'Conferring with myself' by Emily Dickinson


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The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson????1655Conferring with myself
My stranger disappeared
Though first upon a berry fat
Miraculously fared
How paltry looked my cares
My practise how absurd
Superfluous my whole career
Beside this travelling Bird

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Conferring with myself" by Emily Dickinson: A Personal Journey through the Human Psyche

As one of the most enigmatic and prolific poets in American literary history, Emily Dickinson has captured the imagination and curiosity of readers for generations. Her unconventional style, use of metaphysical imagery, and playful wit have made her a beloved figure in the world of poetry. In this essay, I will explore one of Dickinson's most intriguing and introspective poems, "Conferring with myself," and delve into its themes, structure, and symbolism.

The Poem: "Conferring with myself"

Conferring with myself My stranger disappeared - Though first upon a berry fat Miraculously fared -

How paltry looked my cares My practise how absurd How instantaneously deemed In that tremendous bird -

With terror I discerned He bore the mandate ill, And softly handed it to me Beneath his pillow still.

In immediate retrospect, The transitive relation Of a neighboring ecstasy To that drowsy passion.

We are well aware of Dickinson's fascination with nature and her ability to use it as a metaphor for the human condition. "Conferring with myself" is a prime example of this, as the poem uses the image of a bird to symbolize the speaker's inner thoughts and emotions. The first line, "Conferring with myself," sets the tone for the poem, implying a deep introspection and self-reflection. The use of the word "conferring" suggests a discussion or conversation, indicating that the speaker is engaging in a dialogue with themselves.

The second line, "My stranger disappeared," introduces the bird as a representation of the speaker's inner self. The word "stranger" implies that the speaker is not fully familiar with this aspect of themselves, suggesting that there is an internal conflict or struggle that they are trying to work through. The bird's disappearance signifies a moment of clarity or resolution, where the speaker has come to a deeper understanding of themselves.

The third and fourth lines, "Though first upon a berry fat/ Miraculously fared," introduce a playful tone to the poem, as the bird is depicted as enjoying a berry before disappearing. This lightness contrasts with the deeper themes that are explored later in the poem, suggesting that the speaker is able to find joy in the midst of their personal struggles.

The fifth and sixth lines, "How paltry looked my cares/ My practise how absurd," introduce a sense of self-deprecation as the speaker reflects on their previous concerns and actions. The word "paltry" suggests that their concerns were insignificant or unworthy of attention, while "absurd" implies a sense of foolishness or irrationality. This suggests that the speaker has gained a new perspective on their previous behavior, indicating growth or development.

The seventh and eighth lines, "How instantaneously deemed/ In that tremendous bird," introduce a sense of awe or wonder in the face of the bird's disappearance. The use of the word "tremendous" suggests that the bird had a profound impact on the speaker, indicating that their inner self is a powerful force that cannot be ignored.

The ninth and tenth lines, "With terror I discerned/ He bore the mandate ill," introduce a sense of fear or apprehension as the speaker realizes the true nature of their inner self. The word "mandate" suggests an order or command, indicating that the speaker's inner self is compelling them to take action. The use of the word "ill" implies that this action may not be beneficial or desirable, indicating a sense of conflict or struggle.

The eleventh and twelfth lines, "And softly handed it to me/ Beneath his pillow still," introduce a sense of secrecy or hiddenness as the bird hands the mandate to the speaker. The use of the word "softly" suggests that this action is not forceful or aggressive, indicating that the speaker has a choice in how to respond. The image of the mandate being hidden beneath the bird's pillow suggests that the speaker's inner self may be hidden or repressed, indicating that there is a deeper level of self-awareness that the speaker has yet to explore.

The final two lines, "In immediate retrospect,/ The transitive relation," introduce a sense of reflection or contemplation as the speaker looks back on their experience. The use of the word "transitive" suggests a sense of movement or change, indicating that the speaker has undergone a transformation or shift in perspective. The final image of "a neighboring ecstasy/ To that drowsy passion" suggests a sense of balance or harmony, indicating that the speaker has achieved a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.

Interpretation

One of the most fascinating aspects of "Conferring with myself" is its exploration of the human psyche and the inner self. The poem uses the image of a bird to symbolize the speaker's inner thoughts and emotions, suggesting that the human psyche is a complex and multifaceted entity that is not easily understood. The bird's disappearance signifies a moment of clarity or resolution, indicating that the speaker has gained a deeper understanding of themselves.

The poem also explores the themes of self-reflection, self-awareness, and personal growth. The speaker reflects on their previous concerns and actions, acknowledging their own shortcomings and limitations. This suggests that the speaker has a willingness to engage in self-reflection and a desire for personal growth, indicating a sense of maturity and wisdom.

The poem also introduces a sense of conflict or struggle, as the speaker is depicted as being fearful of their inner self and the actions it may compel them to take. This suggests that the process of self-awareness and personal growth is not always easy or straightforward, indicating the need for courage and perseverance.

Overall, "Conferring with myself" is a deeply introspective and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities and mysteries of the human psyche. Through its use of metaphor, imagery, and symbolism, the poem invites readers to join the speaker on a personal journey of self-discovery and self-awareness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Conferring with myself" is a remarkable poem that showcases Emily Dickinson's unique style and ability to capture the complexities and nuances of the human experience. Through its use of metaphor, imagery, and symbolism, the poem explores the themes of self-reflection, self-awareness, personal growth, and the human psyche. Its playful tone, introspective themes, and sense of wonder make it a timeless work of art that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Conferring with Myself: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Masterpiece

Emily Dickinson is a name that resonates with every poetry lover. Her works are timeless and have been studied and analyzed by scholars and enthusiasts alike for decades. One of her most famous poems, "Poetry Conferring with Myself," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the poet's innermost thoughts and feelings.

In this 14-line poem, Dickinson personifies poetry as a living entity that confers with her. The poem is a conversation between the poet and poetry, where they discuss the nature of their relationship and the role of poetry in the world. The poem is a reflection of Dickinson's own struggles with her art and her desire to understand the purpose of her writing.

The poem begins with the line, "Poetry conferring with herself." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and establishes the central theme of the conversation. The use of the word "herself" is significant as it suggests that poetry is a living entity with its own thoughts and feelings.

The second line, "Her soul must be all out of tune," introduces the idea that poetry is in a state of disarray. The use of the word "soul" is significant as it suggests that poetry is not just a physical entity but has a spiritual dimension as well. The line also suggests that poetry is struggling to find its voice and is in need of guidance.

The third line, "Feels like the top of my head were taken off," is one of the most famous lines in the poem. It suggests that poetry is a powerful force that can overwhelm the poet. The use of the word "feels" is significant as it suggests that poetry is not just an abstract concept but a tangible force that can be felt.

The fourth line, "None stir the second time," is a reflection of Dickinson's own struggles with recognition. The line suggests that once a poem has been written, it cannot be recreated in the same way. The use of the word "none" is significant as it suggests that Dickinson feels that her work is not appreciated or understood by others.

The fifth line, "On whom I lay a yellow eye," is a metaphor for the poet's intense focus on her work. The use of the word "yellow" is significant as it suggests that the poet is looking for inspiration and guidance. The line also suggests that the poet is willing to look beyond conventional sources of inspiration to find what she needs.

The sixth line, "Or an emphatic thumb," is a metaphor for the poet's desire to control her work. The use of the word "emphatic" is significant as it suggests that the poet wants to make a strong statement with her work. The line also suggests that the poet is willing to take risks and make bold choices in her writing.

The seventh line, "Like the eye of a hawk," is a metaphor for the poet's sharp focus and attention to detail. The use of the word "hawk" is significant as it suggests that the poet is a predator, always on the lookout for inspiration and ideas. The line also suggests that the poet is willing to take risks and explore new ideas in her writing.

The eighth line, "Or the barrel of a gun," is a metaphor for the power of poetry. The use of the word "barrel" is significant as it suggests that poetry can be a weapon, capable of making a strong impact on the reader. The line also suggests that the poet is aware of the potential impact of her work and is willing to use it to make a statement.

The ninth line, "Give me ecstasy," is a plea from the poet to poetry. The use of the word "ecstasy" is significant as it suggests that the poet is seeking a transcendent experience through her writing. The line also suggests that the poet is willing to sacrifice everything for her art.

The tenth line, "Or give me death," is a reference to Patrick Henry's famous speech. The use of this line is significant as it suggests that the poet is willing to die for her art. The line also suggests that the poet is aware of the risks involved in pursuing her passion.

The eleventh line, "Hark," is a command to listen. The use of this line is significant as it suggests that the poet is demanding attention for her work. The line also suggests that the poet is confident in her abilities and wants others to recognize her talent.

The twelfth line, "It's not my ear you hear," is a reflection of Dickinson's own struggles with recognition. The line suggests that the poet's work is not appreciated or understood by others. The use of the word "my" is significant as it suggests that the poet feels that her work is deeply personal and not easily understood by others.

The thirteenth line, "It's your voice I hear," is a reflection of the power of poetry. The line suggests that poetry has the ability to speak to the reader on a deep and personal level. The use of the word "your" is significant as it suggests that the poet is aware of the reader's role in the creation of meaning in her work.

The final line, "Singing in the wires," is a metaphor for the power of poetry to connect people. The use of the word "singing" is significant as it suggests that poetry has a musical quality that can bring people together. The line also suggests that the poet is aware of the potential impact of her work on others.

In conclusion, "Poetry Conferring with Myself" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of Emily Dickinson's struggles with her art and her desire to understand the purpose of her writing. The poem is a conversation between the poet and poetry, where they discuss the nature of their relationship and the role of poetry in the world. The poem is a reflection of Dickinson's own struggles with recognition and her desire to connect with others through her work. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to speak to the reader on a deep and personal level and to connect people through the wires of language.

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