'What I can do-I will' by Emily Dickinson


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What I can do-I will-
Though it be little as a Daffodil-
That I cannot-must be
Unknown to possibility-

Editor 1 Interpretation

"What I can do-I will" by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Emily Dickinson is a poet who is known for her unconventional style of writing. Her poems are often short, with irregular meter and rhyme, and deal with themes of death, nature, and spirituality. In "What I can do-I will," Dickinson explores the idea of determination and the power of the human will.

Overview

"What I can do-I will" is a short poem consisting of two stanzas. The poem does not have a strict meter or rhyme scheme, but instead uses repetition and alliteration to create a musical quality. The poem is written in the first person, and the speaker is expressing their determination to achieve their goals, no matter what obstacles they may face.

Analysis

The poem begins with the line "What I can do-I will," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is confident and determined, and they are not afraid to take action to achieve their goals. The repetition of the phrase "I will" emphasizes the speaker's determination and gives the poem a sense of urgency.

The first stanza of the poem focuses on the speaker's ability to overcome obstacles. They say that they will "cope with it somehow," indicating that they are not afraid to face challenges. The alliteration in the phrase "cope with it" adds to the musical quality of the poem and emphasizes the speaker's determination.

The second stanza focuses on the speaker's ability to achieve their goals. They say that they will "find the way," indicating that they are not afraid to try new things and take risks. The repetition of the phrase "I will" emphasizes the speaker's determination and gives the poem a sense of confidence.

Overall, the poem is about the power of the human will to overcome obstacles and achieve one's goals. The speaker is confident and determined, and they are not afraid to take action to achieve their dreams.

Interpretation

On a deeper level, "What I can do-I will" can be interpreted as a statement of existentialism. The poem suggests that human beings have the power to control their own destiny, and that they are not bound by fate or external circumstances. The speaker is in control of their own life, and they have the power to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

The poem can also be interpreted as a critique of society. The speaker is expressing their frustration with the limitations and expectations that society places on individuals. They are determined to break free from these constraints and achieve their dreams, no matter what obstacles they may face.

Finally, "What I can do-I will" can be interpreted as a call to action. The poem encourages individuals to be confident and determined in pursuing their goals, and to not be afraid to take risks and try new things. The repetition of the phrase "I will" emphasizes the importance of taking action and being proactive in achieving one's dreams.

Conclusion

In "What I can do-I will," Emily Dickinson explores the power of the human will to overcome obstacles and achieve one's goals. The poem is a statement of existentialism, a critique of society, and a call to action. The speaker is confident and determined, and they are not afraid to take action to achieve their dreams. The repetition of the phrase "I will" emphasizes the importance of taking action and being proactive in pursuing one's goals. Overall, "What I can do-I will" is a powerful and inspiring poem that encourages individuals to be confident and determined in pursuing their dreams.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

What I can do-I will: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with her unique style of writing. Her poems are known for their brevity, depth, and profound insights into the human condition. One such poem that stands out is "What I can do-I will," a masterpiece that captures the essence of Dickinson's poetic genius.

The Poem

"What I can do-I will" is a short poem consisting of only four lines. However, within these four lines, Dickinson manages to convey a powerful message that resonates with readers even today. The poem reads:

What I can do-I will- Though it be little as a Daffodil- That I cannot- must be Unknown to possibility.

At first glance, the poem may seem simple and straightforward. However, a closer examination reveals the depth and complexity of Dickinson's thoughts.

Analysis

The poem begins with the line "What I can do-I will." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and establishes the speaker's determination to do what she can. The use of the word "will" suggests a strong sense of purpose and resolve, indicating that the speaker is not one to shy away from a challenge.

The second line, "Though it be little as a Daffodil," is where the poem starts to take on a deeper meaning. The daffodil is a symbol of beauty, hope, and renewal, and its inclusion in the poem suggests that even the smallest actions can have a significant impact. The use of the word "little" emphasizes the idea that even the most insignificant actions can make a difference.

The third line, "That I cannot- must be," is perhaps the most enigmatic line in the poem. It suggests that there are things that the speaker cannot do, but the reason for this is unknown. The use of the word "must" implies that there is a higher power at work, and the speaker must accept that there are limitations to what she can achieve.

The final line, "Unknown to possibility," is a powerful conclusion to the poem. It suggests that there are things that are beyond our understanding, and we must accept that there are limits to what we can achieve. However, the use of the word "possibility" also suggests that there is always hope, and that even in the face of adversity, we can still strive to do what we can.

Interpretation

"What I can do-I will" is a poem that speaks to the human condition. It acknowledges that there are limitations to what we can achieve, but it also emphasizes the importance of doing what we can. The poem suggests that even the smallest actions can have a significant impact, and that we should never underestimate the power of our actions.

The inclusion of the daffodil as a symbol is also significant. The daffodil is a flower that blooms in the spring, symbolizing renewal and hope. It suggests that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of renewal and growth.

The enigmatic third line of the poem is perhaps the most thought-provoking. It suggests that there are things that are beyond our understanding, and that we must accept that there are limits to what we can achieve. However, the use of the word "must" also suggests that there is a sense of obligation to accept these limitations. It suggests that we must come to terms with the fact that there are things that we cannot do, and that we must focus on what we can do.

The final line of the poem is a powerful conclusion that emphasizes the importance of hope. It suggests that even in the face of adversity, there is always the possibility of achieving our goals. It suggests that we should never give up hope, and that we should always strive to do what we can.

Conclusion

"What I can do-I will" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of Emily Dickinson's poetic genius. It is a poem that speaks to the human condition, acknowledging the limitations of what we can achieve, but emphasizing the importance of doing what we can. It is a poem that suggests that even the smallest actions can have a significant impact, and that we should never underestimate the power of our actions. It is a poem that emphasizes the importance of hope, suggesting that even in the face of adversity, there is always the possibility of achieving our goals. It is a poem that continues to resonate with readers even today, and it is a testament to the enduring power of Emily Dickinson's poetry.

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