'By homely gift and hindered Words' by Emily Dickinson


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1563

By homely gift and hindered Words
The human heart is told
Of Nothing—
"Nothing" is the force
That renovates the World—

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

By Homely Gift and Hindered Words: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

By Homely Gift and Hindered Words is a classic poem written by Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned poets of the 19th century. This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style of writing, which often includes an exploration of themes such as love, death, and nature.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various elements of this poem and analyze its meaning and significance. We will also examine the historical context in which Dickinson wrote this poem and how it relates to her other works.

Historical Context

Emily Dickinson lived in Amherst, Massachusetts during the mid to late 1800s. This was a time of great change in America, with the country undergoing rapid industrialization and urbanization. However, Dickinson lived a reclusive life and rarely left her home. She spent most of her time writing poetry and corresponding with friends and family through letters.

It is important to understand the historical context in which Dickinson wrote this poem because it helps us to understand her perspective and the themes she explored in her writing. Many of Dickinson's poems reflect a sense of isolation and loneliness, which may have been influenced by the changes happening in society during her time.

Analysis

By Homely Gift and Hindered Words is a short poem that consists of only three stanzas. The poem is written in Dickinson's typical style, with short lines and simple language.

The first stanza of the poem reads:

By homely gift and hindered Words The human heart is told Of Nothing - "Nothing" is the force That renovates the World -

This stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Dickinson is suggesting that there is something powerful about "nothing." This idea is explored further in the second stanza:

"Nothing" is the general fall Of Adam and his Eve - The manufacture of the "straw" Is his -

Here, Dickinson is referencing the biblical story of Adam and Eve and the fall of man. She suggests that the concept of "nothing" is related to the original sin of Adam and Eve. The third stanza reads:

But the Redemption of the world Depends - on this - alone - If "Nothing" lay hold of thee - Thy fortunes are undone -

In this stanza, Dickinson brings the idea of redemption into the equation. She suggests that the fate of the world depends on our ability to embrace "nothing." If we are unable to do so, we are doomed to failure.

So, what does all of this mean? Dickinson is exploring the idea of emptiness and how it relates to the human experience. She suggests that there is something powerful about "nothing," and that it is a force that can change the world.

Themes

There are several themes that can be explored in this poem. One of the primary themes is the idea of emptiness. Dickinson suggests that emptiness can be a powerful force for change, and that it is something that we should embrace rather than fear.

Another theme that can be explored in this poem is the concept of redemption. Dickinson suggests that redemption depends on our ability to embrace "nothing." This may be a reference to the idea of letting go of our earthly attachments and embracing a higher power.

Conclusion

By Homely Gift and Hindered Words is a classic poem written by Emily Dickinson that explores the themes of emptiness and redemption. Through her use of simple language and short lines, Dickinson manages to convey a powerful message about the human experience. This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style of writing, and it continues to captivate readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

By Homely Gift and Hindered Words: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with her unique style and thought-provoking poetry. Among her many works, "By Homely Gift and Hindered Words" stands out as a masterpiece that captures the essence of her poetic genius. This poem, with its intricate structure and profound themes, is a testament to Dickinson's ability to convey complex ideas through simple yet powerful language.

The poem begins with the line, "By homely gift and hindered words, the human heart is told of love." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it highlights the idea that love is often expressed through simple gestures and words that are not always eloquent or grandiose. The use of the word "homely" here is particularly significant, as it suggests that love is not always about grand gestures or expensive gifts, but rather about the small, everyday things that we do for one another.

The second line, "And in the eyes that meet, across the room, fond meanings are revealed," further emphasizes this idea of love being expressed through subtle gestures. The use of the phrase "fond meanings" suggests that there is a deeper, more profound connection between two people who are in love, and that this connection can be communicated through something as simple as a glance across a crowded room.

The third line, "And all the longings of the heart, that stir the soul to song," introduces the theme of longing, which is a recurring motif throughout the poem. Here, Dickinson suggests that love is not just about the present moment, but also about the past and the future. The "longings of the heart" are the desires and hopes that we have for our relationships, and these are what inspire us to sing and create art.

The fourth line, "Are in the voiceless words that come, from one who understands," further emphasizes the idea that love is often expressed through simple, unspoken gestures. The use of the phrase "voiceless words" suggests that there are some things that cannot be expressed through language, but can only be understood through a deep connection between two people.

The fifth line, "The message in the silent touch, a language old and true," introduces the idea that touch can also be a powerful way of expressing love. The use of the phrase "language old and true" suggests that touch is a universal language that has been used to express love throughout history.

The sixth line, "And eyes that speak with tender glow, tell love's sweet story too," further emphasizes the idea that love can be communicated through nonverbal cues. The use of the phrase "tender glow" suggests that there is a warmth and softness to the way that love is expressed through the eyes.

The seventh line, "In every act of kindness done, the heart's true love is shown," brings the poem full circle, as it returns to the idea that love is often expressed through simple acts of kindness. The use of the phrase "heart's true love" suggests that there is a deeper, more profound love that is expressed through these acts of kindness, and that this love is what truly matters.

The final two lines of the poem, "Unseen, unheard, but ever near, still watched and tended by its own," bring the poem to a close with a sense of mystery and wonder. The use of the phrase "unseen, unheard" suggests that there is something intangible about love that cannot be fully understood or expressed through language. However, the final line, "still watched and tended by its own," suggests that love is something that is always present, even when it is not visible or audible.

Overall, "By Homely Gift and Hindered Words" is a masterful poem that captures the essence of love and the many ways in which it can be expressed. Through its use of simple language and subtle imagery, Dickinson conveys a profound message about the power of love and the importance of expressing it through simple acts of kindness and understanding. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's poetic genius and her ability to capture the complexities of human emotion in a way that is both beautiful and profound.

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