'All that I do' by Emily Dickinson


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All that I do
Is in review
To his enamored mind
I know his eye
Where e'er I ply
Is pushing close behind
Not any Port
Nor any flight
But he doth there preside
What omnipresence lies in wait
For her to be a Bride

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

All that I do by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Before delving into the beauty and complexity of "All that I do" by Emily Dickinson, it's worth mentioning how this poem is another testament to the poet's unique style and voice. Dickinson's poems are characterized by their brevity, unconventional syntax, and unconventional capitalization and punctuation. And yet, her poems are able to convey deep emotions and philosophical ideas that resonate with readers across generations.

"All that I do" is a prime example of Dickinson's poetic style and her ability to explore complex themes in just a few lines. The poem reads:

"All that I do Is in review To his enamored mind I know his eye Where e’er I ply Is pushing close behind"

At first glance, the poem seems to be a simple expression of love and devotion. The narrator is saying that everything she does is a reflection of her love for someone else. But as we dig deeper into the poem, we see that there is much more going on here.

The Theme of Surveillance

One of the most prominent themes in "All that I do" is surveillance. The narrator is acutely aware that someone is watching her every move, and that this person is enamored with her. The line "I know his eye" suggests that the narrator is aware of the surveillance, and that she is not necessarily comfortable with it.

This theme of surveillance is common in Dickinson's poetry. Many of her poems explore the idea of being watched, either by a lover, a deity, or some other force. In "All that I do," the surveillance is rooted in love, but it still feels oppressive and unsettling.

The Nature of Love

Another key theme in "All that I do" is love. The poem is a testament to the power of love to shape and influence our actions. The narrator is saying that everything she does is a reflection of her love for someone else. Love is the driving force behind her actions, and it shapes her every decision.

But the poem also suggests that love can be overwhelming and all-consuming. The line "Where e’er I ply / Is pushing close behind" suggests that the narrator can't escape the influence of love, no matter where she goes or what she does. Love is always there, watching and guiding her every move.

The Power of Perspective

One of the most fascinating aspects of "All that I do" is the way it explores the power of perspective. The poem is written from the perspective of the narrator, who is acutely aware of the surveillance she is under. But we never actually hear from the person doing the watching. We don't know how they feel or what they are thinking.

This raises interesting questions about the nature of surveillance and perspective. Is it possible to truly understand someone else's perspective? Can we ever really know what someone else is thinking or feeling? Or are we always limited by our own subjective experiences?

The Importance of Context

Finally, it's worth noting that "All that I do" is a poem that is heavily influenced by context. The poem is written in a time and place where women were often expected to be subservient to men. The theme of surveillance takes on a different meaning when we consider the societal context in which the poem was written.

At the same time, the poem can also be read in a more universal context. The themes of love, surveillance, and perspective are all relevant in any time and place. The poem speaks to something universal about the human experience, even as it is rooted in a specific historical and cultural context.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "All that I do" is a poem that is rich with themes and ideas. It explores the nature of love, surveillance, perspective, and context in a way that is both complex and deeply moving. Dickinson's unique style and voice give the poem a sense of urgency and emotion that is hard to ignore.

As we read and interpret "All that I do," we are reminded of the power of poetry to capture the complexities of the human experience. Dickinson's poetry continues to inspire and challenge us, even more than a century after it was written.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

All That I Do: A 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 spirituality. Her poem "All that I do" is a perfect example of her exceptional talent in capturing the essence of human emotions and experiences.

The poem begins with the speaker stating that "All that I do" is "nothing." This line may seem simple, but it holds a deep meaning. The speaker is acknowledging that everything they do is insignificant in the grand scheme of things. This sentiment is a common theme in Dickinson's work, as she often explores the idea of the individual's place in the universe.

The second line of the poem, "But it's a little more than I used to do," adds a layer of complexity to the speaker's statement. The speaker is acknowledging that while their actions may be insignificant, they are still doing more than they used to. This line can be interpreted as a commentary on personal growth and progress. The speaker is recognizing that even small steps forward are still steps forward.

The third line of the poem, "And then I stop and sit and eat," is a stark contrast to the introspective tone of the first two lines. The speaker is describing a mundane activity, but the simplicity of the action is what makes it significant. The act of stopping and sitting and eating is a moment of pause in the speaker's day. It is a moment of rest and reflection.

The fourth line of the poem, "And then I turn and go back to where I came from," is a continuation of the speaker's description of their routine. The line is simple, but it holds a deeper meaning. The speaker is acknowledging that they are not going anywhere new or exciting. They are simply returning to where they started. This line can be interpreted as a commentary on the monotony of daily life.

The fifth and final line of the poem, "But it doesn't matter - for they know me there," is a powerful conclusion to the speaker's musings. The line suggests that the speaker is content with their routine because they are known and accepted where they are. This line can be interpreted as a commentary on the importance of community and belonging.

Overall, "All that I do" is a powerful poem that explores themes of insignificance, personal growth, routine, and community. The poem is a testament to Dickinson's exceptional talent in capturing the complexities of human emotions and experiences in just a few lines.

The poem's structure is also worth noting. The poem consists of five lines, with each line containing a single clause. This structure creates a sense of simplicity and clarity that is reflective of the poem's themes. The poem's use of repetition, with the phrase "All that I do" repeated at the beginning of the first and second lines, also adds to the poem's sense of simplicity and clarity.

In conclusion, "All that I do" is a masterpiece by Emily Dickinson that explores themes of insignificance, personal growth, routine, and community. The poem's structure and use of repetition create a sense of simplicity and clarity that is reflective of the poem's themes. Dickinson's exceptional talent in capturing the complexities of human emotions and experiences in just a few lines is on full display in this poem.

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