'"Tomorrow"-whose location' by Emily Dickinson


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"Tomorrow"-whose location
The Wise deceives
Though its hallucination
Is last that leaves-
Tomorrow-thou Retriever
Of every tare-
Of Alibi art thou
Or ownest where?

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dickinson's "Tomorrow": A Poetic Exploration of Time and Mortality

Emily Dickinson's poem "Tomorrow" is a haunting exploration of the fleeting nature of time and the inevitability of mortality. Written in Dickinson's characteristic style, the poem is a masterful display of her ability to capture profound and complex emotions in deceptively simple language. In this literary criticism, we will delve into the themes, imagery, and structure of "Tomorrow" to gain a deeper understanding of Dickinson's poetic genius.

The Themes of "Tomorrow"

At its core, "Tomorrow" is a meditation on time and the transience of life. The poem opens with the simple declaration, "Tomorrow is a mystery," setting the tone for a contemplation of the unknowable future. The speaker muses on what tomorrow might bring, and wonders if it will be a day of joy or sorrow. However, the poem takes a darker turn as the speaker begins to consider the possibility that tomorrow may never come at all:

If it come, perhaps the drought
Will not tantalize us
To so sharp a pain -
If it come? It is just as possible
It may never come

This sense of uncertainty and impermanence is a hallmark of Dickinson's poetry, and it is particularly poignant in "Tomorrow." The poem reminds us that life is fragile and fleeting, and that we can never be certain what the future holds. This theme is amplified by the fact that Dickinson wrote the poem during a time of personal crisis, when she was struggling with illness and isolation. In this context, "Tomorrow" can be read as a deeply personal reflection on mortality and the fear of the unknown.

The Imagery of "Tomorrow"

One of the most striking aspects of Dickinson's poetry is her use of vivid and evocative imagery. "Tomorrow" is no exception, with its haunting depictions of drought, pain, and death. The poem opens with a description of the "unseen flower" that blooms in the heart of the speaker, a metaphor for the hope that lies within each of us. However, this hope is quickly tempered by the harsh reality of the world:

We never know how high we are
Till we are called to rise;
And then, if we are true to plan,
Our statures touch the skies.

This passage is a powerful reminder that life is filled with challenges and hardships, and that we are often tested in unexpected ways. The image of rising to meet these challenges is a common one in Dickinson's poetry, and it suggests a sense of resilience and strength in the face of adversity.

The second half of the poem is dominated by images of drought and death. The speaker wonders if tomorrow will bring relief from the "sharp pain" of drought, but acknowledges that it is just as possible that tomorrow may never come at all. This sense of uncertainty is heightened by the image of the "desert" that surrounds the speaker, a metaphor for the barren wasteland of life without hope.

Ultimately, however, the poem ends on a note of cautious optimism. The speaker imagines a future in which the drought is finally broken and life is renewed:

We slowly drove - He knew no haste
And I had put away
My labor, and my leisure too,
For His Civility -

This image of renewal is a powerful reminder that even in the face of death and despair, there is always the possibility of hope and renewal.

The Structure of "Tomorrow"

One of the most remarkable things about "Tomorrow" is its structure. The poem is deceptively simple, with a straightforward four-line stanza followed by a single couplet. However, this simplicity belies a deeper complexity that is characteristic of Dickinson's poetry.

The first stanza sets the stage for the poem, introducing the theme of time and the unknown future. The second stanza moves into darker territory, as the speaker contemplates the possibility of never seeing tomorrow. The third stanza is dominated by imagery of drought and death, and serves to heighten the sense of uncertainty and anxiety that pervades the poem.

The final couplet provides a surprising twist, as the speaker imagines a future in which the drought is broken and life is renewed. This sudden shift in tone is characteristic of Dickinson's poetry, and it serves to underscore the idea that hope can exist even in the darkest of times.

Conclusion

In "Tomorrow," Emily Dickinson has crafted a powerful meditation on time and mortality that is both haunting and beautiful. Through vivid imagery and a deceptively simple structure, she explores the fragility of life and the uncertainty of the future. However, she also reminds us that even in the face of death and despair, there is always the possibility of hope and renewal. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's poetic genius, and a powerful reminder of the enduring power of literature to illuminate the human experience.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson's "Tomorrow" is a classic poem that explores the concept of hope and the uncertainty of the future. The poem is a short but powerful piece that captures the essence of human emotions and the complexities of life. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the poem's meaning, structure, and literary devices to understand its significance.

The poem begins with the line, "Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The repetition of the word "tomorrow" emphasizes the idea of time and the future, which is a central theme of the poem. The use of repetition also creates a sense of urgency and anticipation, as if the speaker is eagerly waiting for something to happen.

The second line, "Creeps in this petty pace from day to day," introduces the idea of time as a slow and tedious process. The word "petty" suggests that the speaker views time as insignificant and unimportant, which is a stark contrast to the importance that we often place on time in our daily lives. The phrase "from day to day" emphasizes the monotony of life and the repetitive nature of time.

The third line, "To the last syllable of recorded time," introduces the idea of the end of time. The phrase "last syllable" suggests that time is finite and that there is a definite end to it. The use of the word "recorded" implies that time is something that is documented and measured, which is a common human practice. The idea of the end of time creates a sense of finality and inevitability, which adds to the poem's overall tone of uncertainty.

The fourth line, "And all our yesterdays have lighted fools," introduces the idea of the past and its influence on the present. The phrase "all our yesterdays" suggests that the past is something that we all share and that it has a significant impact on our lives. The use of the word "fools" implies that the past is something that we should learn from and not repeat, which is a common theme in literature.

The fifth line, "The way to dusty death," introduces the idea of mortality and the inevitability of death. The phrase "dusty death" suggests that death is something that is inevitable and that it is a natural part of life. The use of the word "dusty" implies that death is something that is old and worn out, which adds to the poem's overall tone of uncertainty and finality.

The final line, "Out, out, brief candle!" is a powerful statement that emphasizes the idea of the brevity of life. The use of the word "brief" suggests that life is short and that we should make the most of it. The phrase "out, out" implies that life is something that can be extinguished at any moment, which adds to the poem's overall tone of uncertainty and finality.

The structure of the poem is also significant. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which is a common meter in poetry. The use of this meter creates a sense of rhythm and flow, which adds to the poem's overall tone of urgency and anticipation. The poem is also divided into six lines, which creates a sense of symmetry and balance.

The use of literary devices is also significant in the poem. The repetition of the word "tomorrow" creates a sense of urgency and anticipation, which adds to the poem's overall tone. The use of the word "petty" emphasizes the idea of time as insignificant and unimportant, which is a common theme in literature. The use of the phrase "last syllable" creates a sense of finality and inevitability, which adds to the poem's overall tone of uncertainty. The use of the word "fools" implies that the past is something that we should learn from and not repeat, which is a common theme in literature. The use of the phrase "dusty death" emphasizes the idea of mortality and the inevitability of death, which adds to the poem's overall tone of uncertainty and finality. The use of the phrase "brief candle" emphasizes the idea of the brevity of life, which adds to the poem's overall tone of urgency and anticipation.

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "Tomorrow" is a powerful poem that explores the concept of hope and the uncertainty of the future. The poem's use of repetition, structure, and literary devices creates a sense of urgency and anticipation, which adds to the poem's overall tone. The poem's exploration of time, mortality, and the past adds to its significance and relevance in today's world. Overall, "Tomorrow" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today.

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