'We miss a Kinsman more' by Emily Dickinson


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We miss a Kinsman more
When warranted to see
Than when withheld of Oceans
From possibilityA Furlong than a League
Inflicts a pricklier pain,
Till We, who smiled at Pyrenees-
Of Parishes, complain.

Editor 1 Interpretation

We miss a Kinsman more: A Critical Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her poetry is known for its profound simplicity, stark imagery, and enigmatic nature. One of her most famous poems is "We miss a Kinsman more,” which is an elegy on the death of a loved one. This poem is a poignant reminder of the pain and grief that death brings, and it reflects Dickinson's contemplative and spiritual nature.

The Poem

We miss a Kinsman more When warranted to see Than when withheld of Oceans From possibility.

A Furlong than a League Inflicts a deeper pain, 'Tis homesick for the House That never shall return.

The Shanties mocking, voice Sustain no theme of joy For what supposed to be They only are, annoy.

Interpretation

The poem opens with the assertion that we miss a kinsman more when we are "warranted to see" them. This means that when we expect to see our loved ones, and they are not there, the pain of their absence is more pronounced. This is because the hope of seeing them is dashed, and the realization of their loss is more acute. The second stanza deepens this idea by suggesting that distance intensifies the pain of separation. A furlong, which is a unit of measurement equal to 220 yards, inflicts a deeper pain than a league, which is three miles. This is because a shorter distance reminds us more of what we have lost, and the pain is more palpable. The third stanza speaks to the longing for home and the desire to return to a place that is no longer there. The house that never shall return is a metaphor for the loved one who has died. The final stanza describes the emptiness of a world without our loved ones. The shanties, which are small, run-down buildings, are mocking and devoid of joy. They only serve to annoy us and remind us of what we have lost.

Analysis

Dickinson's "We miss a Kinsman more" is a deeply moving poem that speaks to the universal experience of grief and loss. However, the poem is more than just a reflection on the pain of death. It is a meditation on the human condition and our relationship to the world around us. The poem is composed of four quatrains, and the rhyme scheme is ABAB. This gives the poem a structured and cohesive feel, which is fitting given the subject matter.

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "warranted" suggests that there is a sense of entitlement to seeing our loved ones. This entitlement is based on the expectation that they will always be there. The phrase "withheld of Oceans" is also significant. It suggests that distance is a barrier that prevents us from seeing our loved ones. This is a theme that is explored in greater detail in the second stanza.

The second stanza is perhaps the most powerful in the poem. The use of the words "Furlong" and "League" is significant because it evokes a sense of distance and space. The pain that is inflicted by a shorter distance suggests that the closer we are to something, the more painful it is to lose it. This can be interpreted as a commentary on the human condition. It suggests that the things that are closest to us are the things that hurt us the most.

The third stanza introduces the metaphor of the house that never shall return. This metaphor is significant because it represents the loss of a loved one. The use of the word "homesick" suggests that we long for our loved ones in the same way that we long for home. This is a powerful image that evokes a sense of loss and longing.

The final stanza speaks to the emptiness of a world without our loved ones. The shanties that are mocking and devoid of joy represent the world around us. The use of the word "annoy" is significant because it suggests that the world without our loved ones is not only empty but also irritating. This can be interpreted as a commentary on the human condition. It suggests that the world is a frustrating and empty place without the people we love.

Conclusion

"We miss a Kinsman more" is a powerful and deeply moving poem that speaks to the universal experience of grief and loss. It is a meditation on the human condition and our relationship to the world around us. The poem is structured and cohesive, and the use of metaphor and imagery is powerful. Dickinson's use of language is simple and direct, but the poem is enigmatic and open to interpretation. It speaks to the universal experience of loss and the pain that comes with it. Ultimately, "We miss a Kinsman more" is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the people we love.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her poem "We miss a Kinsman more" is a testament to her skill and talent. This poem is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the nature of loss and grief, and it speaks to the universal human experience of mourning the loss of a loved one.

At its core, "We miss a Kinsman more" is a meditation on the nature of absence. Dickinson begins the poem by stating that "We miss a Kinsman more / When warranted to see / Than when withheld of Oceans / From possibility." This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Dickinson explores the idea that the pain of loss is often felt more acutely when we are confronted with the reality of what we have lost.

The second stanza of the poem expands on this idea, as Dickinson writes that "A Furlong than a League / Inflicts a deeper pain / 'Tis the tides' advance invites / And then retards the main." Here, Dickinson is using the metaphor of distance to explore the idea that the closer we are to something, the more we feel its absence. The pain of loss is not just a function of the fact that something is gone, but also of the fact that we were once so close to it.

The third stanza of the poem takes this idea even further, as Dickinson writes that "When Jesus tells us 'Come' / The illustrious Reply / Would take us farther off / Than to a Star in the sky." Here, Dickinson is using the metaphor of Jesus calling us to heaven to explore the idea that even the promise of something better can be painful, because it means leaving behind what we have known and loved.

The fourth and final stanza of the poem brings all of these ideas together, as Dickinson writes that "The distance that the dead have gone / Does not at first appear / Their coming back seems possible / For many an ardent year." Here, Dickinson is acknowledging the fact that the pain of loss is often compounded by the fact that we cannot fully comprehend the finality of death. Even when we know that someone is gone forever, it can be difficult to accept that fact.

Overall, "We miss a Kinsman more" is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the universal human experience of loss and grief. Through her use of metaphor and imagery, Dickinson is able to capture the complex emotions that we feel when we lose someone we love. Whether we are confronted with the reality of what we have lost, or simply struggling to come to terms with the finality of death, this poem reminds us that we are not alone in our pain.

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