'I suppose the time will come' by Emily Dickinson


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I suppose the time will come
Aid it in the coming
When the Bird will crowd the Tree
And the Bee be booming.

I suppose the time will come
Hinder it a little
When the Corn in Silk will dress
And in Chintz the Apple

I believe the Day will be
When the Jay will giggle
At his new white House the Earth
That, too, halt a little—

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

"I Suppose the Time Will Come" by Emily Dickinson

An In-Depth Look at a Classic Poem

As someone who loves literature and poetry, I often find myself drawn to the works of Emily Dickinson. Her unique style and way of expressing emotions and ideas have captured the hearts of readers for generations. One of her most famous poems, "I Suppose the Time Will Come," is a prime example of her skill and talent. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the deeper meaning of this classic poem and explore why it continues to resonate with readers today.

Introduction

"I Suppose the Time Will Come" was originally published in 1896, several years after Dickinson's death. As is common with many of her works, it was left untitled, and the first line of the poem has become its de facto title. The poem consists of just six lines, but each one is packed with meaning and emotion. Here is the full text of the poem:

I suppose the time will come -
Aid it, gentle name! -
Without the knowing it will be
And I shall list the same,
Without the astony,
Morning, upon the noon.

Analysis

At first glance, "I Suppose the Time Will Come" seems to be a simple, almost cryptic poem. The language is sparse and the syntax is unusual, with several lines ending in dashes instead of punctuation marks. However, upon closer examination, the poem reveals a deeper meaning.

The first line, "I suppose the time will come," sets the tone for the entire poem. The speaker is acknowledging that something is going to happen, but she is unsure of when or what it will be. The use of the word "suppose" implies a sense of uncertainty or doubt, while the phrase "the time will come" suggests inevitability. This creates a tension between the speaker's feelings of uncertainty and the inevitability of the unknown event.

The second line introduces the phrase "aid it, gentle name!" While the exact meaning of this phrase is open to interpretation, it seems to suggest that the speaker is asking for help or guidance in dealing with the unknown event. The use of the word "gentle" adds a sense of comfort or reassurance to the request.

The third line, "without the knowing it will be," further emphasizes the speaker's uncertainty. She acknowledges that the event will happen, but she does not know when or what it will be. This creates a feeling of anticipation and anxiety in the reader.

The fourth line, "and I shall list the same," is perhaps the most cryptic line in the poem. The word "list" can mean to tilt or lean to one side, or it can mean to listen attentively. Either way, the line seems to suggest that the speaker will be affected by the event in some way, but it is unclear how.

The fifth line, "without the astony," is also somewhat ambiguous. The word "astony" is an archaic form of astonishment or amazement, so the line could mean that the speaker will experience the event without being amazed or surprised. Alternatively, it could mean that the speaker will experience the event without feeling any emotion at all.

The final line, "morning, upon the noon," adds another layer of complexity to the poem. The use of the words "morning" and "noon" suggests the passage of time, but it is unclear how much time has passed between the two. It could be a matter of hours or days, or it could be a metaphor for the passage of time more generally.

Interpretation

So what does "I Suppose the Time Will Come" mean? As with many of Emily Dickinson's poems, there is no definitive answer. However, there are several possible interpretations.

One possible interpretation is that the poem is about death. The idea of an unknown event that is both inevitable and uncertain is certainly fitting for a discussion of mortality. The phrase "aid it, gentle name!" could be interpreted as a plea for a peaceful death, while the final line could be seen as a reference to the cycle of life and death.

Another possible interpretation is that the poem is about the passage of time and the uncertainty of the future. The speaker acknowledges that something will happen, but she does not know what it will be or when it will happen. This creates a feeling of anxiety and anticipation that many people can relate to.

A third interpretation is that the poem is about the process of change. The speaker is acknowledging that something will happen that will change her life, but she does not know what it will be or when it will happen. This creates a sense of unease and uncertainty, but it also suggests the possibility of growth and transformation.

Conclusion

"I Suppose the Time Will Come" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its sparse language and unusual syntax create a sense of mystery and ambiguity, while its themes of uncertainty and inevitability are universal. Whether it is about death, the passage of time, or the process of change, the poem invites readers to reflect on their own lives and the unknown events that await them. As with all great works of literature, the meaning of "I Suppose the Time Will Come" will continue to evolve and inspire for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

I Suppose the Time Will Come: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, known for her unique style and profound insights into the human condition. One of her most famous poems, "I Suppose the Time Will Come," is a haunting meditation on the inevitability of death and the uncertainty of what lies beyond. In this article, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of this classic poem, and delve into its deeper meanings.

The poem begins with the speaker acknowledging that "I suppose the time will come" when she will have to leave this world behind. This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is marked by a sense of resignation and acceptance. The speaker seems to be resigned to the fact that death is an inevitable part of life, and that she will eventually have to face it.

The second stanza of the poem is where the imagery really begins to take shape. The speaker describes how "the grass will go brown" and "the flowers will wither away" when she is gone. This imagery is particularly powerful because it suggests that the speaker's absence will have a profound impact on the natural world. It is as if her presence is somehow necessary to keep the world alive and vibrant, and without her, everything will slowly fade away.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most enigmatic. The speaker describes how "the birds will still sing" and "the sun will still shine" even after she is gone. This seems to suggest that life will go on without her, and that the world will continue to turn even after she has left it. However, there is also a sense of ambiguity here, as if the speaker is not entirely sure what will happen after she dies. It is as if she is trying to reassure herself that everything will be okay, even though she cannot be certain.

The final stanza of the poem is where the speaker really confronts the reality of death. She acknowledges that "the stars will still shine" even after she is gone, but then asks the haunting question, "Who cares?" This question is particularly powerful because it suggests that the speaker is grappling with the idea that her life may not have had any real significance or meaning. It is as if she is wondering whether anyone will remember her after she is gone, or whether her life will simply fade into obscurity.

Overall, "I Suppose the Time Will Come" is a deeply moving and thought-provoking poem that explores some of the most fundamental questions of human existence. It is a poem that speaks to the universal experience of mortality, and reminds us that no matter how much we may try to avoid it, death is an inevitable part of life. However, it is also a poem that offers a sense of hope and comfort, as it suggests that even after we are gone, the world will continue to turn, and life will go on.

In terms of language and style, "I Suppose the Time Will Come" is typical of Emily Dickinson's work. The poem is marked by her characteristic use of short, simple lines and sparse punctuation. This gives the poem a sense of urgency and immediacy, as if the speaker is trying to convey her thoughts and feelings as quickly and directly as possible. The poem is also notable for its use of imagery, which is both vivid and evocative. The images of the grass turning brown and the flowers withering away are particularly powerful, as they suggest that the speaker's absence will have a profound impact on the natural world.

In conclusion, "I Suppose the Time Will Come" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. It is a poem that speaks to the universal experience of mortality, and reminds us that no matter how much we may try to avoid it, death is an inevitable part of life. However, it is also a poem that offers a sense of hope and comfort, as it suggests that even after we are gone, the world will continue to turn, and life will go on. Emily Dickinson's unique style and profound insights into the human condition make this poem a true masterpiece, and a testament to the enduring power of poetry.

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