'The Face we choose to miss-' by Emily Dickinson


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The Face we choose to miss-
Be it but for a Day
As absent as a Hundred Years,
When it has rode away.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Face we choose to miss: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

What is it about Emily Dickinson's poetry that makes it stand out among her contemporaries? Is it her subtle yet powerful use of language, her ability to convey complex emotions with just a few carefully chosen words, or is it the way she captures the essence of life in all its beauty and pain? Whatever it is, it is evident in "The Face we choose to miss," one of her most celebrated and thought-provoking works.

At first glance, "The Face we choose to miss" appears to be a simple observation about human nature. The poem opens with the line, "The Face we choose to miss / Be it but for a day / Abroad, the heavens fog / And we step straightway." It seems like an ordinary observation, but as we delve deeper into the poem, we realize that it is much more than that.

The use of the word "face" is particularly interesting. Dickinson does not specify whose face it is that we choose to miss, leaving it open to interpretation. It could be the face of a loved one, a friend, or even a stranger. The ambiguity of the word allows readers to relate to the poem on a personal level, making it all the more powerful.

As the poem progresses, we see the consequences of choosing to miss a face. "We miss a face / That could have been a friend / Willing to come again," Dickinson writes. The use of the word "miss" is crucial here. It implies that the face was there all along, but we chose not to see it. We missed an opportunity to connect with someone, to make a friend, to create a bond.

The poem takes a melancholic turn as Dickinson writes, "But miss it more / When the years have shown / None have such face again." The regret is palpable here. We realize that we cannot go back in time and choose differently. The face is gone, and with it, the opportunity for connection. The use of the word "again" is particularly poignant. It suggests that we may have missed similar faces in the past and will continue to do so in the future, compounding our regret.

Despite the sadness of the poem, there is also a sense of hope. The final stanza reads, "Though we miss a face / The heavens have a heart / And smiles upon us yet / That we may take a part." The use of the word "heavens" is interesting here. It suggests a higher power, perhaps even a divine force that watches over us. The idea that the heavens "smile upon us yet" is comforting. It implies that we are not alone, that there are other opportunities for connection, and that we can still take a part in life.

One of the things that make Dickinson's poetry so powerful is her use of imagery. In "The Face we choose to miss," she uses the imagery of fog to represent the consequences of missing a face. "Abroad, the heavens fog," she writes. Fog is a powerful symbol in literature, often used to represent confusion, uncertainty, and isolation. In this poem, it represents the isolation that comes from missing an opportunity for connection. The use of the word "abroad" suggests that this isolation is not limited to a particular place but is universal. We are all susceptible to missing faces.

Another powerful image in the poem is the idea of the heavens having a heart. This is a beautiful metaphor that suggests that even the heavens are capable of emotion. It gives us hope that there is a force greater than ourselves that cares about our well-being and that there is a purpose to our existence.

In conclusion, "The Face we choose to miss" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of human nature in all its beauty and pain. Through her careful use of language, Dickinson conveys the importance of connection and the consequences of missing opportunities for it. The poem is both melancholic and hopeful, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, there is always a chance for connection and that we are not alone. It is a powerful reminder to cherish the faces in our lives and to never take them for granted.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Face we choose to miss: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, the renowned American poet, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of death, nature, and spirituality. Her poem "The Face we choose to miss" is a perfect example of her poetic genius. In this poem, Dickinson explores the idea of missed opportunities and the consequences of our choices.

The poem begins with the line, "Of all the faces that I miss, the one that haunts me most." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Dickinson reflects on the face that she has chosen to miss. The face that haunts her is not a specific person, but rather a representation of all the missed opportunities in her life.

The second stanza of the poem describes the face that Dickinson has chosen to miss. She describes it as a face that is "fairer than the sun," and one that she "might have loved." This face represents all the opportunities that Dickinson has missed in her life, whether it be a missed chance at love or a missed opportunity to pursue her dreams.

The third stanza of the poem explores the consequences of Dickinson's choice to miss this face. She describes how her life has been "dimmed" and how she has been left with "nothing but regret." This stanza highlights the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise, as the consequences of missing them can be severe.

The fourth stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. Dickinson writes, "And though I search the world around, that face I cannot find." This line represents the finality of Dickinson's choice to miss this face. She cannot go back and change her decision, and she is left to live with the consequences of her choice.

The final stanza of the poem offers a glimmer of hope. Dickinson writes, "But in my dreams that face appears, and I am young again." This line suggests that even though Dickinson cannot change the past, she can still find solace in her dreams. She can still imagine a different life, one where she did not choose to miss that face.

Overall, "The Face we choose to miss" is a powerful poem that explores the consequences of missed opportunities. Dickinson's use of language is both beautiful and haunting, and her message is one that resonates with readers of all ages. The poem serves as a reminder to seize opportunities when they arise, as the consequences of missing them can be severe.

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "The Face we choose to miss" is a masterpiece of poetry. It is a powerful reflection on the consequences of missed opportunities, and it is a reminder to live life to the fullest. Dickinson's unique style of writing and her ability to convey complex emotions through language make this poem a timeless classic. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the beauty and power of poetry.

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