'I shall know why-when Time is over' by Emily Dickinson


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I shall know why-when Time is over-
And I have ceased to wonder why-
Christ will explain each separate anguish
In the fair schoolroom of the sky-He will tell me what "Peter" promised-
And I-for wonder at his woe-
I shall forget the drop of Anguish
That scalds me now-that scalds me now!

Editor 1 Interpretation

"I shall know why-when Time is over" by Emily Dickinson: A Timeless Poem

Have you ever read a poem that leaves you with a feeling of uncertainty, yet a sense of profound understanding? This is what Emily Dickinson's "I shall know why-when Time is over" does to its readers. The poem is a beautiful piece of literature that speaks of the mysteries of life, death, and the afterlife. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the themes of the poem, its structure, language, and symbolism, and explore the possible meanings behind them.

The Themes of the Poem

At the heart of "I shall know why-when Time is over" is the theme of the unknown. Dickinson speaks of a time when all the questions we have about life and death will be answered. The poem is an invitation to ponder on the things we do not know, and to find some comfort in the idea that one day, we will know everything. This theme is particularly relevant to Dickinson's life, as she was known for her reclusive nature and her fascination with death and the afterlife.

Another important theme is that of the paradox. The poem is filled with paradoxical statements, such as "I shall but know the way that passed / With Death's familiar lead." This paradoxical nature of the poem invites its readers to think deeply about the nature of life and death, and how they are intertwined. The poem also speaks of the paradoxical nature of time, as it is something that we measure, yet we cannot fully understand or control.

The Structure of the Poem

"I shall know why-when Time is over" is a poem of four stanzas, each containing four lines. The poem's structure is simple, yet effective in conveying the poem's themes. The poem's simplicity is reflected in its language, which is free from any complex metaphors or imagery. The poem is easily accessible to anyone, and its themes are universal.

The Language of the Poem

The language of the poem is simple, yet powerful. Dickinson uses everyday language to convey her message, but she does so in a way that is deeply profound. The poem is filled with paradoxical statements, such as "I shall be but a little while / And thou shalt mourn me then." These paradoxes are used to highlight the mysteries of life and death, and to invite readers to ponder on them.

The Symbolism in the Poem

The most significant symbol in the poem is that of time. Time is used as a metaphor for the unknown, the unseen, and the mysterious. Dickinson speaks of a time when all our questions will be answered, and when we will finally understand the mysteries of life and death. The poem also uses the symbol of death as a way of exploring the theme of the unknown. Dickinson sees death as a guide that leads us to the answers we seek.

The Interpretation of the Poem

"I shall know why-when Time is over" is a poem that invites its readers to think deeply about the nature of life, death, and the afterlife. The poem speaks of the mysteries of life, and how we are all searching for answers to questions that we cannot fully understand. Dickinson sees death as a guide that leads us to the answers we seek, and she invites her readers to find comfort in this idea.

The poem also speaks of the paradoxical nature of life and death. Dickinson sees life as a fleeting moment, something that is here one minute and gone the next. She uses paradoxes to explore the mysteries of life, and to invite her readers to ponder on them.

Conclusion

"I shall know why-when Time is over" is a beautiful poem that speaks of the mysteries of life and death. Dickinson invites her readers to ponder on the things we do not know, and to find comfort in the idea that one day, we will know everything. The poem is a reflection of Dickinson's fascination with death and the afterlife and her reclusive nature. The poem's simplicity, paradoxical statements, and use of metaphors and symbolism make it a timeless piece of literature that continues to be relevant to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson’s “I shall know why-when Time is over” is a classic poem that explores the themes of death, faith, and the afterlife. The poem is a reflection on the mysteries of life and the unknowns that we face as humans. Dickinson’s use of language and imagery creates a powerful and thought-provoking piece that leaves readers with a sense of wonder and awe.

The poem begins with the speaker stating that they will understand the mysteries of life and death when “Time is over.” This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that the speaker is contemplating the unknowns of life and the afterlife. The use of the word “shall” also adds a sense of certainty to the poem, as if the speaker is confident that they will eventually understand these mysteries.

The second stanza of the poem introduces the idea of faith, as the speaker states that they will “see the face I long to see.” This line suggests that the speaker believes in an afterlife or a higher power that they will eventually meet. The use of the word “long” also adds a sense of longing or desire to the poem, as if the speaker is eagerly anticipating this meeting.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as the speaker states that they will “know the reason why the grass has grown.” This line suggests that the speaker is contemplating the mysteries of nature and the universe, and that they believe that there is a reason for everything. The use of the word “know” also adds a sense of certainty to the poem, as if the speaker is confident that they will eventually understand these mysteries.

The fourth stanza of the poem introduces the idea of death, as the speaker states that they will “know the reason why the jay has never spoke.” This line suggests that the speaker is contemplating the mysteries of death and the afterlife, and that they believe that there is a reason for everything. The use of the word “never” also adds a sense of finality to the poem, as if the speaker is acknowledging the inevitability of death.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most hopeful, as the speaker states that they will “know the hand that took the pen.” This line suggests that the speaker believes in a higher power or a divine plan, and that they will eventually understand the mysteries of life and death. The use of the word “hand” also adds a sense of personal connection to the poem, as if the speaker is acknowledging the presence of a higher power in their life.

Overall, Emily Dickinson’s “I shall know why-when Time is over” is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the mysteries of life and the afterlife. The use of language and imagery creates a sense of wonder and awe, and leaves readers with a sense of hope and optimism. Whether you believe in an afterlife or not, this poem is sure to leave you contemplating the mysteries of life and the unknowns that we all face as humans.

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