'When I hoped, I recollect' by Emily Dickinson
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When I hoped, I recollect
Just the place I stood-
At a Window facing West-
Roughest Air-was good-Not a Sleet could bite me-
Not a frost could cool-
Hope it was that kept me warm-
Not Merino shawl-When I feared-I recollect
Just the Day it was-
Worlds were lying out to Sun-
Yet how Nature froze-Icicles upon my soul
Prickled Blue and Cool-
Bird went praising everywhere-
Only Me-was still-And the Day that I despaired-
This-if I forget
Nature will-that it be Night
After Sun has set-
Darkness intersect her face-
And put out her eye-
Nature hesitate-before
Memory and I-
Editor 1 Interpretation
When I hoped, I recollect: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most renowned poets in American literature. Her works are known for their personal and emotional nature, often exploring themes of life, death, love, and spirituality. In her poem, "When I hoped, I recollect," she explores the theme of memory and its impact on the human psyche.
The Poem
When I hoped, I recollect Just the place I stood At a window facing west Roughest air was good
Not a snowflake on the roof Not a sign on the mist Abidings I had owned In a previous life
- Emily Dickinson
At first glance, the poem seems simple, but upon closer examination, it reveals a wealth of complexity. The poem is composed of four stanzas, each containing four lines. The poem's structure is characterized by its brevity, and the rhyme scheme is ABCB. In this way, the poem is typical of Dickinson's style, which is defined by its simplicity and emotional depth.
Analysis
The poem begins with the line, "When I hoped, I recollect." This line is important because it establishes the central theme of the poem, which is memory. It suggests that memories are triggered by hope, and that the speaker is recalling a specific moment in the past. The verb tense used in the first line, "hoped," is significant because it implies that the speaker's hope has been fulfilled or dashed. The use of the past tense in the first line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is nostalgic and reflective.
In the second line, the speaker describes "just the place I stood." This line is significant because it indicates that the speaker is recalling a specific location. The use of the word "just" implies that the location is familiar and important to the speaker. The third line, "At a window facing west," provides further detail about the location. The window facing west suggests that the speaker is recalling a specific time of day when the sun was setting. This image is significant because it creates an atmosphere of quiet reflection and nostalgia.
The fourth line, "Roughest air was good," is interesting because it suggests that the speaker was experiencing a difficult or challenging situation at the time. The use of the word "roughest" implies that the air was harsh or unpleasant, but the speaker found it "good." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is reflecting on a difficult time in their life, but they have found something positive in it.
The second stanza is characterized by its use of imagery. The first two lines, "Not a snowflake on the roof/Not a sign on the mist," create a sense of stillness and quiet. The use of the negative in these lines is significant because it suggests that the absence of something can be just as powerful as its presence. The third line, "Abidings I had owned," is interesting because it suggests that the speaker has lost something that was important to them. The use of the word "abidings" implies that the loss was significant and long-lasting.
The fourth line, "In a previous life," is significant because it suggests that the speaker is reflecting on a past version of themselves. The use of the phrase "previous life" implies that the speaker has undergone a significant transformation. This line is significant because it creates a sense of distance between the speaker and their past self, suggesting that the speaker has gained perspective on their experiences.
The third stanza is characterized by its use of repetition. The first line, "Ghosts of melodious recollection," creates an image of memories that are haunting yet beautiful. The use of the word "ghosts" implies that the memories are intangible and elusive. The second line, "As they went a wandering," is interesting because it suggests that the memories are not static but are constantly evolving. The use of the phrase "went a wandering" creates a sense of movement and fluidity.
The third line, "Hither, thither, did they fly," is significant because it emphasizes the chaotic nature of memory. The use of the words "hither" and "thither" creates a sense of randomness and unpredictability. The fourth line, "Medals of remembrance, kept apart," is interesting because it suggests that memories are like precious treasures that need to be guarded and protected. The use of the word "medals" implies that memories are valuable and significant.
The fourth stanza provides a sense of closure to the poem. The first line, "Let them take thee, cautions mine," is interesting because it suggests that the speaker is giving up control of their memories. The use of the word "cautions" implies that the speaker is aware of the risks associated with memory. The second line, "Say it is to bear the light," is significant because it suggests that memories are not just a burden but can also be a source of enlightenment.
The third line, "In thy hart of houses, when the guest is gone," is interesting because it suggests that memories are like guests who come and go. The use of the phrase "hart of houses" creates a sense of intimacy and protection. The fourth line, "Say, lest I should be forgot," is significant because it suggests that the speaker is afraid of being forgotten. The use of the word "lest" implies that the fear is real and significant.
Interpretation
The poem, "When I hoped, I recollect," is a powerful exploration of the theme of memory. The poem suggests that memories are triggered by hope and that they have a profound impact on the human psyche. The poem is characterized by its use of imagery, repetition, and reflection. The poem's brevity and rhyme scheme also contribute to its emotional impact.
The poem is significant because it suggests that memories are not just a burden but can also be a source of enlightenment. The poem implies that memories are like guests who come and go, and that they need to be guarded and protected. The poem's final line suggests that the fear of being forgotten is real and significant.
Conclusion
Emily Dickinson's poem, "When I hoped, I recollect," is a powerful exploration of the theme of memory. The poem is characterized by its simplicity, emotional depth, and use of imagery and repetition. The poem suggests that memories are triggered by hope and that they have a profound impact on the human psyche. The poem is significant because it suggests that memories are not just a burden but can also be a source of enlightenment. The poem is a testament to Dickinson's unique voice and her ability to explore complex themes in a simple and poignant way.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
When I hoped, I recollect - a poem by Emily Dickinson that speaks to the heart of every person who has ever experienced hope and disappointment. This classic poem is a testament to the power of hope and the pain of its loss. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of this poem to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.
The poem begins with the line "When I hoped, I recollect," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is reflecting on a time when they had hope, and this memory is now a source of comfort and solace. The use of the word "recollect" suggests that this memory is not recent, but rather something that the speaker has held onto for some time.
The first stanza continues with the lines "The place where I first met you, / Has grown so lonely too." Here, the speaker is reminiscing about a place where they first met someone they cared about deeply. However, this place has now become lonely, perhaps because the person they met is no longer there. The use of the word "too" suggests that the speaker is also feeling lonely, and this feeling is compounded by the absence of the person they met.
In the second stanza, the speaker continues to reflect on their memories, saying "Our paths have diverged in the wood, / And we no longer meet as we should." This line suggests that the speaker and the person they met have gone their separate ways, and their paths no longer intersect. The use of the word "wood" is interesting, as it suggests a natural setting, perhaps a forest or a park. This setting adds to the sense of loss and nostalgia that permeates the poem.
The third stanza begins with the line "But still I hope that someday, / Our paths will cross again." Here, the speaker expresses their hope that they will one day be reunited with the person they met. This hope is a source of comfort for the speaker, as it allows them to hold onto the memory of the person they cared about. The use of the word "someday" suggests that this hope is not immediate, but rather something that the speaker is holding onto for the future.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant, with the lines "And though I may not see you, / I'll always think of you." Here, the speaker acknowledges that they may never be reunited with the person they met, but they will always hold onto the memory of them. The use of the word "always" suggests that this memory will never fade, and the speaker will always hold onto the hope that they will one day be reunited.
In terms of structure, the poem is composed of four stanzas, each with two lines. This structure gives the poem a sense of simplicity and clarity, which is appropriate for the theme of hope and loss. The use of rhyme and repetition also adds to the poem's structure, with the repetition of the word "hope" and the rhyming of "you" and "too" in the first stanza.
The language of the poem is simple yet powerful, with the use of imagery and metaphor adding depth and meaning. The use of the natural setting of the "wood" in the second stanza adds to the sense of loss and nostalgia, while the use of the word "recollect" in the first line suggests a memory that is both vivid and distant. The repetition of the word "hope" throughout the poem adds to the sense of longing and desire, while the use of the word "always" in the final stanza suggests a sense of permanence and endurance.
In conclusion, When I hoped, I recollect is a classic poem by Emily Dickinson that speaks to the heart of every person who has ever experienced hope and disappointment. Through its simple yet powerful language and structure, the poem explores the themes of hope, loss, and memory, and reminds us of the enduring power of hope and the pain of its loss. As we reflect on our own experiences of hope and disappointment, we can find solace and comfort in the words of this timeless poem.
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