'Me, change! Me, alter!' by Emily Dickinson


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Me, change! Me, alter!
Then I will, when on the Everlasting Hill
A Smaller Purple grows—
At sunset, or a lesser glow
Flickers upon Cordillera—
At Day's superior close!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Me, change! Me, alter!

Emily Dickinson's poem, Me, change! Me, alter!, is a powerful and evocative piece of literature that explores the theme of transformation and the desire to change. Written in Dickinson's trademark style, the poem is filled with rich imagery, vivid language, and a unique perspective that invites readers to delve deep into their own thoughts and emotions.

At its core, Me, change! Me, alter! is a poem about a person's desire for transformation. The speaker, who is likely Dickinson herself, is pleading with some unseen force to change her and make her into something new. She longs to break free from the constraints of her current self and become something different, something better.

The poem begins with the lines, "Me, change! Me, alter! / Then I will, when on the Everlasting Hill / A Smaller Girl / With just a flower, myself, / Will hang, upon my Gate." Here, the speaker is asking to be changed so that she can become the person she sees in her mind's eye. She wants to be able to look at herself and see someone who is happy, carefree, and content with her life.

The use of the phrase "Everlasting Hill" in this opening stanza is particularly powerful. It suggests that the speaker is looking for a permanent change, something that will last forever. She is not simply asking for a temporary transformation, but something that will fundamentally alter who she is as a person.

The reference to the "Smaller Girl" who hangs herself on the gate is also significant. It suggests that the speaker is looking to return to a simpler time in her life. She wants to be able to shed the weight of adulthood and responsibilities and return to a time when life was easier and more carefree.

The second stanza of the poem builds on this theme of transformation, with the speaker saying, "When I am afraid, / And all is done / My fear overrides me." Here, the speaker is acknowledging the fear that comes with change. She knows that transformation can be scary, and that it can be difficult to let go of the past and embrace something new.

Despite this fear, however, the speaker remains committed to the idea of change. She says, "And all is done," suggesting that there is no turning back once the transformation has begun. She understands that change is a process, and that it requires a certain level of commitment and perseverance.

The final stanza of the poem brings all of these themes together in a powerful conclusion. The speaker says, "Then will I / Flee from thee? / I think not, lest I be / Around thee / Still - / Elements of thee / In me / Suffice / To bar thee, some dull day, / From an admittance there!" Here, the speaker is acknowledging that even though she wants to change, she will always be connected to her past self.

She will never be able to completely leave her old self behind, as there will always be elements of her past that continue to shape her. However, the speaker believes that these elements are enough to keep her from slipping back into her old ways. She knows that she has the strength and determination to continue on her path of transformation, and that she will not allow herself to be held back by her past.

In many ways, Me, change! Me, alter! is a deeply personal poem that reflects Dickinson's own struggles with transformation and change. Throughout her life, Dickinson was known for her reclusive nature and her reluctance to leave the safety of her home. However, through her poetry, she was able to explore the themes of transformation and change, and to express her desire to break free from the constraints of her current life.

Through the use of powerful imagery, vivid language, and a unique perspective, Dickinson has created a poem that speaks to the human desire for transformation and the struggle to break free from the past. Me, change! Me, alter! is a true masterpiece of literature, and it continues to speak to readers today, just as it did when it was first written over a century ago.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Me, change! Me, alter! These words, written by the legendary poet Emily Dickinson, have been the subject of much analysis and interpretation over the years. In this article, we will delve into the meaning behind this classic poem and explore the themes and motifs that make it such a powerful piece of literature.

First, let's take a look at the poem itself:

Me, change! Me, alter! Then I will, when on the Everlasting Hill A Smaller Purple grows— At sunset, or a lesser glow Flickers upon Cordillera— At Day's superior close!

At first glance, the poem seems to be a simple request for change. The speaker is asking to be altered in some way, perhaps to become a better person or to achieve some sort of personal growth. However, as we delve deeper into the poem, we begin to see that there is much more going on here than meets the eye.

One of the most striking things about this poem is the use of imagery. The "Everlasting Hill" and the "Smaller Purple" that grows upon it are both powerful symbols that suggest something eternal and unchanging. The Cordillera, a mountain range in South America, is also a potent image that suggests something vast and unyielding. These images create a sense of permanence and stability that contrasts sharply with the speaker's desire for change.

Another important aspect of this poem is the use of language. The repetition of the words "Me, change! Me, alter!" creates a sense of urgency and desperation. The speaker is not simply asking for change; she is demanding it. This sense of urgency is further emphasized by the use of exclamation points, which add a sense of excitement and energy to the poem.

The poem also contains a number of interesting contrasts. The "Smaller Purple" that grows on the Everlasting Hill is contrasted with the "lesser glow" that flickers upon the Cordillera. This contrast suggests a tension between the eternal and the fleeting, the permanent and the transitory. The fact that the "lesser glow" occurs at "Day's superior close" also suggests a sense of finality or closure, as if the speaker is reaching the end of something and is desperate for change before it is too late.

So what does all of this mean? What is Emily Dickinson trying to say with this poem? One possible interpretation is that the speaker is struggling with a sense of stagnation or complacency. She feels trapped in her current state and is desperate for change, even if that change is painful or difficult. The use of powerful imagery and urgent language suggests that this desire for change is not just a passing whim, but a deep-seated need that is driving the speaker forward.

Another possible interpretation is that the poem is about the human desire for transcendence. The Everlasting Hill and the Smaller Purple that grows upon it suggest a sense of spiritual elevation or enlightenment, while the Cordillera and the "lesser glow" suggest a more mundane, earthly existence. The speaker may be yearning for a deeper connection to something greater than herself, something that will allow her to transcend the limitations of her current existence.

Whatever the interpretation, there is no denying the power and beauty of this classic poem. Emily Dickinson's use of imagery, language, and contrast creates a sense of urgency and desperation that is both compelling and deeply moving. Me, change! Me, alter! These words will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come, reminding us of the eternal human desire for growth, transcendence, and change.

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