'If What we could—were what we would' by Emily Dickinson


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If What we could—were what we would—
Criterion—be small—
It is the Ultimate of Talk—
The Impotence to Tell—

Editor 1 Interpretation

If What we could—were what we would by Emily Dickinson: A Detailed Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Emily Dickinson is a well-known American poet who wrote approximately 1,800 poems throughout her lifetime. Her poems are known for their unique style and use of unconventional punctuation. One of her most famous poems is "If What we could—were what we would," which explores the idea of personal aspiration and the limitations imposed on individuals by society.

Poem Analysis

The poem is written in Dickinson's characteristic short lines, which are often not punctuated in the traditional manner. The poem consists of two stanzas, each containing four lines. The first stanza reads:

If what we could—were what we would—
And more than echoes—less than sound—
Some divine majority—
Of vanished crowds—hold thee renowned—

The first line presents an idea of personal potential, suggesting that individuals are capable of achieving anything they desire. The second line juxtaposes the idea of potential with a sense of limitation, suggesting that the reality of the situation is less than ideal. The third line introduces the idea of a divine entity or a higher power that controls the success or failure of individuals. The final line suggests that it is the opinions of others that determine the success or failure of an individual.

The second stanza reads:

"Sing, and the hills will answer;
Sigh, it is lost on the air;
The echoes bound to a joyful sound,
But shrink from voicing care."

The second stanza presents the idea that positive actions or emotions are celebrated and echoed by society, while negative actions or emotions are ignored or stifled.

Interpreting the Poem

The poem is a reflection on personal ambition and the limitations imposed on individuals by society. The first stanza suggests that while individuals may have personal potential, their actual success or failure is determined by the opinions of others. The use of the term "divine majority" suggests that this higher power is not necessarily a religious entity, but rather the opinions of society as a whole.

The second stanza reinforces the idea that society only celebrates positive emotions, while negative emotions are ignored or suppressed. This can be seen as a commentary on the societal pressure to always present a positive image and the stigma associated with discussing negative emotions.

Overall, the poem can be interpreted as a call to action for individuals to pursue their personal aspirations regardless of the opinions of others. It suggests that true success is achieved by following one's own path and not being swayed by societal expectations.

Themes

The themes present in "If What we could—were what we would" include personal ambition, societal pressure, and the pursuit of individual happiness. The poem encourages the reader to follow their own path and not be swayed by societal expectations or the opinions of others. It suggests that true success is achieved by pursuing one's own ambitions and not being confined by the limitations imposed by society.

Style and Language

Dickinson's style and use of language are unique and unconventional. The poem is written in short lines and often lacks traditional punctuation, which can make it difficult to interpret at times. However, Dickinson's use of language is powerful and evocative, and her message is clear despite the unconventional structure of the poem.

Conclusion

"If What we could—were what we would" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that encourages individuals to pursue their personal aspirations and not be swayed by societal pressure. Dickinson's use of language and unconventional structure create a sense of urgency and encourage the reader to take action. The poem serves as a reminder that true success is achieved by following one's own path and pursuing individual happiness, rather than conforming to societal expectations.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

If What we could—were what we would, written by Emily Dickinson, is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style of writing, which is characterized by its brevity, wit, and depth of meaning. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and overall message of this poem.

The poem begins with the line, "If what we could—were what we would," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. This line suggests that there is a gap between what we are capable of and what we actually do. The poem goes on to explore this idea further, asking the reader to consider what would happen if we were able to achieve our full potential.

The first stanza of the poem reads:

If what we could—were what we would— Criterion—be small— It is the ultimate of talk— The impotence to tell—

This stanza sets up the central theme of the poem, which is the idea that our potential is limited by our own perceptions of what is possible. The line "Criterion—be small—" suggests that we often limit ourselves by setting small goals or by not believing in our own abilities. The final two lines of the stanza, "It is the ultimate of talk—/The impotence to tell—" suggest that even when we recognize our own limitations, we are often unable to articulate them.

The second stanza of the poem reads:

The distant toil of fingers That are never still— Employed in ours for punishment The worst of all our ill!

This stanza explores the idea that we are often too busy to achieve our full potential. The line "The distant toil of fingers/That are never still—" suggests that we are constantly busy with work or other distractions, which prevents us from focusing on our goals. The final two lines of the stanza, "Employed in ours for punishment/The worst of all our ill!" suggest that this busyness is a form of self-punishment, and that it prevents us from achieving our full potential.

The third stanza of the poem reads:

The rapture of a finished day— Returning to the west— All these—stand—adored—by work— Or families—or friends—

This stanza explores the idea that we often prioritize other things over our own personal growth. The line "The rapture of a finished day—" suggests that we often find satisfaction in completing tasks or spending time with loved ones, rather than pursuing our own goals. The final two lines of the stanza, "All these—stand—adored—by work—/Or families—or friends—" suggest that we often prioritize these other things over our own personal growth, and that this is a form of adoration.

The fourth and final stanza of the poem reads:

With thee, in sight, to take my hand, Were all my dues forgot— What better—on the brink to stand— Of my sublimest hour?

This stanza suggests that the only way to achieve our full potential is to have someone to guide us. The line "With thee, in sight, to take my hand—" suggests that we need someone to help us overcome our limitations and achieve our goals. The final two lines of the stanza, "What better—on the brink to stand—/Of my sublimest hour?" suggest that achieving our full potential is the ultimate goal, and that having someone to guide us is the key to achieving this goal.

Overall, If What we could—were what we would is a powerful poem that explores the themes of personal growth, self-limitation, and the importance of having someone to guide us. Through its use of literary devices such as metaphor, repetition, and imagery, the poem conveys a powerful message about the human condition and the importance of striving for our full potential.

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