'Before He comes we weigh the Time!' by Emily Dickinson


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Before He comes we weigh the Time!
'Tis Heavy and 'tis Light.
When He depart, an Emptiness
Is the prevailing Freight.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Before He comes we weigh the Time!

Introduction

Have you ever thought about the fragility of time? How it slips through our fingers like sand? Or how it's impossible to turn it back? Emily Dickinson in her poem "Before He comes we weigh the Time!" explores the concept of time and how we must value it before it's too late. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the poem's meaning, structure, and literary devices used by the poet.

Analysis

Structure

The poem is written in Dickinson's signature style, which is short and compact. It consists of two stanzas, each containing four lines. The poem follows an ABAB rhyme scheme, which means that the first and third lines rhyme with each other, and the second and fourth lines rhyme with each other.

The use of a compact and concise structure reflects the urgency of the poem's message. Dickinson is urging us to appreciate the present moment because time is fleeting, and we must not take it for granted.

Language and Literary Devices

Dickinson's use of language and literary devices in the poem is remarkable. The poem includes metaphors, personification, and alliteration.

The first line, "Before He comes we weigh the Time!" is a metaphor. The "He" refers to death or a more significant power, and the "Time" refers to our life. The metaphor implies that we must weigh our life before death arrives. We must evaluate our existence and make the most of it.

The second line, " 'Tis Heavy, though it be, -" uses personification. Time is given human attributes, and it is described as "heavy." This personification emphasizes the weightiness of time, which makes it even more crucial to value our time as it passes.

In the third line, "Neither its' Arrogance, -" Dickinson uses alliteration. The repetition of the "a" sound in "arrogance" and "its" creates a musical effect. The alliteration emphasizes the attitude of time as arrogant, which is another personification that Dickinson uses to drive home the point that time is something to be respected and appreciated.

Finally, the fourth line, "For each belongs alike to Him Who Captives in the Final Tomb," brings the metaphor full circle. The "Him" refers to death, and the "Final Tomb" refers to the grave. The line implies that no one can escape death, and we are all captives of it. It is essential to appreciate our life before we enter the final tomb and leave this world.

Theme

The central theme of the poem is the value of time. Dickinson urges us to appreciate the present moment and to make the most of it before it's too late. She personifies time as "heavy" and "arrogant," emphasizing the weightiness of time and how it must be respected.

The poem's message is a reminder that we are mortal beings, and our time on earth is limited. We must make every moment count and not take anything for granted. The poem encourages us to live in the present and enjoy our life to the fullest.

Interpretation

Dickinson's poem can be interpreted in many ways, and its meaning can be applied to various aspects of life. The poem can be interpreted as a reminder to appreciate life, to be grateful for what we have, and to live in the present moment.

The poem can also be interpreted as a warning that we must not waste our time on trivial things. We must prioritize what is essential in life, and not let time slip away.

The poem can be interpreted as a reflection on mortality. It reminds us that death is inevitable and that we must make the most of our life before it's too late.

Conclusion

"Before He comes we weigh the Time!" by Emily Dickinson is a powerful poem that emphasizes the importance of time. Dickinson uses metaphors, personification, and alliteration to drive home her message that time is something to be respected and appreciated. The poem is a reminder to live in the present, appreciate life, and make the most of every moment. It is a call to action to prioritize what is essential in life and not let time slip away. So, let's heed Dickinson's message and make the most of our time before it's too late.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Before He comes we weigh the Time! - An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most renowned poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers even today. One of her most famous poems is "Before He comes we weigh the Time!" which is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that explores the concept of time and its significance in our lives. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and analyze its meaning and significance.

The poem begins with the line "Before He comes we weigh the Time!" which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The "He" referred to in the poem is likely a reference to God or some other divine being, and the poem suggests that we must prepare ourselves for His arrival by carefully considering the time we have been given. The use of the word "weigh" is particularly interesting, as it suggests that time is something that can be measured and evaluated, much like a physical object.

The second line of the poem reads "Tis Heavy, though it be -" which further emphasizes the weight and importance of time. The use of the word "heavy" suggests that time is a burden that we must bear, and that it can be difficult to fully appreciate its value. The line also suggests that time is something that we must carry with us, much like a physical weight.

The third line of the poem reads "Neither its' Arrogance -" which is a bit more difficult to interpret. The use of the word "arrogance" suggests that time may have a certain level of pride or self-importance, but the line also suggests that this arrogance is not necessarily a negative thing. It may be that the poem is suggesting that time is something that we must respect and honor, even if it can be difficult to fully understand.

The fourth line of the poem reads "For each Beloved Creature -" which suggests that time is something that is important to all living beings. The use of the word "beloved" suggests that all creatures have a certain level of value and importance, and that time is something that we must all consider and appreciate. The line also suggests that time is something that is shared by all living beings, and that it is something that connects us all.

The fifth line of the poem reads "May be bought with a Spangle -" which is a bit more difficult to interpret. The use of the word "spangle" suggests something that is shiny and attractive, and it may be that the poem is suggesting that time is something that can be easily distracted by material possessions or other superficial things. The line may also be suggesting that time is something that can be easily wasted or squandered, much like a shiny object that is quickly forgotten.

The sixth line of the poem reads "Or its' solemn Torment -" which suggests that time can be both a source of joy and a source of pain. The use of the word "solemn" suggests that time can be a serious and weighty thing, and that it can be difficult to fully appreciate its value. The line also suggests that time can be a source of torment, perhaps because it reminds us of our mortality and the fleeting nature of life.

The seventh and final line of the poem reads "Cherish - and you shall own the Earth," which is a powerful and uplifting message. The use of the word "cherish" suggests that time is something that we must hold dear and appreciate, and that by doing so we can gain a greater understanding of the world around us. The line also suggests that by cherishing time, we can gain a sense of ownership over the Earth, perhaps because we are able to fully appreciate its beauty and wonder.

In conclusion, "Before He comes we weigh the Time!" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the concept of time and its significance in our lives. The poem suggests that time is something that we must carefully consider and appreciate, and that by doing so we can gain a greater understanding of the world around us. The poem also suggests that time can be both a source of joy and a source of pain, and that it is something that connects all living beings. Ultimately, the poem offers a message of hope and encouragement, suggesting that by cherishing time we can gain a sense of ownership over the Earth and all its wonders.

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