'When Memory is full' by Emily Dickinson
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When Memory is full
Put on the perfect Lid—
This Morning's finest syllable
Presumptuous Evening said—
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
When Memory is Full: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated American poets, known for delving into the psyche of the human mind and exploring the complexities of emotions. Her poem "When Memory is full" is a powerful ode to the transformative power of memory, as well as its limitations. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the rich symbolism and themes present in the poem, as well as explore the different interpretations that have been offered by critics over the years.
Overview
"When Memory is full" is a short but potent poem that was first published in the collection Poems by Emily Dickinson, edited by Mabel Loomis Todd and Thomas Wentworth Higginson in 1890. The poem consists of a single quatrain of four lines, each of which contains three trochaic feet.
When Memory is full
Put on the perfect Lid
And make the solid Tapestry
Of Roses, fit.
The poem is notable for its use of metaphor and symbolism, as well as its sparse yet evocative language. The central metaphor of the poem is memory as a container that can be filled and sealed, with the "perfect Lid" representing the act of sealing away memories once they have been processed and retained. The "solid Tapestry / Of Roses" that is created is a metaphor for the richness and complexity of our memories, which are woven together to create a unique and intricate pattern.
Themes
The themes explored in "When Memory is full" are manifold, ranging from the transformative power of memory to the limitations of human memory. At its core, the poem is a meditation on the ways in which we process and retain memories, as well as the ways in which we use memory to construct our own sense of self.
One of the key themes present in the poem is the transformative power of memory. Dickinson suggests that memories, like the "Roses" in the tapestry, can be woven together to create a rich and complex pattern that is unique to each individual. This metaphor underscores the idea that memory is not just a passive process of retention, but an active process of creation, as we use our memories to construct our own narratives and sense of self.
Another theme that is explored in the poem is the limitations of human memory. Dickinson suggests that memory, like a container, can only hold so much before it becomes "full". This metaphor underscores the idea that our memories are limited by the capacity of our minds, and that once we reach that limit, we must seal away our memories in order to make room for new ones. This raises questions about the ways in which we prioritize and value memories, as well as the ways in which we let go of memories that are no longer useful or relevant.
Finally, the poem also explores the idea of memory as a form of self-expression. Dickinson suggests that the "solid Tapestry / Of Roses" that is created by memory is a metaphor for the unique and intricate pattern of our lives, which is shaped by our experiences and memories. This underscores the idea that memory is not just a passive process of retention, but an active process of self-expression, as we use our memories to create a unique and personal narrative of our lives.
Interpretation
The rich symbolism and evocative language of "When Memory is full" have led to a wide range of interpretations over the years. Some critics have focused on the theme of memory as a transformative process, arguing that the poem is a meditation on the ways in which we use our memories to shape our own sense of self. Others have focused on the theme of the limitations of memory, arguing that the poem is a warning about the dangers of holding onto memories that are no longer useful or relevant.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the power of memory to shape our perceptions of reality. Dickinson suggests that our memories are like a tapestry that we weave together, creating a unique and intricate pattern that shapes our understanding of the world around us. This interpretation underscores the idea that memory is not just a passive process of retention, but an active process of creation, as we use our memories to construct our own narratives of reality.
Finally, some critics have argued that the poem is a meditation on the role of memory in the process of mourning and grief. By suggesting that we must seal away memories once they are full, Dickinson underscores the idea that memories can be overwhelming and even debilitating, particularly in the aftermath of loss. This interpretation raises important questions about the ways in which we process and cope with grief, as well as the ways in which we use memory to construct a sense of closure and resolution.
Conclusion
"When Memory is full" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the transformative power of memory, as well as its limitations. Through the use of rich metaphor and evocative language, Emily Dickinson offers a meditation on the ways in which we process and retain memories, as well as the ways in which we use memory to construct our own sense of self. Whether read as a commentary on grief, a warning about the dangers of holding onto outdated memories, or a celebration of the power of memory to shape our perceptions of reality, "When Memory is full" remains a timeless and thought-provoking work of poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
When Memory is full: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems, "When Memory is full," is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of the human psyche and the power of memory. In this article, we will take a deep dive into this classic poem and explore its themes, symbolism, and meaning.
The poem begins with the line, "When Memory is full," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is reflecting on a time when their memory was so full that it overflowed, causing them to lose their sense of self and their place in the world. This is a common experience for many people, especially as they age and accumulate more memories and experiences.
The second line of the poem, "And the heart is sick," further emphasizes the emotional toll that this experience can take on a person. When our memory is full, it can be overwhelming and exhausting, leaving us feeling drained and emotionally spent. The use of the word "sick" also suggests that this experience can be physically and mentally debilitating, further underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The third line of the poem, "And the brain is full," is a powerful statement about the limits of our cognitive abilities. Our brains can only hold so much information before they become overwhelmed and unable to process any more. This can lead to a sense of confusion and disorientation, as we struggle to make sense of the flood of memories and experiences that are vying for our attention.
The fourth line of the poem, "And the feet do not rest," is a poignant reminder of the physical toll that this experience can take on a person. When our memory is full, we may feel restless and unable to find peace or solace. We may feel like we are constantly on the move, searching for something that we cannot quite grasp.
The fifth line of the poem, "And eyes are tired," is a nod to the emotional exhaustion that can come with this experience. When our memory is full, we may feel like we have seen and experienced too much, leaving us feeling jaded and weary. The use of the word "tired" also suggests a sense of resignation and acceptance, as if the speaker has come to terms with the fact that they cannot continue on in this state forever.
The sixth and final line of the poem, "Then I can look at thee again," is a powerful statement about the healing power of love and connection. When our memory is full, we may feel disconnected from the world around us, unable to find meaning or purpose in our lives. But when we are able to connect with someone else on a deep and meaningful level, it can help to alleviate some of the pain and confusion that we are experiencing.
The use of the word "thee" is also significant, as it suggests that the speaker is addressing a specific person or entity. This could be a lover, a friend, or even a higher power, depending on how the reader chooses to interpret it. Regardless of who or what "thee" represents, the message is clear: love and connection can help to heal even the deepest wounds and restore us to a sense of wholeness and purpose.
In terms of symbolism, there are several key elements in this poem that are worth exploring. The first is the idea of memory itself, which is a powerful symbol for the human experience. Our memories shape who we are and how we see the world, and they can be both a source of comfort and a source of pain. In this poem, memory is portrayed as a double-edged sword, capable of both overwhelming and healing us.
The second symbol in the poem is the heart, which is often associated with love and emotion. The use of the word "sick" to describe the heart suggests that it is not functioning properly, perhaps due to the overwhelming nature of the memories that are flooding the speaker's mind. However, the fact that the speaker is still able to look at "thee" suggests that there is still hope for healing and restoration.
The third symbol in the poem is the brain, which is often associated with logic and reason. The fact that the brain is "full" suggests that it is unable to process any more information, leaving the speaker feeling confused and disoriented. This is a powerful symbol for the limits of our cognitive abilities and the importance of finding ways to manage and cope with the flood of information that we encounter on a daily basis.
Overall, "When Memory is full" is a deeply moving and thought-provoking poem that explores some of the most fundamental aspects of the human experience. Through its use of powerful symbolism and evocative language, it speaks to our shared struggles and our shared capacity for healing and connection. Whether you are a longtime fan of Emily Dickinson or a newcomer to her work, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression and inspire you to reflect on your own experiences with memory, love, and the human condition.
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