'We never know we go when we are going-' by Emily Dickinson
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We never know we go when we are going-
We jest and shut the Door-
Fate-following-behind us bolts it-
And we accost no more-
Editor 1 Interpretation
We never know we go when we are going: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson’s Poetry
Are you a fan of poetry? Do you enjoy reading literary works that explore the mysteries of life and death? If so, then you must have come across one of Emily Dickinson’s most famous poems, “We never know we go when we are going.”
This enigmatic piece of writing has intrigued readers for decades, and for good reason. The poem seems to be a meditation on the nature of mortality, and the uncertainty that surrounds our final journey. In this analysis, we will explore the different interpretations of the poem and what it means to the human condition.
Introduction
Emily Dickinson was a prolific poet who wrote more than 1,800 poems during her lifetime, most of which were published posthumously. Her works are known for their unconventional language, structure, and themes, and “We never know we go when we are going” is no exception.
The poem was first published in 1896, after Dickinson’s death, and it has since become one of her most famous and beloved works. It speaks to the human experience of facing the unknown, of confronting our own mortality, and of wondering what lies beyond the veil of death.
The Poem
Let’s take a closer look at the poem itself:
We never know we go when we are going--
We jest and shut the door--
Fate following behind us bolts it--
And we accost no more.
There are many faces to the night,
Many quiet rooms,
But not a light, not a face, no voice,
Only the pillowing winds.
No more than that--we know of heaven,
And all the solitudes,
We know of nothing but the boding,
And the silent, interludes.
That pause in life when prayer is done,
And the second, that precedes
The opening of the eyes of those
That waxed in paradise.
At first glance, the poem seems to be a simple observation on the nature of death. The speaker tells us that we never really know when we are going to die, and that we simply jest and shut the door behind us. Fate follows us and bolts the door, and we accost no more.
The second stanza paints a picture of the night and the quiet rooms that we will one day inhabit. There is no light, no face, and no voice, only the pillowing winds. The third stanza tells us that we know nothing of heaven except for its solitudes and the boding that comes with the knowledge of our own mortality.
The final stanza is perhaps the most enigmatic. It describes two moments in our lives: the pause in life when prayer is done, and the second that precedes the opening of the eyes of those who have “waxed in paradise.” What do these moments mean? What is the significance of prayer being done, and who are these people who have waxed in paradise?
Interpretations
There are many interpretations of this poem, and each reader may take something different from it. Some have interpreted the poem as a meditation on the Christian idea of heaven and the afterlife. The reference to prayer and those who have waxed in paradise suggest that the speaker is talking about the souls of the faithful who have gone before us.
Others have interpreted the poem as a commentary on the human experience of death, and the fear and uncertainty that comes with it. The image of the night and the quiet rooms suggest that death is a solitary experience, and the pillowing winds imply a certain sense of emptiness and isolation.
Still, others have seen the poem as a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the transience of human existence. The first stanza suggests that we never really know when our time on earth will end, and that we are often caught off guard by the suddenness of death.
Analysis
So what can we learn from this poem? What insights into the human condition can we glean from Dickinson’s words?
First and foremost, the poem reminds us of the inevitability of death. No matter who we are or what we do, we will all face the same fate. This can be a frightening thought, but it can also be a liberating one. By accepting our mortality, we can live more fully in the present, and appreciate the time that we have.
The poem also reminds us of the importance of embracing the unknown. While we may never know what lies beyond the veil of death, we can still find meaning and purpose in the journey. Life is full of mysteries, and it is up to us to explore them and make the most of our time on earth.
Finally, the poem reminds us of the power of language to capture the essence of the human experience. Dickinson’s words may be enigmatic and mysterious, but they also speak to something deep within us, something that we all share as human beings. In this way, the poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to connect us to each other and to the world around us.
Conclusion
“We never know we go when we are going” is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that speaks to the human experience of facing our own mortality. It reminds us of the inevitability of death, the importance of embracing the unknown, and the power of language to capture the essence of the human experience. Whether we interpret the poem as a meditation on the afterlife, a commentary on the human experience of death, or a reflection on the transience of life, we can all find something meaningful in Dickinson’s words.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions and stir the soul. Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, has left behind a legacy of thought-provoking and inspiring poems. One such poem is "We never know we go when we are going," which is a beautiful reflection on the fleeting nature of life.
The poem begins with the line, "We never know we go when we are going," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It is a reminder that life is unpredictable and that we never know when our time will come. The use of the word "we" suggests that this is a universal truth that applies to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The second line, "We jest and shut the door," is a metaphor for how we often go through life without fully appreciating the present moment. We are so caught up in our daily routines and distractions that we forget to stop and appreciate the beauty of life. The act of shutting the door symbolizes how we close ourselves off from the world around us and miss out on the opportunities that life presents us with.
The third line, "Fate - following - behind us bolts," is a powerful image that conveys the idea that fate is always lurking behind us, ready to strike at any moment. The use of the word "bolts" suggests that fate is sudden and unexpected, like a bolt of lightning. This line is a reminder that we are not in control of our destiny and that we must make the most of the time we have.
The fourth line, "A newer - noon - upon the Trapeze," is a metaphor for how life is like a circus act, with us as the performers. The Trapeze represents the precarious nature of life, where we are constantly balancing on a tightrope, trying to stay upright. The use of the word "newer" suggests that each moment is unique and that we must embrace it fully.
The fifth line, "Leaving - behind - the former," is a reminder that we must let go of the past and embrace the present. We cannot change what has already happened, but we can choose how we respond to it. This line is a call to action, urging us to let go of our regrets and focus on the present moment.
The sixth line, "Whereupon - we - shall go," is a reminder that we are all on a journey, and that we must make the most of it. The use of the word "whereupon" suggests that there is a destination, but we do not know where it is. This line is a reminder that life is a mystery, and that we must embrace the unknown.
The seventh line, "In what - contingent - acre," is a metaphor for how life is like a vast field, with endless possibilities. The use of the word "contingent" suggests that there are no guarantees in life, and that we must be prepared for anything. This line is a reminder that life is full of surprises, and that we must be open to new experiences.
The eighth line, "Until - the - Renter come," is a reminder that our time on earth is limited, and that we must make the most of it. The use of the word "Renter" suggests that we are only temporary residents on this earth, and that we must leave it better than we found it. This line is a call to action, urging us to make a positive impact on the world around us.
The final line, "And - take - us - where - he goes," is a reminder that we are not in control of our destiny, and that we must trust in a higher power. The use of the word "he" suggests that there is a divine force guiding us, and that we must have faith in it. This line is a reminder that life is a journey, and that we must trust in the path that we are on.
In conclusion, "We never know we go when we are going" is a beautiful reflection on the fleeting nature of life. It is a reminder that we must make the most of the time we have, and that we must embrace the present moment. Emily Dickinson's use of metaphors and imagery creates a powerful and thought-provoking poem that will resonate with readers for generations to come.
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