'Conferring with myself' by Emily Dickinson


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1655

Conferring with myself
My stranger disappeared
Though first upon a berry fat
Miraculously fared
How paltry looked my cares
My practise how absurd
Superfluous my whole career
Beside this travelling Bird

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

Conferring with myself by Emily Dickinson

Conferring with myself,
My stranger disappeared,
Though first upon a berry fat
Its ghost surveyed the field.

The introduction of Emily Dickinson's poem "Conferring with myself" is a testament to the poet's ability to capture the essence of human nature. The first line is an invitation into the poet's mind, and the reader is immediately intrigued by the possibility of what might be revealed.

The poem is divided into two stanzas, and each of them is composed of four lines. The simplicity of the structure is deceiving, and the poem is rich in interpretation and meaning.

In the first stanza, the poet speaks of conferring with herself. The use of the word "confer" suggests a conversation, a dialogue between the poet and an unknown entity. The reader is left to wonder who this stranger is and why it has disappeared.

The second line is a direct continuation of the first, and the stranger's disappearance is juxtaposed with its initial appearance. The use of the word "though" implies that there was a contradiction, and the poet is in search of an explanation.

The third line introduces the image of a "berry fat," and the reader is transported to a field where the stranger's ghost is surveying its surroundings. The use of the word "ghost" is significant, and it suggests that the stranger is no longer present in physical form.

The second stanza begins with a shift in tone, and the poet reveals that the berry fat was actually a trap. The use of the word "trap" implies that the stranger was lured into a false sense of security, and its disappearance was intentional.

The third line reveals the purpose of the trap, and the stranger's disappearance was a means to an end. The use of the word "occupation" suggests that the stranger's presence was a hindrance to the poet's work.

The final line of the poem is perhaps the most significant, and it reveals the poet's true intention. The use of the word "berry" is a metaphor, and it represents the poet's work. The stranger's disappearance was necessary to allow the poet to focus on her craft fully.

Emily Dickinson was known for her unconventional approach to poetry, and "Conferring with myself" is no exception. The poem is rich in themes and interpretations, and the use of language is both lyrical and evocative.

The image of the berry fat is significant, and it represents the distractions that can hinder the creative process. The poet's use of the word "ghost" is also significant, and it suggests that the stranger was not a physical entity but rather a manifestation of the poet's own thoughts.

The poem is also a testament to the poet's ability to capture the essence of human nature. The need to confer with oneself is a universal experience, and the poem speaks to the struggle of creative individuals to balance their desire to create with the distractions that can hinder their work.

In conclusion, "Conferring with myself" is a remarkable poem that speaks to the human experience. The simplicity of the structure is deceptive, and the poem is rich in interpretation and meaning. The use of language is both lyrical and evocative, and the image of the berry fat is significant in representing the distractions that can hinder the creative process. Emily Dickinson's work continues to be a source of inspiration for generations of poets and readers alike.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Conferring with myself: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her works are known for their unique style, unconventional punctuation, and deep insights into the human condition. One of her most famous poems, "Conferring with myself," is a perfect example of her poetic genius. In this article, we will take a deep dive into this classic poem and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the speaker stating that she is "conferring with herself." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a conversation between the speaker and her inner self. The use of the word "conferring" suggests that the speaker is engaged in a serious discussion with herself, perhaps trying to make an important decision or come to a realization about something.

The first stanza of the poem sets up the central conflict: the speaker is torn between two opposing forces. She describes herself as being "torn between the things that I would do and those that I must." This line suggests that the speaker is struggling to reconcile her desires with her obligations. She wants to do certain things, but feels that she must do others. This conflict is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry, as she often explores the tension between individual desire and societal expectations.

The second stanza of the poem introduces the idea of time. The speaker says that she is "weighing the hours as they go," suggesting that she is acutely aware of the passing of time. This line also implies that the speaker is trying to make a decision quickly, as time is running out. The use of the word "weighing" suggests that the speaker is carefully considering her options, trying to determine which path to take.

The third stanza of the poem introduces the idea of regret. The speaker says that she is "counting the moments one by one," suggesting that she is aware of the consequences of her decision. She knows that once she makes a choice, she cannot go back and change it. The use of the word "counting" suggests that the speaker is trying to calculate the potential outcomes of her decision, weighing the pros and cons of each option.

The fourth stanza of the poem introduces the idea of fear. The speaker says that she is "fearing some hidden consequence," suggesting that she is afraid of making the wrong choice. This fear is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry, as she often explores the idea of the unknown and the fear that comes with it. The use of the word "hidden" suggests that the consequence is not immediately apparent, adding to the speaker's anxiety.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem brings resolution to the conflict. The speaker says that she has made her decision, and that she is "content with the choice I made." This line suggests that the speaker has come to terms with her decision, and is at peace with it. The use of the word "content" suggests that the speaker is not just satisfied with her decision, but happy with it.

The structure of the poem is simple but effective. It consists of five stanzas, each with four lines. The use of quatrains gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry, which is appropriate given the theme of the poem. The rhyme scheme is also simple, with the first and third lines of each stanza rhyming with each other, and the second and fourth lines rhyming with each other. This simple rhyme scheme adds to the poem's sense of balance and symmetry.

The poem also makes use of several literary devices. One of the most prominent is repetition. The phrase "conferring with myself" is repeated at the beginning of each stanza, emphasizing the central theme of the poem. The repetition of the phrase "weighing the hours as they go" in the second stanza emphasizes the speaker's sense of urgency. The repetition of the phrase "counting the moments one by one" in the third stanza emphasizes the speaker's awareness of the consequences of her decision. Finally, the repetition of the word "fearing" in the fourth stanza emphasizes the speaker's anxiety and uncertainty.

Another literary device used in the poem is personification. The speaker personifies time, describing it as something that can be weighed and counted. This personification adds to the poem's sense of urgency and emphasizes the importance of the decision the speaker is making.

In conclusion, "Conferring with myself" is a classic poem by Emily Dickinson that explores the tension between individual desire and societal expectations. The poem's simple structure and repetition emphasize the central theme of the poem, while the use of literary devices such as personification and repetition add depth and complexity. The poem's resolution suggests that the speaker has come to terms with her decision, and is at peace with it. Overall, "Conferring with myself" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that continues to resonate with readers today.

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