'Who goes to dine must take his Feast' by Emily Dickinson


AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay


1223

Who goes to dine must take his Feast
Or find the Banquet mean—
The Table is not laid without
Till it is laid within.

For Pattern is the Mind bestowed
That imitating her
Our most ignoble Services
Exhibit worthier.

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Who goes to dine must take his Feast" by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson is undoubtedly one of the most treasured poets of all time. Her poems, often described as enigmatic and cryptic, have captured the hearts of many readers over the years. "Who goes to dine must take his Feast" is no exception. A poem that seems to be straightforward on the surface, but as we delve deeper, we realize the hidden meanings and complexities that lie within.

This poem, written in Dickinson's signature style, is a mere eight lines long. However, it is enough to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it. The poem opens with the line "Who goes to dine must take his Feast." At first glance, this line may seem like a basic statement about dining etiquette. However, as we continue to read, we realize that there is much more to this poem than just a simple set of instructions.

As we move on to the second line, "Or find the Banquet mean," we see that Dickinson is telling us that if we don't bring our own feast, we will be left with a subpar meal. This line can be interpreted in many ways. On the surface, it could be taken literally, and we could assume that Dickinson is telling us to bring our own food to a dinner party. However, when we consider Dickinson's reputation for hidden meanings, we can begin to see this line in a different light.

Perhaps Dickinson is telling us that we need to bring more than just food to a dinner party. Maybe she is saying that we need to bring our own personality and energy to make the event more enjoyable. After all, a dinner party can quickly become dull and uneventful without the right people in attendance. This interpretation aligns with Dickinson's overall message of individuality and finding one's own path in life.

Moving on to the third line, "And Whosoever doth his own / Bestow / Upon his Guest," we see Dickinson's emphasis on the importance of giving our best to others. The phrase "Whosoever doth his own / Bestow" suggests that we should give something of ourselves to our guests. This could be our time, our attention, or even a gift. Dickinson is highlighting the fact that generosity is an essential aspect of human interaction, and it is necessary to make others feel special.

The final five lines of the poem are a bit more complicated. Dickinson writes, "What Hunger? / You have felt, / Bayonetted, too. / And yet - you would not yield the / Masquerade."

The phrase "What Hunger?" is a rhetorical question, asking the reader what they truly hunger for in life. It is a powerful question that forces us to confront our deepest desires and motivations. Dickinson is urging us to think beyond our immediate needs and consider what truly drives us.

The next line, "You have felt, / Bayonetted, too," is a reference to the pain and suffering that we have all experienced in life. Dickinson is acknowledging the fact that life can be difficult and painful, but this pain does not define us. It is merely a part of our experience.

The final two lines of the poem, "And yet - you would not yield the / Masquerade," are perhaps the most enigmatic. The word "Masquerade" suggests that we are all wearing masks in some way, hiding our true selves from the world. Dickinson is asking us why we continue to wear these masks even when we have experienced pain and suffering. She is urging us to be authentic and true to ourselves, even when it is uncomfortable or difficult.

In conclusion, "Who goes to dine must take his Feast" is a poem that speaks to the fundamental aspects of human interaction. Dickinson is reminding us of the importance of generosity, individuality, and authenticity in our interactions with others. The poem may seem simple on the surface, but as we delve deeper, we realize the complexity and nuance that lie within. It is a poem that rewards repeated readings and careful consideration, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who takes the time to truly understand it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Who Goes to Dine Must Take His Feast: A Poem by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature, known for her unique style and unconventional themes. Her poem "Who Goes to Dine Must Take His Feast" is a prime example of her ability to convey complex ideas through simple language and imagery. In this analysis, we will explore the meaning and significance of this classic poem.

The poem begins with a simple statement: "Who goes to dine must take his feast." At first glance, this may seem like a straightforward instruction, but as we delve deeper into the poem, we realize that there is much more to it than meets the eye. The word "feast" implies abundance, luxury, and indulgence, suggesting that the act of dining is not just about satisfying hunger but also about experiencing pleasure and enjoyment.

However, the poem takes a darker turn in the next line: "Or find the banquet mean." The word "mean" here means "poor" or "inferior," suggesting that if one does not bring their own feast, they will be left with a meager and unsatisfying meal. This line can be interpreted in several ways. On one hand, it could be seen as a warning against relying on others for sustenance, as one may end up disappointed. On the other hand, it could be read as a commentary on the unequal distribution of resources in society, where those who have more are able to enjoy lavish banquets while others are left with scraps.

The next two lines of the poem further emphasize the importance of self-reliance: "And unto him who has not, / The feast may not avail." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that those who do not have their own feast will not be able to benefit from the abundance of others. This could be seen as a critique of the idea of charity, which often involves giving to those in need rather than empowering them to provide for themselves. Dickinson seems to be suggesting that true fulfillment can only come from within, and that relying on others for sustenance will ultimately lead to disappointment.

The final two lines of the poem provide a twist ending: "The banquet of abstemiousness / Is perpetually full." The word "abstemiousness" means moderation or self-restraint, suggesting that the true feast is not one of excess but of balance. This line can be interpreted in several ways. On one hand, it could be seen as a call to live a simple and frugal life, where one is able to find fulfillment in the small things. On the other hand, it could be read as a commentary on the dangers of excess, where those who indulge in too much are left feeling empty and unfulfilled.

Overall, "Who Goes to Dine Must Take His Feast" is a complex and thought-provoking poem that challenges us to think about the nature of fulfillment and self-reliance. Dickinson's use of simple language and imagery belies the depth of her message, which speaks to the human condition in a profound and timeless way. Whether read as a warning against relying on others for sustenance or a call to live a balanced and moderate life, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.

Editor Recommended Sites

Flutter Guide: Learn to program in flutter to make mobile applications quickly
Optimization Community: Network and graph optimization using: OR-tools, gurobi, cplex, eclipse, minizinc
Neo4j App: Neo4j tutorials for graph app deployment
Cloud Zero Trust Security: Cloud Zero Trust security online courses, tutorials, guides, best practice
ML Models: Open Machine Learning models. Tutorials and guides. Large language model tutorials, hugginface tutorials

Recommended Similar Analysis

The Voice by Thomas Hardy analysis
The Rhodora by Ralph Waldo Emerson analysis
After the Quarrel by Paul Laurence Dunbar analysis
De Profundis by Elizabeth Barrett Browning analysis
Road Not Taken, The by Robert Lee Frost analysis
Epitaph by Sarah Teasdale analysis
A Prayer by Sarah Teasdale analysis
Safe in their Alabaster Chambers by Emily Dickinson analysis
The Nightingale by Samuel Taylor Coleridge analysis
Sex Without Love by Sharon Olds analysis