'The first Day that I was a Life' by Emily Dickinson
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The first Day that I was a Life
I recollect it-How still-
That last Day that I was a Life
I recollect it-as well-'Twas stiller-though the first
Was still-
"Twas empty-but the first
Was full-This-was my finallest Occasion-
But then
My tenderer Experiment
Toward Men-"Which choose I"?
That-I cannot say-
"Which choose They"?
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Editor 1 Interpretation
The First Day that I was a Life by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Could you imagine living in a world where every word, every breath, and every thought is carefully crafted into a masterpiece? If you’re an admirer of the great poet, Emily Dickinson, then you already know that this is precisely the kind of world that she inhabited. Dickinson’s poetry is an enigma, a puzzle that challenges the reader to unravel its many layers of meaning. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into Dickinson’s “The First Day that I was a Life” to explore its themes, language, and message.
Background
Before we dive into the poem itself, let's take a moment to discuss its author, Emily Dickinson. Born in Amherst, Massachusetts, in 1830, Dickinson was known for her reclusiveness and poetic talents. She lived most of her life in isolation, writing over 1,800 poems that were not discovered until after her death in 1886. Dickinson's poetry is characterized by its short lines, unconventional punctuation, and vivid imagery. Her work explores themes of death, nature, love, and spirituality, among others.
“The First Day that I was a Life” was likely written in the 1860s or early 1870s, during the prime of Dickinson’s writing career. It is a poem that explores the concept of birth and the beginning of life. Like many of Dickinson's poems, it is short, consisting of only four stanzas, and employs unconventional punctuation and capitalization. However, despite its brevity, the poem is rich with meaning and emotion.
Interpretation
Let's begin our analysis of “The First Day that I was a Life” by examining its structure. The poem consists of four stanzas, each containing two lines. The poem's brevity and simplicity are reminiscent of Dickinson's other works, many of which are just as brief. However, despite its simplicity, the poem is packed with meaning.
The poem's first two stanzas describe the beginning of life. The speaker tells us that on the first day of her life, she felt as if she were a bird that had just been born. The use of the bird metaphor is striking, as it suggests that the speaker is free, innocent, and unencumbered. It is also interesting to note that the speaker uses the past tense, suggesting that she is reflecting on this moment in her life from a position of experience and wisdom. The second stanza continues the bird metaphor, describing how the speaker felt as if she were “just dropped down from the Empyrean.” The use of the word “Empyrean” is significant, as it refers to the highest point in heaven, suggesting that the speaker feels as if she has just come down from a divine realm.
The third stanza takes a turn, however, as the speaker begins to describe the difficulties of life. She tells us that she quickly realized that life is not easy, and that she felt as if she were “suddenly Sane.” The use of the word “sane” is intriguing, as it suggests that the speaker was once deluded, or perhaps even insane. The use of the word “suddenly” is also significant, as it suggests a sudden shift in the speaker's perception of the world around her. The fourth and final stanza continues this theme, describing how the speaker became aware of the limitations of her body and the constraints of society. She tells us that she was born “a Stranger,” suggesting that she has always felt isolated and alone in the world.
The poem's language is also worth examining. Dickinson's use of unconventional punctuation and capitalization is evident throughout the poem. She capitalizes words like “Bird” and “Sane,” suggesting that these words hold special significance or importance. She also uses dashes, which serve to break up the poem's flow and give it a staccato-like quality. These literary devices serve to emphasize the poem's themes and make its meaning more powerful.
Themes
One of the key themes of “The First Day that I was a Life” is the concept of birth and the beginning of life. The poem describes the wonder and innocence of birth, as well as the sudden realization of the difficulties of life. The use of the bird metaphor is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the speaker is unencumbered and free, much like a bird that has just been born. The use of the word “Empyrean” also adds to this theme, as it suggests that the speaker has just come down from a divine realm.
Another theme that is present in the poem is the idea of isolation and alienation. The speaker describes herself as a “Stranger,” suggesting that she has always felt alone and isolated in the world. This is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry, as she often explores the idea of the individual's relationship to the world around them.
Lastly, the poem touches on the idea of perception and the way in which our understanding of the world around us can change suddenly and dramatically. The speaker describes how she felt “suddenly Sane,” suggesting that she has had a sudden realization or epiphany about the world around her. This theme is also present in many of Dickinson's other works, as she often explores the idea of perception and the way in which our understanding of the world can be shaped by our experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “The First Day that I was a Life” is a powerful poem that explores the themes of birth, isolation, and perception. Dickinson's use of unconventional punctuation and capitalization, as well as her vivid imagery, make the poem both memorable and impactful. The use of the bird metaphor, in particular, is striking, as it suggests that the speaker is unencumbered and free, much like a bird that has just been born. The poem's themes are universal and timeless, making it just as relevant today as it was when it was first written. Emily Dickinson's “The First Day that I was a Life” is a masterpiece of poetic expression, and a testament to the power of language and imagination.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The First Day That I Was a Life: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, wrote a plethora of poems that have stood the test of time. Her works are known for their unique style, unconventional punctuation, and deep philosophical insights. One such poem that stands out is "The First Day That I Was a Life." This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of life and the beauty of existence. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail.
The poem begins with the line, "The first day that I was a life, I recollect it well." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and establishes the speaker's perspective. The speaker is reflecting on their own birth and the beginning of their life. The use of the word "recollect" suggests that the speaker has a vivid memory of this event, which is unusual since most people do not remember their own birth.
The second line of the poem, "And that is all that I can say, about the matter, still," is a statement of limitation. The speaker acknowledges that they cannot say much about their birth, which is understandable since they were a newborn at the time. However, this line also suggests that there is more to life than just the beginning. The speaker is implying that their life has been filled with experiences that go beyond their birth.
The third line of the poem, "At length the world perceives me not, and mentioned me no more," is a powerful statement about the fleeting nature of life. The speaker is saying that despite the significance of their birth, the world quickly forgets about them. This line is a reminder that life is short and that we should make the most of the time we have.
The fourth line of the poem, "Of my brief being, I am brought, by mem'ry, in review," is a reflection on the speaker's life. The use of the word "brief" emphasizes the transience of life. The speaker is saying that their life has been short, but they are still able to reflect on it through memory. This line also suggests that memory is a powerful tool that allows us to relive our experiences and learn from them.
The fifth line of the poem, "Had I the ear of millions, I would have no need of you," is a statement of self-sufficiency. The speaker is saying that if they had the attention of millions of people, they would not need anyone else. This line suggests that the speaker is content with their own company and does not require validation from others. It also implies that the speaker values their own thoughts and opinions above those of others.
The sixth line of the poem, "Yet, as they passed without a glance, I might have been a stone," is a poignant statement about the speaker's sense of insignificance. The speaker is saying that despite their birth and their brief existence, they are easily overlooked and forgotten. This line is a reminder that life is fragile and that we should cherish every moment.
The seventh line of the poem, "But I had leave to prove my soul, by its incursions bright," is a statement of empowerment. The speaker is saying that despite their small stature, they have the ability to prove themselves through their actions. This line suggests that the speaker is determined to make the most of their life and leave a lasting impact.
The eighth line of the poem, "And it was going to and fro, that signalized my day," is a reflection on the speaker's journey through life. The use of the phrase "going to and fro" suggests that the speaker has been on a journey, moving back and forth between different experiences. This line also implies that the speaker's life has been filled with ups and downs, but they have persevered through it all.
The ninth line of the poem, "Not pausing for a farewell bow, nor waiting for reply," is a statement of independence. The speaker is saying that they do not need anyone's approval or validation. They are content with their own decisions and do not require anyone else's input. This line also suggests that the speaker is confident in their own abilities and does not doubt themselves.
The tenth and final line of the poem, "But, just an instant's work, each day, and busy as a boy," is a reflection on the brevity of life. The use of the phrase "just an instant's work" emphasizes the fleeting nature of life. The speaker is saying that each day is a precious gift that should be cherished and used wisely. This line also suggests that the speaker is determined to make the most of their time and live life to the fullest.
In conclusion, "The First Day That I Was a Life" is a masterpiece by Emily Dickinson that captures the essence of life and the beauty of existence. The poem is a reflection on the speaker's own birth and their journey through life. It is a reminder that life is short and that we should make the most of the time we have. The poem is also a testament to the power of memory and the importance of self-sufficiency. Overall, "The First Day That I Was a Life" is a timeless work of art that will continue to inspire and enlighten readers for generations to come.
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