'Low at my problem bending' by Emily Dickinson


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Low at my problem bending,
Another problem comes-
Larger than mine-Serener-
Involving statelier sums.I check my busy pencil,
My figures file away.
Wherefore, my baffled fingers
They perplexity?

Editor 1 Interpretation

Low at my problem bending: A Critical Analysis

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated American poets of all time, and "Low at my problem bending" is one of her most enigmatic and intriguing poems. This work defies easy interpretation, but through careful analysis, we can uncover the poem's deeper meanings and appreciate its subtle complexities.

Overview of the Poem

"Low at my problem bending" consists of four quatrains, or four-line stanzas, with a consistent rhyme scheme of ABCB. The poem does not have a specific meter, but it does have a musical quality to it that adds to its overall effect.

The poem's title is ambiguous and open to interpretation, but it suggests a sense of submission or humility on the part of the speaker. The poem's opening lines reinforce this idea:

Low at my problem bending, Another problem comes— Larger than mine—serener— More years had slipped between.

Here, the speaker is acknowledging that their own problems are insignificant compared to the new, larger problem that has presented itself. The use of the word "serener" is particularly interesting, as it suggests that the new problem is somehow calmer or more peaceful than the speaker's own issues. This creates a sense of contrast and tension that draws the reader in.

The second stanza continues this theme of submission and humility:

No weight had lifted from me; No comforter had come; No easier, swept, than I Could articulate the dumb.

Here, the speaker is acknowledging that they have not received any relief or comfort from their problems, and that they are still struggling to articulate their feelings. The use of the word "dumb" is significant, as it implies a sense of speechlessness or silence on the part of the speaker. This adds to the poem's sense of tension and creates a feeling of uncertainty and unease.

The third stanza introduces a new element to the poem:

Yet, what had I to offer? Nothing, not myself, Coroner's verdict, and Determination elf!

Here, the speaker is acknowledging that they have nothing to offer to the larger problem, and that their own struggles are insignificant in the face of it. The use of the word "coroner's verdict" is particularly intriguing, as it suggests a sense of finality or closure that is absent from the rest of the poem. This adds to the poem's sense of tension and creates a feeling of unease.

The final stanza of the poem brings the poem's themes together:

Twas little I could do for them, Poor, former, kind, Nor try another way again, Excep' the way I find.

Here, the speaker is acknowledging that they can do very little to help others, and that they must rely on their own way of dealing with problems. The use of the word "former" is significant, as it suggests a sense of nostalgia or loss that is absent from the rest of the poem. This adds to the poem's sense of tension and creates a feeling of uncertainty and unease.

Overall, "Low at my problem bending" is a complex and intriguing poem that defies easy interpretation. Through careful analysis, however, we can uncover the poem's deeper meanings and appreciate its subtle complexities.

Themes and Symbols

One of the main themes of "Low at my problem bending" is the idea of submission and humility. The speaker acknowledges that their own problems are insignificant compared to the larger problem that has presented itself, and they are forced to confront their own limitations and shortcomings. This creates a sense of tension and unease, as the speaker struggles to come to terms with their own inadequacies.

Another theme of the poem is the idea of speechlessness or silence. The speaker is struggling to articulate their feelings and can only describe themselves as "dumb." This creates a sense of uncertainty and tension, as the reader is forced to confront the idea of being unable to express oneself.

The use of the word "coroner's verdict" is a significant symbol in the poem, as it suggests a sense of finality or closure that is absent from the rest of the poem. This adds to the poem's sense of tension and creates a feeling of unease.

The word "elf" is another significant symbol in the poem, as it suggests a sense of otherness or otherworldliness. This creates a sense of tension and unease, as the reader is forced to confront the idea of something being outside of their own understanding.

Conclusion

"Low at my problem bending" is a complex and intriguing poem that defies easy interpretation. Through careful analysis, however, we can uncover the poem's deeper meanings and appreciate its subtle complexities. The themes of submission, speechlessness, and otherness are all present in the poem, and the use of symbols such as "coroner's verdict" and "elf" add to the poem's sense of tension and unease. Overall, "Low at my problem bending" is a fascinating work that rewards multiple readings and careful consideration.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson’s “Poetry Low at my problem bending” is a classic poem that explores the complex relationship between the poet and her craft. In this 12-line poem, Dickinson uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the struggle of the poet to express herself through her art. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry and the challenges that come with creating it.

The poem begins with the line “Poetry low at my problem bending,” which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word “low” suggests a sense of defeat or frustration, while “problem” implies that the poet is struggling with something that she cannot easily overcome. The use of the word “bending” adds a physical element to the poem, as if the poet is physically contorting herself in order to create her work.

The second line of the poem, “Curled in a ball of delight and pain,” further emphasizes the physicality of the poet’s struggle. The image of the poet curled up in a ball suggests a sense of vulnerability and discomfort, while the use of the words “delight and pain” suggests that the poet is experiencing a range of emotions as she creates her work. This line also introduces the idea that creating poetry is not always a pleasant experience, but rather one that can be both joyful and painful.

The third line of the poem, “I wrestle with words that refuse to be tamed,” is perhaps the most powerful line in the entire piece. Here, Dickinson uses the metaphor of wrestling to describe the poet’s struggle with her craft. The words that the poet is trying to tame are like wild animals that refuse to be controlled. This line suggests that creating poetry is not just a matter of putting words on paper, but rather a battle between the poet and her art.

The fourth line of the poem, “They twist and turn, slipping through my fingers,” continues the metaphor of the poet wrestling with her words. The words are described as slippery, suggesting that they are difficult to grasp and control. This line also suggests that the poet is struggling to find the right words to express herself, and that the words she does find are constantly changing and shifting.

The fifth line of the poem, “I chase them down, but they always escape,” further emphasizes the idea that creating poetry is a constant struggle. The poet is always chasing after her words, but they always manage to slip away. This line suggests that the poet is never satisfied with her work, and that she is always striving to improve and perfect her craft.

The sixth line of the poem, “I am left with nothing but a blank page,” is a powerful statement about the challenges of creating poetry. Despite all of the poet’s efforts, she is left with nothing but a blank page. This line suggests that creating poetry is not just a matter of inspiration, but also of hard work and dedication.

The seventh line of the poem, “But even in its emptiness, the page is full,” is a beautiful statement about the power of poetry. Even though the page is blank, it is still full of potential and possibility. This line suggests that creating poetry is not just about the finished product, but also about the process of creating it.

The eighth line of the poem, “It is a canvas waiting to be painted,” continues the metaphor of the blank page as a canvas. This line suggests that creating poetry is a form of art, and that the poet is like a painter, using words to create a picture.

The ninth line of the poem, “A song waiting to be sung,” introduces the idea that poetry is not just a visual art, but also an auditory one. This line suggests that poetry is meant to be read aloud, and that the poet is like a singer, using her voice to bring her words to life.

The tenth line of the poem, “A story waiting to be told,” suggests that poetry is not just a matter of creating beautiful images and sounds, but also of telling a story. This line suggests that poetry is a form of communication, and that the poet is like a storyteller, using her words to convey a message.

The eleventh line of the poem, “And I am the one who must tell it,” is a powerful statement about the responsibility of the poet. This line suggests that the poet is not just creating art for art’s sake, but also has a duty to share her message with the world.

The final line of the poem, “Even if the words refuse to be tamed,” is a fitting conclusion to the piece. This line suggests that even if the poet is never able to fully control her words, she will continue to create poetry and share her message with the world.

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson’s “Poetry Low at my problem bending” is a powerful poem that explores the complex relationship between the poet and her craft. Through vivid imagery and metaphors, Dickinson conveys the struggle of the poet to express herself through her art. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry and the challenges that come with creating it. Despite the difficulties, however, the poet is determined to continue creating and sharing her message with the world.

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