'Trust in the Unexpected' by Emily Dickinson


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Trust in the Unexpected—
By this—was William Kidd
Persuaded of the Buried Gold—
As One had testified—

Through this—the old Philosopher—
His Talismanic Stone
Discernéd—still withholden
To effort undivine—

'Twas this—allured Columbus—
When Genoa—withdrew
Before an Apparition
Baptized America—

The Same—afflicted Thomas—
When Deity assured
'Twas better—the perceiving not—
Provided it believed—

Editor 1 Interpretation

Trust in the Unexpected

Introduction

"Trust in the Unexpected" is a classic poem written by Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of the 19th century. The poem was first published in 1890, four years after the poet's death. The poem is a reflection on the nature of trust, and how it can be found in unexpected places.

Emily Dickinson was known for her unconventional style of writing, and "Trust in the Unexpected" is no exception. The poem is structured in a unique way, with short lines and stanzas that create a sense of urgency and intensity. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes and motifs of the poem, and analyze the poetic techniques used by Dickinson to convey her message.

Themes and Motifs

At its core, "Trust in the Unexpected" is a poem about faith and hope. Dickinson argues that trust can be found in the most unexpected places, and that it is important to remain open to the possibilities of the world. This theme is reflected in the poem's opening lines:

If you trust before you try,
You may forfeit an opportunity
That will never come again.

These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, emphasizing the importance of taking risks and trusting in the unknown. Dickinson suggests that by being too cautious, we may miss out on opportunities that could change our lives.

Another important theme in the poem is the idea of perseverance. Dickinson argues that even when we face difficult or uncertain situations, it is important to continue to have faith in ourselves and in the world. This is reflected in lines such as:

  When you’ve finished all your labor,  
   And you’re waiting for your pay,  
   You must trust the hands that hold it,  
   Or you’ll never see the day.  

These lines suggest that even when we have done everything we can, there are still unknown factors at play. It is important to trust in the process and have faith that things will work out in the end.

The motif of the unexpected is also present throughout the poem. Dickinson suggests that trust can be found in unexpected places, and that we should be open to new experiences and possibilities. This is reflected in lines such as:

  Trust the unexpected chances,  
   They may come to you disguised,  
   But they bring the rarest fortunes,  
   When they’re seen with open eyes.  

These lines emphasize the importance of keeping an open mind and being willing to take risks. The unexpected can bring great rewards, but only if we are willing to trust in it.

Poetic Techniques

One of the most striking aspects of "Trust in the Unexpected" is its unique poetic form. The poem consists of short, fragmented lines that create a sense of urgency and intensity. This form is particularly effective in conveying Dickinson's message about the importance of trust and perseverance. The short lines and stanzas suggest that life is unpredictable and ever-changing, and that we must be adaptable and flexible in order to succeed.

Another important poetic technique used by Dickinson is the use of repetition. Throughout the poem, certain phrases are repeated, creating a sense of rhythm and emphasis. For example, the phrase "Trust in the Unexpected" is repeated several times, emphasizing the central theme of the poem. Other phrases, such as "You must trust" and "Trust the unexpected chances," are also repeated, emphasizing the importance of trust and faith.

The use of metaphor is also prevalent in the poem. Dickinson uses imagery to convey her message about trust and perseverance. For example, in the line "You must trust the hands that hold it," she is using the image of a worker waiting for their pay to suggest that we must trust in the process of life, even when we can't see what is happening behind the scenes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Trust in the Unexpected" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of trust, hope, and perseverance. Dickinson's unique poetic form and use of repetition and metaphor create a sense of urgency and intensity, emphasizing the importance of taking risks and remaining open to the possibilities of the world. The poem is a reminder that life is unpredictable and ever-changing, and that we must be adaptable and flexible in order to succeed. Ultimately, "Trust in the Unexpected" is a celebration of the human spirit, and a testament to our ability to overcome even the most difficult challenges.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Trust in the Unexpected: 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 even today. Among her many masterpieces, Trust in the Unexpected stands out as a shining example of her unique style and profound insight into the human condition. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in this classic poem, and uncover the hidden meanings that lie beneath its deceptively simple surface.

First, let us take a closer look at the poem itself:

Trust in the Unexpected By Emily Dickinson

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.

The Heroism we recite Would be a daily thing, Did not ourselves the Cubits warp For fear to be a King—

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, and introduces one of its central themes: the idea that we often underestimate our own potential until we are faced with a challenge or opportunity that forces us to rise to the occasion. Dickinson uses the metaphor of height to represent our potential, and suggests that we are capable of achieving great things if we are true to our plans and goals.

The second stanza builds on this idea, and introduces another important theme: the fear of success. Dickinson suggests that we often hold ourselves back from achieving our full potential because we are afraid of the responsibilities and expectations that come with success. She uses the metaphor of "Cubits" to represent the self-imposed limitations that we place on ourselves, and suggests that we could achieve heroic feats if we were not afraid to be "Kings" in our own right.

But what does all of this mean, and why is it important? To answer these questions, we need to delve deeper into the symbols and literary devices used in the poem, and explore the historical and cultural context in which it was written.

One of the most striking things about Trust in the Unexpected is its use of metaphor and symbolism. Dickinson was a master of using everyday objects and concepts to represent deeper, more abstract ideas, and this poem is no exception. The metaphor of height, for example, is used to represent our potential for greatness, and suggests that we are capable of achieving things that we may not have thought possible. This is a powerful and inspiring message, and one that is still relevant today.

Similarly, the metaphor of "Cubits" is used to represent the limitations that we place on ourselves, and the fear that holds us back from achieving our full potential. This is a common theme in literature and philosophy, and one that has been explored by many great thinkers throughout history. Dickinson's use of this metaphor is particularly effective, as it suggests that our limitations are not inherent or natural, but rather self-imposed and therefore within our power to overcome.

Another important literary device used in the poem is repetition. Dickinson repeats the phrase "Trust in the Unexpected" twice, once in the title and once in the first line of the poem. This repetition serves to emphasize the importance of this message, and suggests that it is something that we should take to heart and remember in our daily lives. The repetition of the word "Cubits" in the second stanza also serves to reinforce the idea of self-imposed limitations, and suggests that this is a concept that we should pay attention to and work to overcome.

But what about the historical and cultural context in which the poem was written? To fully appreciate the significance of Trust in the Unexpected, we need to understand the world in which Emily Dickinson lived and worked.

Dickinson was born in 1830 in Amherst, Massachusetts, and lived most of her life in relative seclusion. She was a prolific writer, but only a handful of her poems were published during her lifetime. It was not until after her death in 1886 that her work began to gain widespread recognition and acclaim.

The mid-19th century was a time of great change and upheaval in American society. The country was still recovering from the Civil War, and many people were struggling to find their place in a rapidly changing world. The idea of self-improvement and personal growth was becoming increasingly popular, and many people were looking for ways to overcome their limitations and achieve their full potential.

It is in this context that Trust in the Unexpected takes on even greater significance. Dickinson's message of trusting in the unexpected, of believing in our own potential for greatness, and of overcoming our self-imposed limitations, is one that would have resonated deeply with her contemporaries. It is a message that is still relevant today, and one that continues to inspire and motivate people around the world.

In conclusion, Trust in the Unexpected is a classic poem that continues to captivate and inspire readers today. Through its use of metaphor, symbolism, and repetition, Emily Dickinson delivers a powerful message about the human potential for greatness, and the self-imposed limitations that hold us back from achieving it. By understanding the historical and cultural context in which the poem was written, we can appreciate its significance even more, and recognize it as a timeless work of art that speaks to the human condition in a profound and meaningful way. So let us take Dickinson's message to heart, and trust in the unexpected, for who knows what heights we may reach if we do.

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