'Our own possessions—though our own—' by Emily Dickinson
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Our own possessions—though our own—
'Tis well to hoard anew—
Remembering the Dimensions
Of Possibility.
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
Our Own Possessions—Though Our Own: A Critical Interpretation of Emily Dickinson’s Poem
Emily Dickinson is a poet who wrote about the intricacies of human emotions and the mysteries of the world around us. One of her most famous poems is “Our own possessions—Though our own,” which is a testament to her talent for blending her personal experiences with her unique perspective on life.
In this poem, Dickinson reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of holding onto the things that matter most to us. She does this by exploring the idea of ownership and what it means to truly possess something.
Form and Structure
The poem is structured as a single stanza with eight lines. Each line contains eight syllables and follows a strict ABAB rhyme scheme. This structure gives the poem a sense of order and stability, which contrasts with the poem’s theme of impermanence.
The use of enjambment, or the continuation of a sentence beyond the end of a line, also adds to the poem’s flow and sense of movement. For example, in the first line, “Our own possessions—though our own,” the phrase “though our own” is carried over to the next line, emphasizing the poet’s point that even the things we own are not truly permanent.
Interpretation
The poem begins with the line, “Our own possessions—though our own,” which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The phrase “though our own” suggests a sense of detachment or impermanence, as if the poet is acknowledging that even the things we own will eventually slip away from us.
The next two lines, “We work for them, not knowing why, / And sigh when, gazing, we descry,” suggest a sense of bewilderment on the part of the speaker. The idea that we work for our possessions without knowing why implies a sense of dissatisfaction or unease with the way we live our lives.
The final two lines of the first quatrain, “Their emptiness—content to see— / And their oblivion—deity,” continue this sense of detachment and impermanence. The idea that we can be content with the emptiness of our possessions suggests a sense of resignation, as if the speaker has accepted the fleeting nature of life.
In the second quatrain, the poet moves on to explore the idea of ownership and what it means to truly possess something. The line, “No possession we have, like that phantom,” suggests that even the things we think we own are not truly ours. The word “phantom” implies a sense of unreality, as if the things we own are nothing more than illusions.
The next two lines, “That abdicates the rest / While it is ours, disfranchise it,” suggest that our possessions have the power to alienate us from the rest of the world. The phrase “disfranchise it” implies that our possessions have the power to cut us off from the things that truly matter in life.
The final two lines of the poem, “As you did to Him, to Me / Possession be promotes thee,” suggest that true possession comes not from owning material things, but from a sense of spiritual connection to the world around us. The use of the word “Him” suggests a reference to God or a higher power, and the idea that possession promotes us suggests that we can find fulfillment in life through a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves.
Conclusion
In “Our own possessions—Though our own,” Emily Dickinson explores the idea of ownership and what it means to truly possess something. Through her use of strict form and structure, she creates a sense of order and stability that contrasts with the poem’s theme of impermanence.
The poem suggests that our possessions are ultimately fleeting and illusory, and that true possession comes not from owning material things, but from a sense of connection to the world around us. In this way, Dickinson urges us to look beyond the material world and find fulfillment in the intangible things that truly matter in life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Our Own Possessions—Though Our Own: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers even today. Her poem "Our Own Possessions—Though Our Own" is a prime example of her unique style and ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful words.
At first glance, the poem appears to be a simple reflection on the concept of ownership and possession. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Dickinson is exploring much deeper themes related to identity, self-worth, and the human condition.
The poem begins with the line "Our own possessions—though our own—/ Are so immense a part," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Dickinson is acknowledging the importance that possessions hold in our lives, but also hinting at the fact that they are not the only things that define us.
She goes on to describe the various possessions that we accumulate throughout our lives, from "lands" and "houses" to "jewels" and "gold." These are all things that we often associate with success and happiness, but Dickinson is quick to point out that they are not the only things that matter.
In the second stanza, she writes, "But what we strive to hold today/ Escapes us as a whole." This line is particularly poignant, as it speaks to the fleeting nature of material possessions. No matter how much we accumulate, it can all be taken away in an instant.
Dickinson then shifts her focus to the concept of identity, writing, "Ourself are so much more." Here, she is reminding us that we are more than just the sum of our possessions. Our true worth lies in who we are as individuals, not in what we own.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as Dickinson drives home her message with the lines, "Possession, that is temporary,/ Possession, that is nought." She is reminding us that all of our possessions are ultimately temporary, and that they do not define us as people.
Instead, she encourages us to focus on the things that truly matter, such as love, compassion, and kindness. These are the things that will endure long after our possessions have been forgotten.
In conclusion, "Our Own Possessions—Though Our Own" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that speaks to the human experience in a profound way. Emily Dickinson's ability to convey complex emotions through simple language is truly remarkable, and this poem is a testament to her talent as a writer.
As we go about our lives, it is easy to become consumed by our possessions and the pursuit of material success. However, Dickinson reminds us that there is so much more to life than what we own. Our true worth lies in who we are as individuals, and the impact that we have on the world around us.
So let us take a moment to reflect on the message of this poem, and strive to live our lives with love, compassion, and kindness. These are the things that truly matter, and they are the things that will endure long after our possessions have been forgotten.
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