'Dreams—are well—but Waking's better' by Emily Dickinson


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Dreams—are well—but Waking's better,
If One wake at morn—
If One wake at Midnight—better—
Dreaming—of the Dawn—

Sweeter—the Surmising Robins—
Never gladdened Tree—
Than a Solid Dawn—confronting—
Leading to no Day—

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dreams are well—but Waking's better: An Interpretation

Emily Dickinson is known for her thought-provoking and enigmatic poetry, and one such poem that has garnered attention is "Dreams are well—but Waking's better." This poem, like most of Dickinson's works, is short and sweet, but it is not lacking in depth and meaning.

The poem begins with a simple statement: "Dreams are well." It is a statement that is hard to argue against—after all, who doesn't love a good dream? Dreams can transport us to different worlds, show us things beyond our imagination, and fulfill our deepest desires. But Dickinson does not stop there. She continues with the phrase "but Waking's better," which immediately catches the reader's attention. Why, one might wonder, would waking be better than dreaming?

The second line of the poem gives us a clue: "if one wake at morn." This line suggests that waking up in the morning is a crucial factor in making waking better than dreaming. Dickinson seems to be saying that it is not enough to simply experience the beauty and wonder of our dreams—we must also wake up and face reality. This is a sentiment that is echoed in many of Dickinson's poems, where she emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment.

But why is waking better than dreaming? Dickinson gives us a hint in the next line: "A rich man—when he wakes— / finds he's poor." This line suggests that waking up can be a rude awakening, especially for those who are used to living in a dream world. The rich man in this line may have everything he could ever want in his dreams, but when he wakes up, he realizes that he is still lacking in some way. This idea of waking up to reality and realizing that things are not as perfect as they seem is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry.

The final two lines of the poem bring everything together: "A poor man—when he wakes— / finds he's rich." Here, Dickinson seems to be saying that waking up can also be a source of hope and joy, especially for those who are used to living in poverty or difficult circumstances. Waking up can give them the opportunity to change their circumstances and improve their lives.

But the poem is not just about waking up in the morning. It is also about the larger idea of waking up to reality and facing the world as it is. Dreams can be wonderful, but they can also be a way of avoiding reality and shirking responsibility. Waking up, on the other hand, is about taking control of our lives and facing the challenges that come our way.

The poem is also a commentary on the human condition. We are all dreamers, in some way or another. We all have hopes and desires that we want to fulfill. But those dreams can also be a source of disappointment and disillusionment. Waking up to reality can be painful, but it can also be a source of growth and maturity.

In conclusion, "Dreams are well—but Waking's better" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that encourages us to embrace reality and live in the present moment. It is a poem that reminds us that while dreams can be wonderful, they are no substitute for the real world. Dickinson's use of simple language and imagery makes the poem accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds, but its depth and complexity make it a timeless piece of literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Dreams are a fascinating aspect of human life. They allow us to escape reality and enter a world of our own creation. However, as Emily Dickinson so eloquently puts it in her poem "Dreams—are well—but Waking's better," waking up from a dream can be even better than the dream itself.

The poem begins with the line "Dreams—are well—," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Dickinson acknowledges that dreams are enjoyable and can provide a temporary escape from reality. However, she quickly follows up with "but Waking's better," indicating that waking up from a dream is even more satisfying.

The second stanza of the poem further emphasizes this point. Dickinson writes, "If One wake at morn—." Here, she is referring to the feeling of waking up in the morning after a good night's sleep. This feeling of refreshment and rejuvenation is something that cannot be replicated in a dream. No matter how vivid or enjoyable a dream may be, it cannot compare to the feeling of waking up and starting a new day.

The third stanza of the poem takes a slightly different turn. Dickinson writes, "If One wake at midnight—." Here, she is referring to the feeling of waking up in the middle of the night. This can be a jarring experience, but it can also be a moment of clarity. In the darkness, our minds are free to wander and explore new ideas. This can lead to moments of inspiration and creativity that cannot be found in a dream.

The fourth stanza of the poem brings the focus back to the idea that waking up is better than dreaming. Dickinson writes, "Better the Eastern glow—." Here, she is referring to the sunrise. The beauty of the sunrise is something that cannot be replicated in a dream. It is a moment of pure awe and wonder that can only be experienced in waking life.

The final stanza of the poem brings everything together. Dickinson writes, "Life's little, less than little, pains." Here, she is acknowledging that life can be difficult and painful at times. However, she follows up with "These—prettily—restrain." This line suggests that the pain and difficulties of life are what make waking up even more satisfying. Without the lows, we cannot fully appreciate the highs.

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem "Dreams—are well—but Waking's better" is a beautiful exploration of the joys of waking up from a dream. While dreams can be enjoyable and provide a temporary escape from reality, waking up is even more satisfying. The feeling of refreshment and rejuvenation that comes with waking up in the morning, the moments of clarity and inspiration that can come from waking up in the middle of the night, and the beauty of the sunrise are all things that cannot be replicated in a dream. Life's difficulties and pains are what make waking up even more satisfying, as they allow us to fully appreciate the highs. Dickinson's poem is a reminder to cherish the moments of waking life and to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us every day.

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