'To be forgot by thee' by Emily Dickinson


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To be forgot by thee
Surpasses Memory
Of other minds
The Heart cannot forget
Unless it contemplate
What it declines
I was regarded then
Raised from oblivion
A single time
To be remembered what-
Worthy to be forgot
Is my renown

Editor 1 Interpretation

Emily Dickinson's "To be forgot by thee": A Masterpiece of Love and Loss

Emily Dickinson's poetry is a window into her soul, and "To be forgot by thee" is no different. This poem is a masterpiece of love and loss, exploring the complex emotions that come with unrequited love. Dickinson's use of language is masterful, and her ability to convey deep feelings with just a few words is unparalleled in the world of poetry.

Understanding the Poem

"At length, to be identified!" - The first line of the poem sets the tone for what is to come. The speaker longs to be recognized by the object of their affection, to be seen and understood. This desire is a common thread in Dickinson's poetry, as she often explores the theme of isolation and the human need for connection.

"For thee to come to me" - In this line, the speaker expresses their longing for the one they love to seek them out. This idea of being pursued is a common trope in romantic literature, but Dickinson subverts it here by making the speaker the one who is being pursued.

"And take my hand for e'er" - The final line of the first stanza is a plea for the object of the speaker's affection to take their hand and never let go. This line is particularly poignant, as it speaks to the fear of abandonment that is so often present in relationships.

The second stanza is where the poem takes a darker turn. The speaker acknowledges that their love may never be reciprocated, and they may be forgotten.

"But ah! the fairest hand hath oftenest a cold heart" - This line is a commentary on the fact that those who are deemed the most beautiful or desirable are often the most aloof and unfeeling. It speaks to the speaker's fear that the object of their affection will never return their love.

"To think of thee, shuts up the day" - In this line, the speaker acknowledges that their love is all-consuming. The mere thought of the object of their affection is enough to make the world around them disappear.

"And from its sills, the daylight steals" - This line is particularly interesting, as it speaks to the idea that love can cause one to lose touch with reality. The image of daylight stealing away from the windowsill suggests that the speaker is so consumed by their love that they are losing touch with the outside world.

The final stanza is a meditation on the nature of memory and the fear of being forgotten.

"To know if any human eyes were near to see me, to know myself discerned would scarce uplift me" - This line speaks to the idea that the speaker's desire for recognition is not about fame or adulation, but rather about the validation of their existence. It suggests that the speaker is so consumed by their love that they fear being forgotten, as if their very existence depends on being remembered.

"But the scrutiny of scrutiny, to play thee all the games the winds play with the dust" - In this line, the speaker acknowledges that their desire for recognition is futile. They compare themselves to the dust that is carried away by the wind, suggesting that their existence is fleeting and insignificant.

"To take thee by the hand and tell thee why I am" - The final line of the poem is a heartbreaking plea for the object of the speaker's affection to understand them. It speaks to the desire for connection that is at the heart of the poem, and the fear of being misunderstood or forgotten.

Interpretation

"To be forgot by thee" is a poem about unrequited love and the fear of being forgotten. The speaker longs for the object of their affection to see them and understand them, but fears that their love will never be reciprocated. The poem speaks to the human need for connection and validation, and the fear of being alone and forgotten.

Dickinson's use of language is masterful in this poem. She conveys deep emotions with just a few words, and her ability to paint vivid images with her words is unparalleled. The poem is filled with powerful imagery, from the image of daylight stealing away from the windowsill to the comparison of the speaker to dust carried away by the wind.

One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is the way that Dickinson subverts traditional gender roles. The speaker is the one who is being pursued, and the object of their affection is aloof and unfeeling. This is a departure from the traditional trope of the male pursuer and the female pursued, and adds a layer of complexity to the poem.

The poem is also notable for its use of repetition. The phrase "to be forgot by thee" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the speaker's fear of being forgotten. The repetition also gives the poem a sense of rhythm and momentum, drawing the reader in and keeping them engaged.

Conclusion

"To be forgot by thee" is a masterpiece of love and loss. Emily Dickinson's use of language is masterful, and her ability to convey deep emotions with just a few words is unparalleled. The poem speaks to the human need for connection and validation, and the fear of being alone and forgotten. It is a timeless exploration of the complexities of the human heart, and a testament to Dickinson's genius as a poet.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has been used to express human emotions and experiences for centuries. One of the most celebrated poets of all time is Emily Dickinson, who is known for her unique style and powerful words. One of her most famous poems is "To be forgot by thee," which is a beautiful and haunting piece that explores the pain of unrequited love.

The poem begins with the speaker expressing her desire to be forgotten by the person she loves. She says, "To be forgot by thee / Surpasses Memory / Of other minds / The Heart cannot forget / Unless it contemplate / What it declines." This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with a sense of longing and sadness.

The speaker goes on to describe the pain of being in love with someone who does not return their feelings. She says, "Better to have recollect / And recollection blest / Than no recollection and oblivion's trust." This line suggests that even though it is painful to remember the person she loves, it is better than forgetting them altogether.

The second stanza of the poem is particularly powerful. The speaker says, "Vain is the word to those / Who ne'er shall listen / Deaf to the soul's ado / Bound by the siege / Of silence, which they / Merely know." This stanza highlights the frustration and helplessness that comes with unrequited love. The speaker is pouring out her soul to someone who will never hear her, and she is trapped in a silence that she cannot escape.

The third stanza of the poem is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the nature of love. The speaker says, "Love is anterior to life / Posterior to death / Initial of creation, and / The exponent of breath." This line suggests that love is a fundamental part of the human experience, and that it exists both before and after life. Love is what gives life meaning, and it is what connects us to each other and to the world around us.

The final stanza of the poem is a heartbreaking plea for the person she loves to remember her. The speaker says, "Remember me when I am gone away / Gone far away into the silent land / When you can no more hold me by the hand / Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay." This stanza is a powerful reminder that even though the speaker may be forgotten by the person she loves, she will never forget them. Her love will live on even after she is gone.

Overall, "To be forgot by thee" is a beautiful and haunting poem that explores the pain of unrequited love. Emily Dickinson's words are powerful and moving, and they capture the essence of what it means to love someone who will never love you back. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of love, and it is a reminder that even though love can be painful, it is also what gives life meaning.

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