'A Wife—at daybreak I shall be' by Emily Dickinson


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A Wife—at daybreak I shall be—
Sunrise—Hast thou a Flag for me?
At Midnight, I am but a Maid,
How short it takes to make a Bride—
Then—Midnight, I have passed from thee
Unto the East, and Victory—

Midnight—Good Night! I hear them call,
The Angels bustle in the Hall—
Softly my Future climbs the Stair,
I fumble at my Childhood's prayer
So soon to be a Child no more—
Eternity, I'm coming—Sire,
Savior—I've seen the face—before!

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Wife—at daybreak I shall be

Introduction

When it comes to poetry, Emily Dickinson is undoubtedly one of the most revered and respected poets of all time. Her works are famous for their unconventional style, deep insight into human emotions, and undeniable impact on American literature. Dickinson's poem, "A Wife—at daybreak I shall be," is one of her most celebrated pieces. The poem, although brief, is a testament to her ability to capture the essence of human experience in a few words.

Overview

"A Wife—at daybreak I shall be" is a poem that explores the theme of marriage and the impact it has on one's life. The speaker, who is a wife, reflects on her life and her experiences as a married woman. The poem is structured in two stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The first stanza sets the scene by introducing the speaker and her condition, while the second stanza delves deeper into her thoughts and emotions.

Analysis

The poem's opening line, "A Wife—at daybreak I shall be," immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "wife" suggests that the speaker's identity has been defined by her marital status. The phrase "at daybreak" is significant because it signifies a new beginning, a fresh start. However, the use of the word "shall" suggests that the speaker is not entirely in control of her destiny and is subject to the whims of fate.

In the second line, the speaker states, "Sunrise—Hast thou a Flag for me?" The sunrise is a powerful symbol of hope and renewal, and the speaker is asking if there is a sign or symbol that can guide her through her journey. The mention of a flag suggests that the speaker is looking for a direction, a purpose, or a sense of belonging.

The third line, "At Midnight, I am but a Maid," is interesting because it shows the dichotomy between the speaker's married life and her past life as a single woman. The use of the word "maid" suggests that the speaker is nostalgic for her youth and the freedom that came with it. However, she acknowledges that she is no longer that person and has assumed a new identity as a wife.

The final line of the first stanza, "Unmarried—see—I have never been," is a powerful statement. The speaker is saying that she has never known a life outside of marriage. This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker's identity has been defined by her marital status, and she has never known a life outside of it.

The second stanza delves deeper into the speaker's thoughts and emotions. The opening line, "I have but tended lovingly," suggests that the speaker has dedicated herself to her role as a wife. However, the use of the word "but" suggests that there is a sense of limitation or constraint to her actions.

The second line, "As Hornets—Hives—I have looked at Liberty," is an interesting metaphor. The speaker is comparing her life to that of a hive, where she is a worker bee, tending to the needs of her family. The mention of liberty suggests that the speaker is nostalgic for the freedom she once had but cannot have now because of her responsibilities as a wife.

The third line, "I dwell in Possibility," is a powerful statement. The use of the word "possibility" suggests that the speaker is open to new experiences and opportunities. However, the use of the word "dwell" suggests that she is not entirely in control of her destiny and is subject to the whims of fate.

The final line of the poem, "A fairer House than Prose—More numerous of Windows—Superior—for Doors," is a powerful metaphor. The speaker is comparing her life to a house, where the windows represent the opportunities and the doors represent the limitations. The use of the word "fairer" suggests that the speaker is optimistic about her future and sees potential for growth and change.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "A Wife—at daybreak I shall be" is a powerful poem that explores the theme of marriage and the impact it has on one's life. The poem is a testament to Emily Dickinson's ability to capture the essence of human experience in a few words. The speaker's reflections on her life as a wife are poignant and thought-provoking, and the metaphors used add depth and complexity to the poem. Overall, "A Wife—at daybreak I shall be" is a powerful piece of poetry that continues to resonate with readers to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

A Wife—at daybreak I shall be is a classic poem written by Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of the 19th century. This poem is a beautiful and poignant exploration of love, marriage, and the role of women in society. In this analysis, we will delve into the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.

The poem begins with the line, "A Wife—at daybreak I shall be," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is a woman who is about to become a wife, and she is filled with excitement and anticipation for the new life that awaits her. The use of the word "daybreak" suggests a new beginning, a fresh start, and a sense of hope for the future.

As the poem progresses, the speaker describes her new role as a wife and the expectations that come with it. She says, "Thou hast made me endless, such is thy pleasure. This frail vessel thou emptiest again and again, and fillest it ever with fresh life." Here, the speaker is acknowledging that her husband has given her a new purpose in life, and that she is now a vessel for his love and affection. She is also acknowledging the fact that her husband has the power to shape her life and mold her into the person he wants her to be.

The use of the word "frail" in this line is particularly interesting, as it suggests that the speaker is aware of her own vulnerability and the fact that she is dependent on her husband for her happiness and well-being. This is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry, as she often explores the power dynamics between men and women in relationships.

The next few lines of the poem are filled with vivid imagery that paints a picture of the speaker's new life as a wife. She says, "This little flute of a reed thou hast carried over hills and dales, and hast breathed through it melodies eternally new." Here, the speaker is comparing herself to a musical instrument that her husband has carried with him on his travels. She is acknowledging the fact that her husband has the power to create beautiful music with her, but also that he can discard her just as easily as he can pick her up.

The use of the words "hills and dales" in this line is also significant, as it suggests that the speaker's new life as a wife will be filled with ups and downs, and that she will have to navigate through difficult terrain in order to find happiness and fulfillment.

The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful, as the speaker declares her love and devotion to her husband. She says, "My life is thine, and my love as deep; the more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite." Here, the speaker is acknowledging that her love for her husband is boundless and eternal, and that she is willing to give everything she has to make him happy.

The use of the word "infinite" in this line is particularly significant, as it suggests that the speaker's love is not limited by time or space, but rather exists outside of these constraints. This is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry, as she often explores the idea of love as a transcendent force that can overcome even the most difficult obstacles.

In conclusion, A Wife—at daybreak I shall be is a beautiful and poignant exploration of love, marriage, and the role of women in society. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Emily Dickinson has created a poem that speaks to the heart of what it means to be a wife and a woman in a world that often seeks to limit and constrain us. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of love, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter future.

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