'The Heart asks Pleasure—first' by Emily Dickinson
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The Heart asks Pleasure—first—
And then—Excuse from Pain—
And then—those little Anodyness
That deaden suffering—
And then—to go to sleep—
And then—if it should be
The will of its Inquisitor
The privilege to die—
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Heart asks Pleasure—first by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
When it comes to poetry, Emily Dickinson is a name that rings a bell in the minds of almost everyone. She is known for her unique style of writing that often left her contemporaries baffled. The Heart asks Pleasure—first is one of her most popular poems, and rightfully so. This poem, like many others by Dickinson, explores the complexities of the human heart and its desires. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve deeper into the themes and motifs present in this poem and provide my take on what Dickinson tries to say through her words.
The Heart and its Desires
The first line of the poem, "The Heart asks Pleasure—first," sets the tone for the entire piece. It immediately introduces the central character of the poem, the Heart, and its desire for pleasure. The word "first" in this line is significant as it implies that pleasure is the Heart's topmost priority. This line also creates a sense of urgency, as if the Heart cannot wait any longer to fulfill its desires.
As the poem progresses, Dickinson explores the various ways in which the Heart seeks pleasure. The second line, "And then—Excuse from Pain," highlights the fact that the Heart seeks pleasure as a means to escape pain. The Heart is portrayed as a fragile entity that cannot handle pain and thus seeks pleasure as a way to cope with it.
The third and fourth lines, "And then—those little Anodynes/ That deaden suffering," further emphasize this point. Anodynes, a term used for painkillers, are seen as small things that provide temporary relief from pain. The Heart is willing to settle for these little pleasures as long as they can provide relief from suffering.
But, as the poem progresses, Dickinson shows that the Heart's desires are not limited to just physical pleasures. In the fifth and sixth lines, she writes, "And then—to go to sleep—/ And then—if it should be." Here, the Heart is seen desiring the ultimate pleasure, death. This desire is not driven by a sense of morbidity but rather as a means to escape from the pain and suffering of life.
The Themes of Death and Pleasure
Dickinson's exploration of the Heart's desire for death in this poem is not unique. She often wrote about death and its inevitability in her poetry. In The Heart asks Pleasure—first, she connects the theme of death with that of pleasure. The Heart's desire for pleasure is not limited to just the physical realm but extends to the ultimate pleasure of death.
But why does the Heart desire death? The answer lies in the pain and suffering of life. Dickinson portrays the Heart as a fragile entity that cannot handle pain and seeks pleasure as a way to escape it. Death, in this context, is seen as the ultimate escape from pain and suffering. The Heart's desire for pleasure and death is a reflection of the human desire to escape from the harsh realities of life.
Another theme that runs through this poem is that of the transience of pleasure. The Heart's desire for pleasure is portrayed as fleeting and temporary. The "little Anodynes" that provide temporary relief from pain and suffering are mere distractions that do not provide a permanent solution. The Heart's desire for death is the ultimate form of escape, but it too is fleeting and temporary. Death, like pleasure, is a temporary state that eventually gives way to nothingness.
The Use of Metaphor and Imagery
One of the things that make Dickinson's poetry so unique is her use of metaphor and imagery. In The Heart asks Pleasure—first, she uses metaphor and imagery to create a vivid picture of the Heart's desires.
The Heart is portrayed as a fragile entity that seeks pleasure as a means to escape pain and suffering. This metaphor creates a sense of vulnerability and fragility around the Heart, making the reader empathize with it.
The imagery of "little Anodynes" and "deadening suffering" creates a sense of temporary relief from pain and suffering. These images are juxtaposed with the desire for death, creating a sense of contrast and conflict in the poem.
The use of the word "first" in the first line of the poem creates a sense of urgency and immediacy, making the reader feel the Heart's desire for pleasure.
Conclusion
In The Heart asks Pleasure—first, Emily Dickinson explores the complex desires of the human heart. She portrays the Heart as a fragile entity that seeks pleasure as a means to escape pain and suffering. The themes of death and pleasure are intertwined in the poem, highlighting the human desire to escape from the harsh realities of life. The use of metaphor and imagery creates a vivid picture of the Heart's desires, making the reader empathize with it. This poem, like many others by Dickinson, is a reflection of the complexities of human nature and the desires of the human heart.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Heart Asks Pleasure—First: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson’s Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature, known for her unique style and themes that explore the human condition. Her poem, “The Heart Asks Pleasure—First,” is a classic example of her work, and it has captivated readers for generations. In this analysis, we will explore the meaning and significance of this poem, and how it relates to Dickinson’s larger body of work.
The poem begins with the line, “The Heart asks Pleasure—first,” which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The heart, in this context, represents the emotional and instinctual part of the self, while pleasure represents the desire for happiness and fulfillment. The use of the word “first” suggests that pleasure is the most important thing to the heart, and that it takes precedence over all other concerns.
The second line, “And then—Excuse from Pain,” further emphasizes this point. The heart seeks pleasure as a means of avoiding pain, which is a common human motivation. The use of the word “excuse” suggests that the heart is looking for a way out of pain, rather than confronting it directly. This is a theme that recurs throughout Dickinson’s work, as she often explores the ways in which people avoid or deny their emotions.
The third line, “And then—those little Anodynes,” introduces the idea of anodynes, which are substances or practices that relieve pain. In this context, anodynes represent the things that people use to distract themselves from their problems, such as alcohol, drugs, or other forms of escapism. The use of the word “little” suggests that these anodynes are temporary and ultimately ineffective, and that they do not provide a lasting solution to the heart’s desire for pleasure.
The fourth line, “That deaden suffering,” further emphasizes the idea that anodynes are a form of numbing or deadening, rather than a true solution to pain. The use of the word “suffering” suggests that the heart is experiencing a deep and profound pain, which cannot be easily alleviated. This is a common theme in Dickinson’s work, as she often explores the ways in which people struggle to cope with their emotions.
The fifth line, “And then—to go to sleep,” introduces the idea of sleep as a form of escape. Sleep is a common way in which people avoid their problems, as it provides a temporary respite from the stresses of daily life. The use of the word “go” suggests that sleep is a deliberate choice, rather than a natural process. This reinforces the idea that people actively seek out ways to avoid their emotions, rather than confronting them directly.
The sixth line, “And then—if it should be,” introduces the idea of uncertainty. The heart’s desire for pleasure is not guaranteed, and there is always the possibility that it will not be fulfilled. This reinforces the idea that pleasure is a fleeting and temporary state, rather than a permanent solution to the heart’s desires.
The seventh line, “The will of God be done!” introduces the idea of surrender. The heart recognizes that its desires may not be in line with the will of a higher power, and it is willing to accept whatever fate may bring. This is a common theme in Dickinson’s work, as she often explores the ways in which people struggle to reconcile their desires with the larger forces of the universe.
The final line, “The Kings cry—‘Beware!’” introduces the idea of warning. The heart recognizes that pleasure is not without its dangers, and that there are risks associated with pursuing it. The use of the word “Kings” suggests that these dangers are not trivial, but rather represent a significant threat to the heart’s well-being.
Overall, “The Heart Asks Pleasure—First” is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the human desire for happiness and fulfillment. Through its use of imagery and language, it captures the complex and often contradictory nature of the human psyche, and it offers a poignant commentary on the ways in which people struggle to cope with their emotions. As such, it is a classic example of Emily Dickinson’s unique and insightful style, and it continues to resonate with readers today.
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