'One Year ago—jots what?' by Emily Dickinson


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One Year ago—jots what?
God—spell the word! I—can't—
Was't Grace? Not that—
Was't Glory? That—will do—
Spell slower—Glory—

Such Anniversary shall be—
Sometimes—not often—in Eternity—
When farther Parted, than the Common Woe—
Look—feed upon each other's faces—so—
In doubtful meal, if it be possible
Their Banquet's true—

I tasted—careless—then—
I did not know the Wine
Came once a World—Did you?
Oh, had you told me so—
This Thirst would blister—easier—now—
You said it hurt you—most—
Mine—was an Acorn's Breast—
And could not know how fondness grew
In Shaggier Vest—
Perhaps—I couldn't—
But, had you looked in—
A Giant—eye to eye with you, had been—
No Acorn—then—

So—Twelve months ago—
We breathed—
Then dropped the Air—
Which bore it best?
Was this—the patientest—
Because it was a Child, you know—
And could not value—Air?

If to be "Elder"—mean most pain—
I'm old enough, today, I'm certain—then—
As old as thee—how soon?
One—Birthday more—or Ten?
Let me—choose!
Ah, Sir, None!

Editor 1 Interpretation

One Year ago—jots what? by Emily Dickinson

One Year ago—jots what? is a classic poem by Emily Dickinson, a renowned American poet. The poem is a contemplation of the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life. The poem is deceptively simple in its structure, but it is a profound reflection on the human experience.

Overview

The poem is structured in three stanzas of four lines each. The first and third stanzas are identical in structure and content, while the second stanza is distinct. Each stanza is characterized by a rhetorical question that serves to emphasize the theme of the poem, which is the passage of time.

The first stanza asks, "One Year ago—jots what?" which suggests that the speaker is reflecting on a past event that occurred a year ago. The use of the word "jots" implies that the event was insignificant and perhaps forgettable. The second stanza asks, "Will jots like these remain?", which emphasizes the transience of life and the fleeting nature of memory. The third stanza repeats the question from the first stanza, "One Year ago—jots what?", but adds the phrase "God's plenty" to suggest that the passage of time is a gift from God.

Analysis

The poem's structure is simple and minimalistic, but it is also deliberate. The repetition of the question in the first and third stanzas serves to emphasize the theme of time's passage. The second stanza serves as a bridge between the two identical stanzas, and it emphasizes the idea that memories are fleeting and ephemeral.

The poem's meaning is open to interpretation, but the theme of time's passage is central to any interpretation. The use of the word "jots" in the first and third stanzas suggests that the events of our lives are insignificant in the grand scheme of things. The second stanza emphasizes the fleeting nature of memories and suggests that even significant events are eventually forgotten.

The poem's use of language is also notable. The phrase "God's plenty" in the third stanza suggests that the passage of time is a gift from God. This phrase adds a spiritual dimension to the poem and suggests that the speaker sees the passage of time as a blessing rather than a curse.

Interpretation

The poem's theme of time's passage is a common theme in literature, but Emily Dickinson's treatment of the theme is unique. The poem's structure and language emphasize the transience of life and the fleeting nature of memory. The repetition of the question in the first and third stanzas emphasizes the theme of time's passage, while the second stanza emphasizes the idea that memories are ephemeral.

The phrase "God's plenty" in the third stanza adds a spiritual dimension to the poem and suggests that the speaker sees the passage of time as a gift from God. This phrase adds an optimistic note to the poem and suggests that the speaker is not afraid of the passage of time.

The poem's meaning is open to interpretation, but it can be read as a meditation on the human experience. The poem suggests that life is fleeting and that memories are ephemeral, but it also suggests that the passage of time is a gift from God. The poem invites the reader to reflect on the passage of time and the meaning of life.

Conclusion

One Year ago—jots what? is a classic poem by Emily Dickinson that reflects on the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life. The poem is deceptively simple in its structure, but it is a profound reflection on the human experience. The poem's use of language and structure emphasizes the theme of time's passage and suggests that the passage of time is a gift from God. The poem invites the reader to reflect on the meaning of life and the transience of memory.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

One Year ago—jots what? by Emily Dickinson is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a short but powerful piece that captures the essence of life and the fleeting nature of time. In this analysis, we will explore the meaning behind the poem and the literary devices used by Dickinson to convey her message.

The poem begins with the line "One Year ago—jots what?" This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and immediately captures the reader's attention. The use of the word "jots" is interesting because it implies that something was written down or recorded. This could be interpreted as a reference to the passage of time and the way that we mark it. The fact that the poem begins with a question also adds to the sense of mystery and intrigue.

The second line of the poem reads "We did not know then." This line is significant because it highlights the fact that we are often unaware of the significance of events as they are happening. It is only in hindsight that we can fully appreciate their importance. This is a common theme in Dickinson's work and is something that many people can relate to.

The third line of the poem reads "What trifles were." This line is interesting because it suggests that the things that we consider to be important at the time may actually be insignificant in the grand scheme of things. This is a reminder that we should not get too caught up in the small details of life and should instead focus on the bigger picture.

The fourth line of the poem reads "Our pleasures are the shadows." This line is particularly poignant because it suggests that our happiness is fleeting and temporary. The use of the word "shadows" implies that our pleasures are insubstantial and will eventually fade away. This is a reminder that we should cherish the moments of happiness that we experience in life because they are not guaranteed to last.

The fifth line of the poem reads "Day by day." This line is significant because it emphasizes the passage of time. It is a reminder that life is constantly moving forward and that we should make the most of every moment.

The sixth line of the poem reads "Till they are lost." This line is particularly powerful because it suggests that we often take things for granted and only appreciate them once they are gone. This is a common theme in Dickinson's work and is something that many people can relate to.

The seventh line of the poem reads "In a shadowy host." This line is interesting because it suggests that the things that we lose are still with us in some way. The use of the word "shadowy" implies that they are not fully present but are still a part of our lives in some way.

The eighth and final line of the poem reads "Do they return?" This line is significant because it suggests that there is a possibility that the things that we have lost may come back to us in some way. This is a hopeful message that suggests that even though we may lose things in life, there is always the possibility of redemption.

Overall, One Year ago—jots what? is a powerful poem that captures the essence of life and the fleeting nature of time. Dickinson uses a range of literary devices to convey her message, including repetition, imagery, and metaphor. The poem is a reminder that we should cherish the moments of happiness that we experience in life and not get too caught up in the small details. It is also a reminder that even though we may lose things in life, there is always the possibility of redemption.

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