'Each that we lose takes part of us;' by Emily Dickinson


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Each that we lose takes part of us;
A crescent still abides,
Which like the moon, some turbid night,
Is summoned by the tides.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Each that we lose takes part of us" - A Literary Criticism and Interpretation of Emily Dickinson's Poem

Emily Dickinson's poem "Each that we lose takes part of us" is a powerful and poignant exploration of loss, grief, and the way it affects us. In only eight lines, Dickinson is able to capture the depth and complexity of emotions that come with losing someone or something that we hold dear.

Poem Analysis

The poem begins with the simple and straightforward statement "Each that we lose takes part of us." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, establishing the idea that loss is not just a physical separation but a fundamental change in who we are as people.

The second line, "A crescent still abides," is a reference to the moon, which goes through phases and appears to be "lost" during the new moon phase but always returns. This metaphor represents the hope that even though we may feel lost or empty after a loss, there is still something that remains and will eventually return.

The third line, "Which like the moon, some turbid night," continues the metaphor of the moon and implies that the experience of loss is like a dark and stormy night. The word "turbid" suggests that this is not just any ordinary night but one that is filled with chaos and confusion.

The fourth line, "Is summoned by the sun," is a reminder that even in the darkest of nights, the sun will eventually rise and bring light to the world. This line offers a glimmer of hope and suggests that eventually, we will be able to find our way out of the darkness of grief.

The fifth line, "And further set of day than that," continues the metaphor of the sun and suggests that the experience of loss is not just a temporary phase but something that will continue to affect us for a long time to come.

The sixth line, "Restores us to the dawn," offers another glimmer of hope, suggesting that even though we may never fully recover from our loss, we will eventually be able to find a new beginning and move forward.

The seventh line, "Each life but a day," is a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the fact that we all must eventually face loss and grief. This line captures the sense of inevitability that comes with loss and reminds us that we are all vulnerable to it.

The final line, "Though sometimes long at night," brings the poem full circle, returning to the metaphor of the moon and the idea that even though we may feel lost and alone in the darkness of grief, there is always the promise of a new day and a new beginning.

Interpretation

At its core, "Each that we lose takes part of us" is a meditation on the experience of loss and grief and the way it affects us. The poem suggests that even though loss is painful and difficult to bear, it is also an essential part of the human experience and something that we must all face at some point in our lives.

The use of the moon and sun as metaphors for loss and hope, respectively, is particularly effective. The moon represents the darkness and confusion of grief, while the sun represents the promise of a new beginning and a fresh start. Together, these two images capture the full range of emotions that come with loss, from despair to hope to acceptance.

The poem also suggests that the experience of loss is not just a temporary phase but something that will continue to affect us for a long time to come. This idea is captured in the line "And further set of day than that," which implies that even though the sun will eventually rise, the effects of loss will continue to linger on.

Ultimately, "Each that we lose takes part of us" is a deeply moving and insightful exploration of the human experience of loss and grief. It acknowledges the pain and difficulty of these emotions while also offering a glimmer of hope and the promise of a new beginning. In just eight lines, Emily Dickinson has captured something essential about what it means to be human and the way we deal with the inevitable challenges that life throws our way.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem "Each that we lose takes part of us" is a powerful and poignant meditation on loss and grief. Through her use of metaphor and poetic language, Dickinson is able to capture the full range of emotions that come with losing someone or something that we hold dear. The poem offers a glimmer of hope and the promise of a new beginning while also acknowledging the pain and difficulty of these emotions. Overall, this is a beautiful and insightful poem that speaks to the human experience in a profound and meaningful way.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, stir the soul, and leave a lasting impression on the reader. Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned poets of all time, captures the essence of poetry in her poem "Each that we lose takes part of us." This poem is a beautiful reflection on the power of poetry and how it can shape our lives.

The poem begins with the line "Each that we lose takes part of us," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Dickinson is suggesting that every time we lose something or someone, a part of us goes with them. This is a powerful statement that speaks to the human experience of loss and how it affects us.

The second line of the poem reads, "A crescent still abides, which like the moon, some turbid night, is summoned by the sun." Here, Dickinson is using the metaphor of the moon to represent the part of us that remains after we lose something or someone. The moon is always present, even when it is not visible, just as a part of us remains even after we experience loss.

The third line of the poem reads, "Lost as much daylight, when it fled, as if it were a star." This line is a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and how quickly things can be lost. Dickinson is suggesting that when we lose something, it is as if we have lost a part of ourselves, just as we lose daylight when the sun sets.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "It sinks from sight, yet has not set; it rises, we know not where." This line is a reflection on the mystery of life and how we never truly know what lies ahead. Dickinson is suggesting that even though we may lose something, it is not truly gone, but rather it has moved on to a new place or state.

The fifth line of the poem reads, "And still, within my hand, the gold chain that binds us, twinkles in the dark." Here, Dickinson is using the metaphor of a gold chain to represent the connection we have with the things we lose. Even though they may be gone, we still hold onto the memories and the impact they had on our lives.

The final line of the poem reads, "Each that we lose takes part of us; a crescent still abides, which like the moon, some turbid night, is summoned by the sun." This line is a reflection on the power of poetry and how it can help us cope with loss. Dickinson is suggesting that even though we may lose something, a part of us remains, and poetry can help us connect with that part of ourselves.

In conclusion, "Each that we lose takes part of us" is a beautiful reflection on the power of poetry and how it can shape our lives. Dickinson's use of metaphors and imagery creates a powerful and emotional experience for the reader. The poem speaks to the human experience of loss and how it affects us, but also offers a sense of hope and connection through the power of poetry. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to touch our lives in profound ways.

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