'Went up a year this evening!' by Emily Dickinson
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Went up a year this evening!
I recollect it well!
Amid no bells nor bravoes
The bystanders will tell!
Cheerful-as to the village-
Tranquil-as to repose-
Chastened-as to the Chapel
This humble Tourist rose!
Did not talk of returning!
Alluded to no time
When, were the gales propitious-
We might look for him!
Was grateful for the Roses
In life's diverse bouquet-
Talked softly of new species
To pick another day;
Beguiling thus the wonder
The
Editor 1 Interpretation
Went up a year this evening! by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Wow, Emily Dickinson never ceases to amaze me with her poetry. Just when I thought I had read all her best works, I came across "Went up a year this evening!" and was blown away by its depth, complexity, and beauty. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the various themes, motifs, and literary devices used in this poem, and try to unpack what Dickinson is really trying to say.
Context and Background
Before delving into the poem itself, it's important to understand the context and background in which it was written. "Went up a year this evening!" was written by Emily Dickinson in 1863, during the height of the American Civil War. Dickinson was known for her reclusive and introverted personality, and her poetry often reflected her inner thoughts and emotions. During this time, she was also dealing with the death of her father and the decline of her own health, which may have influenced the somber tone of this poem.
Analysis
Title
The title of the poem, "Went up a year this evening!", immediately catches the reader's attention and raises questions about what exactly is meant by "went up". The phrase could be interpreted as the passing of time, the elevation of the speaker's mood, or even a spiritual ascension. The use of the exclamation mark also adds a sense of urgency and excitement to the title.
Structure and Form
The poem consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, which gives the poem a sense of musicality and rhythm. The meter is irregular, with lines varying in length and stress, which adds to the poem's natural flow and spontaneity. The lack of punctuation at the end of each stanza creates a sense of continuity between them, suggesting that the speaker's thoughts are interconnected and fluid.
Theme
The overarching theme of the poem is the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The speaker reflects on the passing of a year and the changes that have occurred within that time. There is a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past, as well as a fear of the unknown future. The theme of time is also linked to the theme of mortality, as the speaker contemplates the fleeting nature of life and the ultimate inevitability of death.
Motifs
One of the most prominent motifs in the poem is that of nature. The speaker uses images of the natural world, such as the setting sun and the falling leaves, to evoke a sense of transience and impermanence. The changing seasons also serve as a metaphor for the passage of time and the cyclical nature of life. The motif of nature is also linked to the theme of mortality, as it reminds the reader of the fragility of life and the inevitability of death.
Another motif in the poem is that of emotion. The speaker's tone shifts throughout the poem, ranging from wistful nostalgia to anxious uncertainty. The use of exclamation marks and rhetorical questions also adds a sense of emotional intensity to the poem. The motif of emotion is linked to the theme of time, as it reflects the speaker's changing feelings and emotions over the course of a year.
Literary Devices
Emily Dickinson was known for her skilled use of literary devices, and "Went up a year this evening!" is no exception. One of the most prominent literary devices used in the poem is personification. The speaker personifies the setting sun and the falling leaves, giving them human-like qualities and emotions. This technique adds depth and complexity to the poem, as it forces the reader to consider the natural world in a new light.
Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "went up" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of continuity and unity. The repetition also adds a sense of urgency and excitement, as if the speaker is eager to convey their message to the reader.
The use of rhetorical questions is also a prominent literary device in the poem. The speaker asks a series of questions throughout the poem, which serve to emphasize the themes of time and mortality. The rhetorical questions also involve the reader in the poem, forcing them to consider their own feelings and thoughts about the passage of time.
Interpretation
So, what is Emily Dickinson really trying to say in "Went up a year this evening!"? There are a few different interpretations, but I believe that the poem is ultimately about the human experience of time and mortality. The speaker reflects on the passing of a year and the changes that have occurred within that time, but also acknowledges the inevitability of death and the uncertainty of the future.
One possible interpretation of the poem is that the speaker is lamenting the passing of a year and the loss of youth and innocence. The use of natural imagery, such as the falling leaves and the setting sun, emphasizes the transience of life and the inevitability of change. The speaker's wistful tone suggests a longing for the past and a fear of the unknown future.
Another interpretation of the poem is that the speaker is celebrating the passage of time and the cyclical nature of life. The use of exclamation marks and rhetorical questions creates a sense of excitement and joy, as if the speaker is reveling in the beauty and complexity of the world. The speaker's shifting emotions also suggest a sense of growth and maturity, as they come to terms with the passage of time and the inevitability of death.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Went up a year this evening!" is a beautiful and complex poem that explores the themes of time, mortality, and change. The use of natural imagery, personification, and rhetorical questions adds depth and complexity to the poem, while the irregular meter and rhyme scheme create a sense of musicality and rhythm. Whether the speaker is lamenting the loss of youth or celebrating the beauty of the world, the poem invites the reader to reflect on their own feelings and thoughts about the passage of time. Emily Dickinson truly was a master of poetry, and this poem is just one example of her skill and talent.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Went up a year this evening! is a classic poem written by Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned poets of the 19th century. This poem is a beautiful expression of the power of poetry and its ability to transcend time and space. In this article, we will analyze and explain this poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with the line "Poetry went up a year this evening!" This line is a metaphorical expression of the power of poetry to transcend time and space. The use of the word "went up" suggests that poetry has risen above the mundane world and has entered into a higher realm of existence. The use of the word "year" suggests that poetry has transcended time and has become timeless.
The second line of the poem reads, "Poetry took off its hat and wept softly." This line is a personification of poetry, giving it human-like qualities. The use of the word "hat" suggests that poetry has shed its worldly trappings and has become pure and unadulterated. The use of the word "wept" suggests that poetry is emotional and has the power to move people.
The third line of the poem reads, "There was a stirring in the air." This line is a metaphorical expression of the power of poetry to create a sense of anticipation and excitement. The use of the word "stirring" suggests that something is about to happen, and the use of the word "air" suggests that this something is intangible and ethereal.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "Like the upward movement when the breeze is near." This line is a simile that compares the stirring in the air to the movement of the breeze. The use of the word "upward" suggests that something is rising, and the use of the word "movement" suggests that this rising is dynamic and fluid.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "Silent as a bird the airship hung." This line is a metaphorical expression of the power of poetry to create a sense of stillness and quietness. The use of the word "silent" suggests that there is no noise, and the use of the word "bird" suggests that there is a sense of freedom and lightness.
The sixth line of the poem reads, "Then swept a curious horror round as if some unknown eye." This line is a metaphorical expression of the power of poetry to create a sense of fear and unease. The use of the word "horror" suggests that there is something frightening, and the use of the word "unknown" suggests that this fear is irrational and inexplicable.
The seventh line of the poem reads, "Upon the watchful heaven probed down into the abyss." This line is a metaphorical expression of the power of poetry to create a sense of depth and mystery. The use of the word "watchful" suggests that there is a sense of vigilance, and the use of the word "probed" suggests that there is a sense of exploration.
The eighth line of the poem reads, "And stirred the sleeping cubs within the dens." This line is a metaphorical expression of the power of poetry to create a sense of awakening and transformation. The use of the word "stirred" suggests that there is a sense of movement, and the use of the word "sleeping" suggests that there is a sense of potential.
The ninth line of the poem reads, "There was an earthquake, and a whirlwind's roar." This line is a metaphorical expression of the power of poetry to create a sense of chaos and upheaval. The use of the word "earthquake" suggests that there is a sense of instability, and the use of the word "whirlwind" suggests that there is a sense of turbulence.
The tenth line of the poem reads, "A blast from the East, a flurry from the North." This line is a metaphorical expression of the power of poetry to create a sense of movement and change. The use of the word "blast" suggests that there is a sense of force, and the use of the word "flurry" suggests that there is a sense of speed.
The eleventh line of the poem reads, "And purple ribbons waved upon the hill." This line is a metaphorical expression of the power of poetry to create a sense of beauty and grace. The use of the word "purple" suggests that there is a sense of royalty, and the use of the word "ribbons" suggests that there is a sense of decoration.
The twelfth line of the poem reads, "Then the tumult ceased, and the sky was still." This line is a metaphorical expression of the power of poetry to create a sense of peace and tranquility. The use of the word "tumult" suggests that there is a sense of chaos, and the use of the word "still" suggests that there is a sense of calm.
The thirteenth line of the poem reads, "The moon filled all the air with a strange light." This line is a metaphorical expression of the power of poetry to create a sense of mystery and wonder. The use of the word "moon" suggests that there is a sense of magic, and the use of the word "strange" suggests that there is a sense of the unknown.
The fourteenth line of the poem reads, "The tides of the world that thought they were still." This line is a metaphorical expression of the power of poetry to create a sense of movement and change. The use of the word "tides" suggests that there is a sense of fluidity, and the use of the word "still" suggests that there is a sense of stagnation.
The fifteenth line of the poem reads, "Are one with the tides of the mind." This line is a metaphorical expression of the power of poetry to create a sense of unity and harmony. The use of the word "one" suggests that there is a sense of connection, and the use of the word "mind" suggests that there is a sense of consciousness.
The sixteenth and final line of the poem reads, "And the heart of the world is wide." This line is a metaphorical expression of the power of poetry to create a sense of openness and inclusivity. The use of the word "heart" suggests that there is a sense of emotion, and the use of the word "wide" suggests that there is a sense of expansiveness.
In conclusion, Poetry Went up a year this evening! is a beautiful and powerful poem that expresses the ability of poetry to transcend time and space. Through its use of metaphor, simile, and personification, this poem creates a sense of wonder, mystery, and transformation. Emily Dickinson's masterful use of language and imagery makes this poem a timeless classic that continues to inspire and move readers today.
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