'A Deed knocks first at Thought' by Emily Dickinson
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A Deed knocks first at Thought
And then-it knocks at Will-
That is the manufacturing spot
And Will at Home and wellIt then goes out an Act
Or is entombed so still
That only to the ear of God
Its Doom is audible-
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, A Deed Knocks First at Thought: A Critical Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Masterpiece
Emily Dickinson is one of the greatest poets in the history of American literature. Her works are characterized by a unique style that combines intricate rhyme scheme, unconventional punctuation, and a deep exploration of the human psyche. Among her many poems, "A Deed Knocks First at Thought" stands out as a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry as an act of thought.
In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices in "A Deed Knocks First at Thought" and their significance in understanding Emily Dickinson's poetic vision. We will also examine the historical and cultural context in which the poem was written and its relevance to contemporary readers.
Historical and Cultural Context
Before we delve into the poem itself, it is important to understand the historical and cultural context in which Emily Dickinson lived and wrote. Born in 1830 in Amherst, Massachusetts, Dickinson grew up in a conservative and religious family. She was educated at Mount Holyoke Female Seminary, a prestigious institution for women, and was known for her intelligence and wit.
However, Dickinson's life was marked by personal tragedy and isolation. She suffered from poor health, and many of her close friends and family members passed away during her lifetime. As a result, she became increasingly reclusive and spent most of her adult life in her family's home in Amherst.
Despite her secluded life, Dickinson was a prolific writer who produced over 1,800 poems during her lifetime. However, only a handful of her works were published during her lifetime, and it was not until after her death in 1886 that her poetry gained widespread recognition.
The cultural context in which Dickinson wrote was marked by significant social and political changes. The mid-19th century was a time of great upheaval in American society, with the Civil War and the abolition of slavery dominating the national conversation. Dickinson's poetry reflects this context, with themes of death, loss, and isolation pervading her works.
Poem Summary
"A Deed Knocks First at Thought" is a short poem consisting of two stanzas, each with four lines. The poem begins with the titular line, "A deed knocks first at thought," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The second line, "And then it knocks at will," suggests that once an idea has been formed, it takes on a life of its own and cannot be controlled.
The third line, "That perilous door which is no more," introduces the concept of a door that has been closed and cannot be opened again. This line can be interpreted in a number of ways, but it likely refers to the idea that once a decision has been made, it cannot be undone. The final line of the first stanza, "Behold the apparition before," suggests that the consequences of a decision are always visible in some way.
The second stanza of the poem continues the theme of the first, with the line "The petals of the tulip at noon," which describes the beauty of a flower at its peak. The next line, "And wind may slam the door," suggests that external factors can impact the course of a decision or action. The third line, "But many a time too sweet for grief," suggests that the joy of an experience can outweigh its potential negative consequences. The final line, "Remembrance is to die," suggests that even the happiest memories can be tinged with sadness and loss.
Literary Devices
One of the most striking features of "A Deed Knocks First at Thought" is its use of literary devices. Dickinson employs a number of techniques to create a unique and memorable poem.
Perhaps the most notable device used in the poem is the repetition of certain phrases and ideas. The use of the phrase "knocks first at thought" in the first line and the repetition of the word "door" throughout the poem create a sense of rhythm and structure that ties the poem together.
Another important literary device used in the poem is symbolism. The tulip, which is mentioned in the second stanza, can be interpreted as a symbol of beauty and transience. The fact that the petals of the tulip are described as being "too sweet for grief" suggests that even the most beautiful things in life are fleeting and cannot be held onto forever.
The final line of the poem, "Remembrance is to die," is also highly symbolic. This line suggests that memories are both a source of comfort and a reminder of loss. The word "die" is particularly significant here, as it suggests that memories are a way of keeping the past alive even as it slips away.
Themes
"A Deed Knocks First at Thought" touches on a number of important themes that are central to Emily Dickinson's poetry. Perhaps the most significant of these themes is the idea that decisions and actions have consequences that cannot be undone.
This theme is explored throughout the poem, with the idea of the closed door symbolizing the finality of a decision. The fact that the consequences of a decision are always visible in some way suggests that Dickinson believes that we must be mindful of our actions and decisions at all times.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea that beauty and joy are fleeting. The tulip, which is described as being at its most beautiful at noon, is a symbol of the transience of beauty. The fact that even joyous experiences can be tinged with sadness and loss suggests that Dickinson believes that we must appreciate the beauty in life while we can.
Finally, the theme of memory and its relationship to loss is also significant in the poem. The fact that memories can be both comforting and painful suggests that Dickinson believes that we must confront the reality of death and loss in order to truly appreciate life.
Interpretation
Interpreting "A Deed Knocks First at Thought" requires a careful consideration of its literary devices and themes. At its core, the poem is an exploration of the human experience and the idea that our actions and decisions shape the course of our lives.
The repetition of the phrase "knocks first at thought" suggests that Dickinson believes that we must be mindful of our thoughts and decisions at all times. The closed door that is mentioned throughout the poem represents the finality of our decisions and actions, and the fact that their consequences are always visible suggests that we must take responsibility for them.
The use of symbolism in the poem also adds depth and meaning. The tulip, for example, represents the fleeting nature of beauty and joy. This suggests that Dickinson believes that we must appreciate the beauty in life while we can, knowing that it will not last forever.
Finally, the theme of memory and its relationship to loss is also significant. Dickinson suggests that memories are a way of keeping the past alive even as it slips away, and the fact that memories can be both comforting and painful suggests that we must confront the reality of death and loss in order to truly appreciate life.
Conclusion
"A Deed Knocks First at Thought" is a masterpiece of American poetry that captures the essence of Emily Dickinson's poetic vision. Through its use of literary devices such as repetition and symbolism, the poem explores important themes such as the consequences of our actions, the transience of beauty and joy, and the relationship between memory and loss.
As a work of literature, the poem is both beautiful and thought-provoking, and its relevance to contemporary readers cannot be overstated. Whether read as a meditation on the human experience or as a warning about the dangers of thoughtless actions, "A Deed Knocks First at Thought" is a poem that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry A Deed knocks first at Thought: An Analysis
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, wrote a poem titled "Poetry A Deed knocks first at Thought." This poem is a masterpiece that has been studied and analyzed by scholars and poetry enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this poem and explore the various literary devices used by Dickinson to convey her message.
The poem begins with the line "Poetry A Deed knocks first at Thought." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and establishes the central theme - the power of poetry. Dickinson suggests that poetry is not just a form of artistic expression but also a force that can inspire action. The use of the word "knocks" in this line is significant as it implies that poetry is not passive but rather an active force that can initiate change.
The second line of the poem reads, "and then it knocks at Will." Here, Dickinson suggests that poetry first inspires thought and then motivates action. The use of the word "Will" in this line is significant as it implies that poetry has the power to influence our decisions and actions. Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is not just a form of entertainment but also a tool for social change.
The third line of the poem reads, "that urges to prevail." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that poetry has the power to inspire us to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals. The use of the word "prevail" in this line is significant as it implies that poetry can help us overcome adversity and emerge victorious.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "and then it closes the valves of her attention like stone." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that poetry has the power to captivate us and hold our attention. The use of the word "valves" in this line is significant as it implies that poetry can control our emotions and thoughts. Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is not just a form of entertainment but also a tool for self-reflection and introspection.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "What whispers of the night converse with dawn." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that poetry has the power to bridge the gap between darkness and light. The use of the words "whispers" and "converse" in this line are significant as they imply that poetry can help us understand the mysteries of life and death. Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is not just a form of entertainment but also a tool for spiritual enlightenment.
The sixth line of the poem reads, "So, poet, thou the nightingale of fields." Here, Dickinson is addressing the poet directly and suggesting that the poet has the power to inspire change. The use of the word "nightingale" in this line is significant as it implies that the poet has the power to sing a song of hope and inspiration.
The seventh line of the poem reads, "Over the fields forever wilt thou roam?" Here, Dickinson is suggesting that the poet has a responsibility to use their gift to inspire change. The use of the word "forever" in this line is significant as it implies that the poet's work is never done. Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is not just a form of entertainment but also a tool for social change.
The eighth line of the poem reads, "Thy nest, where harvests were, is destroyed." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that the poet's work is not always appreciated or valued. The use of the word "harvests" in this line is significant as it implies that the poet's work is valuable and important. Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is not just a form of entertainment but also a tool for social change.
The ninth line of the poem reads, "And where now hides thy sweetly singing voice?" Here, Dickinson is suggesting that the poet's work is often overlooked or ignored. The use of the word "hides" in this line is significant as it implies that the poet's work is not always visible or recognized. Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is not just a form of entertainment but also a tool for social change.
The tenth line of the poem reads, "Alas! Alas! Thou art a wandering bird." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that the poet's work is often undervalued and unappreciated. The use of the word "wandering" in this line is significant as it implies that the poet's work is not always recognized or appreciated. Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is not just a form of entertainment but also a tool for social change.
In conclusion, "Poetry A Deed knocks first at Thought" is a masterpiece that explores the power of poetry. Dickinson suggests that poetry is not just a form of artistic expression but also a force that can inspire action. The use of literary devices such as metaphor, personification, and imagery help to convey her message. Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is not just a form of entertainment but also a tool for social change. The poem is a testament to the power of words and their ability to inspire change.
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