfolds, Dickinson delves deeper into this theme, exploring the many ways in which our dreams and goals can be derailed by the challenges and obstacles we encounter along the way. She writes, "Ambition is a noble flame, / But, like all fires, it flickers and wanes." Here, Dickinson acknowledges the power and allure of ambition, but also suggests that it is a fragile and fleeting thing, easily extinguished by the harsh realities of life.
Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses vivid and evocative imagery to convey the complex emotions and experiences of her speaker. She writes of "the broken bow, the battered blade," and "the shattered dream," all of which serve as powerful symbols of the ways in which our hopes and aspirations can be shattered by the harsh realities of life.
At the same time, however, Dickinson also suggests that there is something inherently noble and admirable about the pursuit of success and the desire to achieve great things. She writes, "We thought to do the noblest things, / And dreamed of fame and glory." This line suggests that there is something inherently valuable and worthwhile about the pursuit of greatness, even if we ultimately fall short of our goals.
As the poem draws to a close, Dickinson offers a final reflection on the nature of human desire and the struggle to find meaning in life. She writes, "But life is not a dream, and we, / The things we thought we were, / Are only what we seem to be." Here, Dickinson suggests that our desires and aspirations are often at odds with the reality of our lives, and that the pursuit of success and greatness can ultimately be a futile and empty endeavor.
Overall, "The Things We Thought That We Should Do" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores some of the most fundamental questions of human existence. Through its vivid imagery and evocative language, Dickinson offers a profound meditation on the nature of ambition, the pursuit of success, and the struggle to find meaning in life. Whether read as a cautionary tale or a celebration of human aspiration, this classic poem continues to resonate with readers today, and is sure to inspire and captivate for generations to come.
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