'Tie the strings to my life, my Lord,' by Emily Dickinson


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Tie the strings to my life, my Lord,
Then I am ready to go!
Just a look at the horses --
Rapid! That will do!

Put me in on the firmest side,
So I shall never fall;
For we must ride to the Judgment,
And it's partly down hill.

But never I mind the bridges,
And never I mind the sea;
Held fast in everlasting race
By my own choice and thee.

Good-by to the life I used to lives,
And the world I used to know;
And kiss the hills for me, just once;
Now I am ready to go!

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Tie the strings to my life, my Lord": A Masterpiece of Dickinsonian Imagery

Emily Dickinson is one of the greatest literary figures of American history. Her poetry is a unique and powerful combination of deep metaphysical insights, elusive imagery, and a complex web of emotions. One of her most revered poems, "Tie the strings to my life, my Lord," stands out not only for its intricate metaphors but also for its ability to capture the essence of life, death, and the human condition. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various themes and motifs of the poem and try to unravel its hidden meanings.

The Structure and Form of the Poem

Before delving into the thematic elements of the poem, it is worth analyzing its structure and form. The poem consists of six stanzas, each containing four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABCB, which means that the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyme. This creates a sense of musicality and rhythm, which is typical of Dickinson's poems. The language is simple yet powerful, with a few archaic words such as "wist" and "fain" adding a touch of elegance to the verses.

The Symbolism and Imagery of the Poem

The poem begins with the speaker asking the Lord to "tie the strings to my life" and to "let me not wander in vain." This is a metaphorical way of asking God to guide her through life and prevent her from losing her way. The strings are a symbol of the connection between the speaker and God, and their being tied implies a sense of security and stability. The metaphorical use of strings is a recurring motif in Dickinson's poetry, and it signifies the fragile and tenuous nature of human existence.

In the second stanza, the speaker describes the Lord as a "puppet master" and herself as a puppet. This metaphor is used to emphasize the idea of God's control over human life. The puppet master controls the movements of the puppet, just as God controls the destiny of human beings. The puppet also represents the human body, which is animated by the strings of life. The speaker is essentially asking God to take control of her life and use her as He sees fit.

The third stanza contains a vivid metaphor of a ship sailing towards its destination. The ship represents the speaker's life, and the destination represents death. The "gales" and "billows" that the ship encounters signify the challenges and obstacles of life. The phrase "Steer the struggling bark" implies that the speaker is struggling through life and needs God's guidance to reach her destination. The metaphor of the ship is a common one in literature, and it symbolizes the journey of life and the inevitability of death.

In the fourth stanza, the speaker asks the Lord to "weave a bower" for her. A bower is a shelter made of branches and twigs, and it signifies a place of rest and refuge. The speaker is asking God to create a peaceful haven for her in the midst of the struggles and hardships of life. The metaphor of the bower is also used to imply the transience of life, as it is made of perishable materials.

The fifth stanza contains the most complex and elusive metaphor of the poem. The speaker describes herself as a "little shape" and asks the Lord to "make me useful." The metaphor of the little shape is ambiguous, and it can be interpreted in several ways. It could signify the speaker's sense of insignificance in the grand scheme of things, or it could represent her soul, which is small compared to the vastness of God's creation. The phrase "make me useful" implies that the speaker wants to serve a purpose in life, and that she wants God to guide her towards that purpose.

The final stanza contains a powerful image of the speaker standing before the Lord with "outstretched hands." This is a symbolic gesture of supplication and surrender, as the speaker is placing herself completely in God's hands. The phrase "fain to be saved" implies that the speaker is willing and eager to be saved by God, and that she trusts Him completely. The final line of the poem, "The Cross was to be borne," is a reference to the Christian belief in the crucifixion of Jesus, and it symbolizes the idea of sacrifice and redemption.

The Themes and Motifs of the Poem

The poem "Tie the strings to my life, my Lord" deals with several themes and motifs that are typical of Emily Dickinson's poetry. These include:

Death and Mortality

The theme of death and mortality is central to the poem. The metaphor of the ship sailing towards its destination symbolizes the journey of life towards death. The speaker acknowledges the inevitability of death and asks the Lord to guide her through the challenges of life towards her final destination. The metaphor of the bower also implies the transience of life, as it is made of perishable materials.

Surrender and Supplication

The poem is a powerful expression of surrender and supplication to a higher power. The speaker places herself completely in God's hands and asks Him to guide her through life. This is a common motif in Dickinson's poetry, as she often explores the relationship between the human soul and the divine.

Control and Destiny

The metaphor of the puppet master and the puppet emphasizes the idea of God's control over human life. The speaker acknowledges that she is at the mercy of God's will and that she needs His guidance to navigate through life. This theme of control and destiny is also present in other poems by Dickinson, such as "I cannot live with You" and "Because I could not stop for Death."

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Tie the strings to my life, my Lord" is a masterpiece of Dickinsonian imagery and symbolism. The poem explores complex themes such as death, mortality, surrender, and control, and it does so in a simple yet powerful language. The various metaphors and motifs used in the poem create a rich tapestry of meaning, which invites the reader to ponder the nature of life and the human condition. Emily Dickinson's poetry remains as relevant today as it was when she wrote it over a century ago, and her insights into the human soul continue to inspire and fascinate readers around the world.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her poem "Tie the strings to my life, my Lord" is a classic example of her unique style and poetic genius. This poem is a powerful meditation on the nature of life, death, and the human soul, and it is a testament to Dickinson's ability to capture the essence of the human experience in just a few lines of verse.

At its core, "Tie the strings to my life, my Lord" is a prayer for guidance and protection in the face of life's many challenges and uncertainties. The speaker of the poem is asking God to "tie the strings" of her life to his own, so that she may be guided and protected by his divine wisdom and grace. This metaphor of "tying strings" is a powerful one, as it suggests a deep connection between the speaker and God, and a sense of trust and surrender in the face of life's many mysteries.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing God directly, saying "Tie the strings to my life, my Lord, / Then I am ready to go!" This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the speaker's willingness to surrender herself to God's will and to trust in his guidance. The use of the exclamation mark here also suggests a sense of excitement and anticipation, as if the speaker is eager to embark on a new journey or adventure.

The second stanza of the poem expands on this theme of surrender and trust, as the speaker asks God to "bind me firm, and let me be / A sacred burden unto thee." Here, the speaker is asking God to bind her firmly to his will, so that she may be a "sacred burden" to him. This phrase is a powerful one, as it suggests that the speaker sees herself as a gift to God, and that she is willing to bear whatever burdens he may place upon her.

The third stanza of the poem takes a darker turn, as the speaker acknowledges the inevitability of death and the uncertainty of what lies beyond. She says, "Help me to hold my peace, / That I may not speak / The words I do not mean." Here, the speaker is asking God to help her remain calm and composed in the face of death, so that she may not say things she does not truly mean. This is a powerful reminder of the importance of living a life of integrity and honesty, even in the face of death.

The fourth and final stanza of the poem returns to the theme of surrender and trust, as the speaker says, "Let me reside / Where'er thou seest best, / And be in thy love / Perfectly blest." Here, the speaker is once again asking God to guide and protect her, and to allow her to reside wherever he sees fit. The final line of the poem, "And be in thy love / Perfectly blest," is a powerful reminder of the importance of love and connection in the face of life's many challenges and uncertainties.

Overall, "Tie the strings to my life, my Lord" is a powerful and deeply moving poem that speaks to the human experience in a profound and meaningful way. Through its use of powerful metaphors and vivid imagery, it captures the essence of what it means to surrender oneself to God's will, and to trust in his guidance and protection. Whether you are a believer or not, this poem is a testament to the power of faith and the human spirit, and it is sure to inspire and uplift anyone who reads it.

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