'Except the smaller size' by Emily Dickinson


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Except the smaller size
No lives are round—
These—hurry to a sphere
And show and end—
The larger—slower grow
And later hang—
The Summers of Hesperides
Are long.

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

Except the Smaller Size: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Excitingly enough, Emily Dickinson's poem "Except the Smaller Size," is a perfect example of how a single word can change the whole meaning of a poem. At first glance, the poem appears to be about the size of objects, but upon a closer examination, it is clear that Dickinson is exploring the concept of power and the ways in which it is perceived.

A Close Look at the Poem

The poem is composed of three stanzas, with four lines in each stanza. The first stanza sets the tone for the entire poem, stating that "Except the smaller size, no creature/ That has existed in the world for long/ Has lived so long." At first glance, the stanza is a statement about the physical size of animals, but upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that Dickinson is talking about power.

The second stanza continues the theme of power, stating that "The smaller size is less than life's/ Ambition, which stands towering before/ The worm's baseness, and the core/ Of mortal hearts of men." This stanza is talking about how power is something that people strive for, and that it is often seen as something that is towering and impressive. However, Dickinson is challenging this perception by suggesting that power can come in small packages.

The third stanza brings the poem to a close, stating that "The smaller size is nearer/ Worms' triumph/ Than…

Wait, what does this mean? Why is the smaller size closer to the worms' triumph? This is where the power dynamic that Dickinson is exploring becomes even more complex. The triumph of the worms is their ability to survive and thrive in the world, despite their small size. In this way, Dickinson is suggesting that power is not just about physical size, but about the ability to survive and thrive in the world.

Interpreting Dickinson's Message

So, what is Dickinson trying to say with this poem? It is clear that she is challenging the perception that power is all about physical size. Instead, she is suggesting that power can come in small packages, and that the ability to survive and thrive in the world is a form of power in itself.

This interpretation is strengthened by the use of the word "worm" in the second stanza. Worms are often seen as weak and insignificant creatures, yet they are able to survive and thrive in many different environments. By using the word "worm," Dickinson is challenging the idea that power is something that only the physically strong and impressive can possess.

Furthermore, the repetition of the word "smaller" throughout the poem reinforces the idea that power can come in small packages. The word is used four times throughout the poem, and each time it is used, it is in reference to something that is powerful in its own way.

The Importance of Word Choice

As mentioned earlier, "Except the Smaller Size" is a perfect example of how a single word can change the whole meaning of a poem. In this case, the word "smaller" is the key to understanding what Dickinson is trying to say. Without that one word, the poem would simply be a statement about the physical size of animals.

The use of the word "smaller" is also important because it challenges the idea that bigger is always better. In a world where people are often judged by their physical appearance, Dickinson's poem is a reminder that there is more to power than just physical size.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Except the Smaller Size" is a powerful poem that challenges our perceptions of power. Through the use of the word "smaller" and the reference to worms, Dickinson is able to show that power can come in small packages and that the ability to survive and thrive in the world is a form of power in itself.

As a reader, it is important to pay attention to the words that are used in a poem and to consider their meanings carefully. In the case of "Except the Smaller Size," a single word is the key to unlocking the poem's true message.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Except the smaller size by Emily Dickinson is a classic poem that is often studied in literature classes. This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style of writing, which is characterized by her use of unconventional punctuation, capitalization, and syntax. In this analysis, we will explore the meaning and significance of this poem, as well as its literary devices and themes.

The poem begins with the line, "Except the smaller size," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. This line suggests that there is something different or unique about the subject of the poem, which is further emphasized by the use of the word "except." The smaller size is presented as a contrast to something else, which is not explicitly stated but can be inferred to be something larger or more significant.

The second line of the poem reads, "No lives are round," which is a statement that can be interpreted in several ways. One interpretation is that the speaker is suggesting that all lives are incomplete or imperfect, and that there is always something missing or lacking. Another interpretation is that the speaker is suggesting that all lives are unique and different, and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to living.

The third line of the poem reads, "These hurry to a sphere," which is a metaphorical reference to the idea that all lives are moving towards a specific destination or purpose. The use of the word "hurry" suggests that there is a sense of urgency or importance to this movement, and the word "sphere" suggests that this destination is circular or cyclical in nature.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "And show and end," which is a reference to the idea that all lives have a beginning and an end. This line suggests that life is finite and that there is a sense of finality to it. The use of the word "show" suggests that life is a performance or a display, and that there is a sense of spectacle or drama to it.

The fifth line of the poem reads, "The larger, slower grow," which is a contrast to the first line of the poem. This line suggests that there is something different or unique about the larger size, which is growing slower than the smaller size. This line can be interpreted in several ways, but one possible interpretation is that the larger size represents something that is more significant or important, and that it takes longer to develop or mature.

The sixth line of the poem reads, "The smaller, faster fall," which is a continuation of the contrast between the smaller and larger sizes. This line suggests that the smaller size is more fragile or vulnerable than the larger size, and that it is more prone to falling or failing. This line can be interpreted in several ways, but one possible interpretation is that the smaller size represents something that is less significant or important, and that it is more disposable or replaceable.

The seventh and final line of the poem reads, "That is all," which is a simple and straightforward conclusion to the poem. This line suggests that the speaker has said everything that needs to be said, and that there is no need for further explanation or elaboration. This line can also be interpreted as a statement of acceptance or resignation, suggesting that the speaker has come to terms with the idea that all lives are finite and that there is a sense of finality to them.

One of the most notable literary devices used in this poem is the use of contrast. The poem contrasts the smaller size with the larger size, the faster fall with the slower grow, and the fragility of the smaller size with the strength of the larger size. This use of contrast creates a sense of tension and conflict in the poem, which adds to its overall impact and significance.

Another literary device used in this poem is metaphor. The poem uses the metaphor of a sphere to represent the destination or purpose towards which all lives are moving. This metaphor creates a sense of unity and interconnectedness between all lives, and suggests that there is a larger meaning or purpose to life.

The theme of this poem is the transience of life and the inevitability of death. The poem suggests that all lives are finite and that there is a sense of finality to them. This theme is expressed through the use of contrast and metaphor, which create a sense of tension and conflict in the poem.

In conclusion, Except the smaller size by Emily Dickinson is a classic poem that explores the meaning and significance of life. The poem uses contrast and metaphor to create a sense of tension and conflict, and expresses the theme of the transience of life and the inevitability of death. This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style of writing, and is a testament to her talent as a poet.

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