'I should not dare to be so sad' by Emily Dickinson


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I should not dare to be so sad
So many Years again—
A Load is first impossible
When we have put it down—

The Superhuman then withdraws
And we who never saw
The Giant at the other side
Begin to perish now.

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

I should not dare to be so sad by Emily Dickinson

Can a poem be both melancholic and beautiful at the same time? Can a poem be a paradox on its own? If so, then Emily Dickinson's "I should not dare to be so sad" is a perfect example of that. In this poem, Dickinson explores the theme of sorrow and how it can be overwhelming, but at the same time, it can be a beautiful experience.

Analysis

At first glance, the poem seems to be a simple one. It consists of four stanzas with four lines each. However, as we delve deeper into the poem, we realize that there is more to it than meets the eye.

The first stanza starts with the line "I should not dare to be so sad." Here, Dickinson acknowledges that sadness is not something that one should embrace or display openly. However, she then goes on to say, "So many years have passed above my head / Since it would be too late to choose again." This line suggests that the speaker has experienced much sorrow in her life and now, it has become a part of her.

The second stanza talks about how sadness can be beautiful. Dickinson writes, "Not that despondency comes now, / Nor recognizable forms of grief, / But cloudy, sable, straight like fear, / And not at all like life." Here, the speaker is suggesting that sadness is not necessarily something that is easily recognizable but is more like a cloud that hovers over one's head. However, despite its ominous presence, it can be beautiful in its own way.

The third stanza takes a turn, and the speaker seems to be questioning if sadness is worth it. She writes, "Talk not to me of tears / Coating the lost idea / The heart's own loss and ache / That heaven restores, belies." Here, the speaker is questioning whether the pain and sorrow that one experiences is worth it. However, she then goes on to say that heaven restores what has been lost, which suggests that the speaker believes that there is something to be gained from experiencing sadness.

The fourth and final stanza concludes the poem on a positive note. The speaker writes, "Affliction, like the He/avenly Friend, / Embodies and adorns / The abodes that have no end / And that is joy, begins." Here, the speaker suggests that affliction, like a heavenly friend, can bring beauty and adornment to one's life. The final line, "And that is joy, begins," suggests that joy can come from the experience of sorrow.

Interpretation

"I should not dare to be so sad" is a poem that explores the complex relationship between sorrow and beauty. The speaker acknowledges that sorrow is not something that one should openly embrace but then goes on to suggest that it can be a beautiful experience.

The poem also suggests that there is something to be gained from experiencing sorrow. It may be painful, but it can also bring about a sense of joy and beauty. The final line of the poem, "And that is joy, begins," suggests that the experience of sorrow is just the beginning of something beautiful.

The poem also raises questions about the nature of beauty. Can something as seemingly negative as sorrow be beautiful? What does it mean for something to be beautiful? Dickinson seems to suggest that there is a certain kind of beauty in sorrow that is unique and hard to put into words.

Conclusion

"I should not dare to be so sad" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the relationship between sorrow and beauty. Dickinson's use of language and imagery is powerful and evocative, and the poem raises important questions about the nature of beauty and the human experience. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's talent as a poet and her ability to capture complex emotions and ideas in just a few lines of verse.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

I Should Not Dare to Be So Sad: A Poetic Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of death, nature, and the human condition. Her poem, "I Should Not Dare to Be So Sad," is a prime example of her exceptional talent and ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful words.

The poem begins with the line, "I should not dare to be so sad," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is acknowledging that their sadness is not something they should be expressing openly, as if it is something to be ashamed of. This sentiment is further emphasized in the second line, "So many Years have passed," which suggests that the speaker has been carrying this sadness for a long time, perhaps even their entire life.

The third line, "Since I was 'Conceived' –" is a reference to the speaker's birth, and the fact that they have been carrying this sadness with them since the very beginning of their existence. This line also suggests that the speaker sees their sadness as an inherent part of their being, something that they were born with and cannot escape.

The fourth line, "Since I was 'Born,'" further emphasizes this idea, and also introduces the theme of death that is prevalent throughout much of Dickinson's work. The speaker is acknowledging that their sadness has been with them since the moment they entered the world, and will likely remain with them until the moment they leave it.

The fifth line, "This is the first time I have dared," is a turning point in the poem. The speaker is acknowledging that they have been keeping their sadness hidden for a long time, but are now finally allowing themselves to express it. This line is particularly powerful because it suggests that the act of expressing one's sadness is an act of bravery, something that should be celebrated rather than shamed.

The sixth and seventh lines, "To ask a 'Professional' eye," further emphasize the idea that the speaker's sadness is not something that should be expressed openly. The use of the word "Professional" suggests that the speaker is seeking the help of a therapist or other mental health professional, but is still hesitant to fully open up to them.

The eighth line, "To scrutinize me so," suggests that the speaker is afraid of being judged or criticized for their sadness. This fear is further emphasized in the ninth line, "The Grave would hinder me," which suggests that the speaker is afraid that their sadness will lead them to their own death.

The final two lines of the poem, "And then to go alone," are particularly powerful. The speaker is acknowledging that their sadness is something that they will have to face alone, and that they may never fully overcome it. This line is a reminder that sadness is a part of the human experience, and that we must all learn to face it in our own way.

Overall, "I Should Not Dare to Be So Sad" is a powerful and poignant poem that explores the complex emotions surrounding sadness and mental health. Through simple yet powerful language, Emily Dickinson is able to convey the idea that sadness is not something to be ashamed of, but rather something that should be acknowledged and expressed openly. The poem is a reminder that we are all human, and that we must all learn to face our own sadness in our own way.

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