'Why make it doubt-it hurts it so' by Emily Dickinson
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Why make it doubt-it hurts it so-
So sick-to guess-
So strong-to know-
So brave-upon its little Bed
To tell the very last They said
Unto Itself-and smile-And shake-
For that dear-distant-dangerous-Sake-
But-the Instead-the Pinching fear
That Something-it did do-or dare-
Offend the Vision-and it flee-
And They no more remember me-
Nor ever turn to tell me why-
Oh, Master, This is Misery-
Editor 1 Interpretation
Emily Dickinson's "Why make it doubt-it hurts it so": A Poetic Exploration
Emily Dickinson's poem, "Why make it doubt-it hurts it so," is a fascinating exploration of the human experience of doubt and uncertainty. Through her use of language and imagery, Dickinson conveys the emotional weight of doubt and the pain it can cause. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will dive deep into Dickinson's poem, analyzing its themes, symbols, and poetic techniques to uncover its deeper meanings and implications.
Poem Analysis
The poem begins with the line, "Why make it doubt-it hurts it so," which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "it" is ambiguous, leaving the reader to wonder what exactly is being doubted. However, the word "hurts" signals that this doubt is not a comfortable feeling, but rather something that causes pain or discomfort.
In the second line, Dickinson writes, "It hurts it so-to leave it-then," which suggests that the doubt is related to a decision that needs to be made. The speaker seems to be grappling with the idea of leaving something behind, but is unsure if it's the right choice. This uncertainty is what causes the pain.
The third line, "Is nothing lost by not obtaining," further emphasizes this idea of loss. The speaker is questioning whether it's better to take a risk and potentially lose something, or to stay in a state of uncertainty and not risk losing anything at all. This line also highlights the idea that sometimes not obtaining something is just as painful as losing it.
The fourth line, "The ache of pausing-entirely-there," further emphasizes the emotional weight of doubt. The speaker is describing the feeling of being stuck in a state of indecision, which can be painful and uncomfortable.
In the fifth and sixth lines, Dickinson writes, "Disbelief-has a very small circumference-/It is confined to an instant," which suggests that doubt is a temporary state. The use of the word "circumference" and the idea of confinement reflects the feeling of being trapped in doubt. However, the fact that doubt is confined to an instant suggests that it will eventually pass.
The final two lines of the poem, "But varied by degrees-/Between our feasts and funerals," expand the scope of the poem beyond the immediate moment of doubt. The speaker reminds us that doubt is a part of the human experience and that it will be present throughout our lives, both in times of celebration and in times of sorrow.
Themes
There are several themes present in "Why make it doubt-it hurts it so." One of the most prominent themes is the idea of uncertainty and its accompanying pain. The speaker is grappling with a decision that needs to be made, but is unsure of the right choice. This uncertainty causes the speaker pain, which is conveyed through the use of language and imagery throughout the poem.
Another theme present in the poem is the idea of loss. The speaker is questioning whether it's better to take a risk and potentially lose something or to stay in a state of uncertainty and not risk losing anything at all. The fear of loss is what is causing the doubt and uncertainty.
A third theme present in the poem is the idea of the human experience. The final two lines of the poem remind us that doubt is a part of the human experience and that it will be present throughout our lives, both in times of celebration and in times of sorrow. This theme speaks to the universality of doubt and uncertainty and highlights the idea that we are all connected in our experiences.
Symbolism
There are several symbols present in "Why make it doubt-it hurts it so" that contribute to its overall meaning. One of the most prominent symbols is the use of the word "it." The ambiguity of this word leaves the reader to wonder what exactly is being doubted. This ambiguity reinforces the idea that doubt is a universal experience that can be applied to any situation.
Another symbol present in the poem is the idea of loss. The speaker is grappling with the idea of potentially losing something, which contributes to the overall feeling of doubt and uncertainty. Loss is a universal experience that is relatable to all readers, which reinforces the idea that doubt is a part of the human experience.
A third symbol present in the poem is the use of language and imagery to convey the emotional weight of doubt. The use of words like "hurts," "ache," and "confined" all contribute to the overall idea that doubt is a painful and uncomfortable experience. The use of language and imagery in this way helps to make the poem relatable to readers who have experienced doubt or uncertainty in their own lives.
Poetic Techniques
Dickinson employs several poetic techniques in "Why make it doubt-it hurts it so" that contribute to its overall meaning and impact. One of the most prominent techniques is the use of repetition. The use of the phrase "it hurts it so" several times throughout the poem emphasizes the emotional weight of doubt and reinforces the idea that doubt is a painful experience.
Another poetic technique employed by Dickinson is the use of enjambment. The lines in the poem flow into each other, which contributes to the overall feeling of uncertainty and indecision. The lack of punctuation also contributes to this feeling, as it makes the poem feel more fluid and less structured.
A third poetic technique present in the poem is the use of imagery. Dickinson uses words like "confined" and "circumference" to emphasize the feeling of being trapped in doubt. This use of imagery helps to make the poem relatable to readers who have experienced doubt or uncertainty in their own lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem, "Why make it doubt-it hurts it so," is a powerful exploration of the human experience of doubt and uncertainty. Through her use of language, imagery, symbolism, and poetic techniques, Dickinson conveys the emotional weight of doubt and highlights the pain it can cause. The themes of uncertainty, loss, and the human experience make the poem relatable to readers of all ages and backgrounds. Overall, "Why make it doubt-it hurts it so" is a timeless exploration of a universal human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Why Make It Doubt-It Hurts It So: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poetry
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, known for her unique style and thought-provoking themes. Her poem "Why make it doubt-it hurts it so" is a classic example of her work, exploring the pain of uncertainty and the power of faith. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this poem, examining its structure, language, and symbolism.
The poem begins with a simple statement: "Why make it doubt-it hurts it so." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, conveying a sense of frustration and sadness. The speaker is questioning why anyone would choose to doubt something when it causes so much pain. This could be interpreted in a number of ways, but one possible reading is that the speaker is referring to faith or belief in something greater than oneself. Doubt can be a powerful force, causing us to question our beliefs and values, but it can also be a source of great discomfort and anxiety.
The second line of the poem, "Some thing secure to be," reinforces this idea of faith or belief. The speaker is suggesting that there is something out there that is secure and reliable, something that can be trusted. This could be interpreted as a reference to God or a higher power, but it could also be more broadly applied to any belief or value system that provides a sense of security and stability.
The third line of the poem, "If I but knew what time," introduces the theme of uncertainty. The speaker is acknowledging that there is a lack of knowledge or understanding, and that this is causing doubt and pain. The phrase "what time" could be interpreted in a number of ways, but one possible reading is that the speaker is referring to the future. The unknown can be a source of great anxiety, and the speaker is expressing a desire for clarity and certainty.
The fourth line of the poem, "The remedy were strong," suggests that there is a solution to this problem of doubt and uncertainty. The word "remedy" implies that there is something that can be done to alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by doubt. The word "strong" suggests that this solution is powerful and effective.
The fifth and sixth lines of the poem, "We should not question if we knew," reinforce the idea that knowledge is the key to overcoming doubt. The speaker is suggesting that if we had all the answers, we would not need to question or doubt. This could be interpreted as a call to seek knowledge and understanding, or as a reminder that there are limits to what we can know and understand.
The final line of the poem, "Or, questioning, had not the skill," is perhaps the most enigmatic. The word "skill" suggests that there is a certain level of expertise or ability required to question effectively. This could be interpreted as a call to develop critical thinking skills, or as a reminder that questioning can be a difficult and complex process.
Overall, "Why make it doubt-it hurts it so" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the pain of uncertainty and the power of faith. The poem is structured in a simple and straightforward manner, with each line building on the previous one to create a powerful and cohesive message. The language is simple and direct, but also rich in symbolism and meaning. The poem is a testament to Emily Dickinson's skill as a poet, and to her ability to capture complex emotions and ideas in a few simple words.
In conclusion, "Why make it doubt-it hurts it so" is a classic example of Emily Dickinson's work, exploring the themes of doubt, faith, and uncertainty in a powerful and thought-provoking way. The poem is a reminder that doubt can be a powerful force, causing us to question our beliefs and values, but that it can also be a source of great discomfort and anxiety. The poem is a call to seek knowledge and understanding, and a reminder that there are limits to what we can know and understand. Ultimately, the poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture complex emotions and ideas in a few simple words, and to the enduring legacy of Emily Dickinson as one of the greatest poets of all time.
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