'To know just how He suffered—would be dear' by Emily Dickinson


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To know just how He suffered—would be dear—
To know if any Human eyes were near
To whom He could entrust His wavering gaze—
Until it settle broad—on Paradise—

To know if He was patient—part content—
Was Dying as He thought—or different—
Was it a pleasant Day to die—
And did the Sunshine face his way—

What was His furthest mind—Of Home—or God—
Or what the Distant say—
At news that He ceased Human Nature
Such a Day—

And Wishes—Had He Any—
Just His Sigh—Accented—
Had been legible—to Me—
And was He Confident until
Ill fluttered out—in Everlasting Well—

And if He spoke—What name was Best—
What last
What One broke off with
At the Drowsiest—

Was He afraid—or tranquil—
Might He know
How Conscious Consciousness—could grow—
Till Love that was—and Love too best to be—
Meet—and the Junction be Eternity

Editor 1 Interpretation

To know just how He suffered—would be dear

An interpretation and literary criticism of Emily Dickinson's classic poem

Emily Dickinson's poem "To know just how He suffered—would be dear" is a heartfelt and thought-provoking piece that is both deeply personal and spiritually significant. The poem is written in Dickinson's signature style, with its characteristic dashes and capitalizations, and it explores the themes of suffering, redemption, and the human experience of pain.

At its core, "To know just how He suffered—would be dear" is a meditation on the nature of Christ's suffering and how it relates to the human experience of pain. Dickinson's poem suggests that in order to truly understand Christ's suffering, one must also understand the nature of human suffering and its place in the larger scheme of things.

The poem opens with the line, "To know just how He suffered—would be dear," which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "dear" is interesting here, as it suggests that the speaker views the knowledge of Christ's suffering as something valuable or precious. This is further emphasized by the use of the word "know," which implies a deep level of understanding and insight.

The poem then goes on to describe Christ's suffering in vivid detail, using imagery that is both poignant and powerful. Dickinson writes, "To know if any human eyes were near / To whom He could entrust His wavering gaze," which suggests that Christ suffered in isolation and that there was no one around who could truly understand the depth of his pain. This is a common theme in Christian theology, which emphasizes the idea that Christ's suffering was unique and incomprehensible to mere mortals.

However, the poem also suggests that Christ's suffering had a larger purpose, and that it was part of a divine plan. Dickinson writes, "To know if He endured / That agony, contented here—," which suggests that Christ's suffering was part of a larger plan and that he accepted it willingly.

The poem then takes a personal turn, as the speaker reflects on their own experience of pain and suffering. Dickinson writes, "No one alive—could tell me— / And I pondered—scanned, / For witness—in the streets— / And in the squares—was not."

Here, the speaker is lamenting the fact that they have no one to turn to who can fully understand their own pain and suffering. This is a common theme in Dickinson's work, as she often explores the idea of isolation and the difficulty of truly connecting with others.

The poem then shifts back to the theme of Christ's suffering, as Dickinson writes, "I asked the Sea—forgive me— / In me, thy tides, / The ministry of thy hand— / Can I withhold my eyes—." Here, the speaker is seeking forgiveness from the sea, which is often seen as a symbol of the divine. The use of the word "ministry" is particularly significant, as it suggests that the speaker sees the sea as a conduit for spiritual enlightenment.

The poem ends with the lines, "And then a plank in reason, broke, / And I dropped down, and down— / And hit a world, at every plunge, / And finished knowing—then—." Here, Dickinson suggests that the speaker has had a moment of enlightenment, where they have finally come to understand the nature of Christ's suffering and its place in the larger scheme of things. The use of the word "plank" suggests a sudden shift in perspective or understanding, while the phrase "dropped down, and down" suggests a physical and emotional descent.

Overall, "To know just how He suffered—would be dear" is a powerful and poignant piece that explores the nature of Christ's suffering and its relationship to the human experience of pain. Dickinson's use of imagery and language is particularly effective in conveying the depth of emotion and spiritual significance of the poem.

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "To know just how He suffered—would be dear" is a deeply personal and spiritually significant poem that explores the themes of suffering, redemption, and the human experience of pain. Through its use of vivid imagery and powerful language, the poem conveys a sense of the immense weight of Christ's suffering, as well as the importance of understanding the nature of pain and suffering in the larger scheme of things.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

To know just how He suffered—would be dear, To know if any Human eyes were near To whom He could entrust His wavering gaze, Until it settled firm on Paradise.

Emily Dickinson's poem "To know just how He suffered—would be dear" is a powerful exploration of the human desire to understand the suffering of Jesus Christ. In just four lines, Dickinson manages to convey a depth of emotion and a sense of longing that is both poignant and profound.

At its core, this poem is about the human need for connection and understanding. Dickinson suggests that if we could only know how Jesus suffered, it would be a precious and valuable thing. She also implies that there may have been people present during his suffering who were able to offer him comfort and support.

The first line of the poem, "To know just how He suffered—would be dear," sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "dear" suggests that this knowledge would be highly valued and cherished. It also implies that there is a sense of urgency or longing behind the desire to know.

The second line, "To know if any Human eyes were near," adds another layer of complexity to the poem. Dickinson is asking whether there were any witnesses to Jesus' suffering, and whether they were able to offer him any comfort or support. This line suggests that human connection is important, even in the face of great suffering.

The third line, "To whom He could entrust His wavering gaze," is particularly poignant. It suggests that Jesus was looking for someone to share his pain with, someone who could understand what he was going through. This line also implies that Jesus was vulnerable and in need of support, just like any other human being.

The final line of the poem, "Until it settled firm on Paradise," is both hopeful and melancholy. It suggests that Jesus was ultimately able to find peace and comfort in the knowledge that he would be reunited with God in heaven. However, it also implies that his suffering was intense and prolonged, and that it took a great deal of strength and resilience to endure.

Overall, "To know just how He suffered—would be dear" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the human desire for connection and understanding in the face of suffering. Dickinson's use of language is simple yet evocative, and she manages to convey a depth of emotion in just four short lines. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the complexities of the human experience.

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