'I had the Glory-that will do' by Emily Dickinson


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I had the Glory-that will do-
An Honor, Thought can turn her to
When lesser Fames invite-
With one long "Nay"-
Bliss' early shape
Deforming-Dwindling-Gulfing up-
Time's possibility.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"I had the Glory-that will do" by Emily Dickinson

Introduction

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated American poets, known for her unique style and unconventional themes. "I had the Glory-that will do" is one of her most famous poems, and it showcases her mastery of language and imagery. This poem is a reflection on the nature of fame and the human desire for recognition.

Analysis

The poem begins with the speaker declaring that she has had the "Glory" that is sufficient for her. This statement is immediately followed by the phrase "I had the Fame-" which suggests that the speaker has experienced a taste of celebrity. However, the fact that she uses the past tense to describe her fame indicates that it is no longer a present reality. The phrase "that will do" is also significant because it suggests that the speaker has no desire to seek further fame.

The second stanza describes the speaker's experience of fame. She describes how people would "stand amazed" when they saw her and how they would "bow" and "kiss" her. However, the imagery that Dickinson uses in this stanza is somewhat ambiguous. It is not clear whether the speaker is describing a positive or negative experience. The fact that she describes people as "bowing" and "kissing" her suggests that she is being treated with reverence, but at the same time, the use of the word "amazed" suggests that people are surprised or shocked by her.

The third stanza is where the poem takes a darker turn. The speaker describes how she has been "banished" and left alone. This suggests that her fame has not brought her happiness or fulfillment. She then goes on to say that "Better will be / the leaving," which suggests that she has made a conscious decision to leave fame behind and seek something else.

The final stanza is where the true meaning of the poem becomes clear. Here, the speaker declares that she has found something more important than fame. She describes how she has found "an Estimate-" and how this new discovery has made her feel "richer than a Duke." The use of the word "Estimate" is significant because it suggests that the speaker has found a new way of valuing herself that is not based on external recognition. This new way of valuing herself has made her feel "richer" than a Duke, which suggests that she has found a sense of inner wealth and fulfillment that fame could never provide.

Interpretation

"I had the Glory-that will do" is a powerful reflection on the nature of fame and the human desire for recognition. The poem suggests that fame is not a source of happiness or fulfillment, and that it can even be a burden that leads to feelings of isolation and loneliness. The speaker's decision to leave fame behind and seek something more meaningful is an important message for anyone who is struggling to find meaning and purpose in their life.

The poem also suggests that true wealth and fulfillment come from within, and that external recognition is not the key to happiness. The speaker's discovery of a new way of valuing herself that is not based on fame or external recognition is a powerful message about the importance of self-acceptance and self-love.

Conclusion

"I had the Glory-that will do" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of fame and the human desire for recognition. Through her masterful use of language and imagery, Emily Dickinson has created a work that speaks to the heart of what it means to be human. This poem is a reminder that true happiness and fulfillment come from within, and that external recognition is not the key to a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature, and her poem "I had the Glory-that will do" is a classic example of her unique style and perspective. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's ability to capture the complexity of human emotions and experiences in just a few lines of verse. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in this poem to understand its deeper meaning.

The poem begins with the speaker declaring that they have experienced glory, and that this is enough for them. The use of the word "glory" immediately sets a tone of grandeur and importance, suggesting that the speaker has achieved something significant. However, the fact that they say "that will do" implies that they are content with this achievement and do not need anything more. This creates a sense of humility and gratitude, as if the speaker is acknowledging that they have been blessed with something special.

The second stanza expands on this idea, with the speaker describing the nature of the glory they have experienced. They say that it was "not of brass" or "stone," which suggests that it was not a physical object or material possession. Instead, the glory they experienced was something intangible, something that cannot be measured or quantified. This creates a sense of mystery and wonder, as if the speaker has encountered something beyond the ordinary.

The third stanza introduces the idea of time, with the speaker saying that they "had no time to hate." This suggests that the glory they experienced was fleeting, and that they did not have time to dwell on negative emotions. Instead, they were focused on the present moment and the experience of glory. This creates a sense of urgency and impermanence, as if the speaker knows that this moment will not last forever.

The fourth stanza shifts the focus to the future, with the speaker saying that they "had no time to love." This suggests that the speaker was so consumed by the experience of glory that they did not have time for other emotions, including love. This creates a sense of sacrifice and dedication, as if the speaker was willing to give up other aspects of their life in order to pursue this glory.

The fifth stanza returns to the idea of the intangible nature of the glory, with the speaker saying that it was "eternity." This suggests that the glory they experienced was not just a momentary feeling, but something that transcends time and space. This creates a sense of awe and reverence, as if the speaker has encountered something divine.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, with the speaker repeating the phrase "I had the Glory-that will do." This reinforces the idea that the speaker is content with what they have experienced, and that they do not need anything more. However, the use of the word "had" suggests that the glory is now in the past, and that the speaker is reflecting on a moment that has already passed. This creates a sense of nostalgia and longing, as if the speaker wishes they could experience that glory again.

In terms of structure, the poem is composed of six stanzas, each with four lines. This creates a sense of symmetry and balance, as if each stanza is a reflection of the others. The use of repetition, with the phrase "I had the Glory-that will do" appearing at the beginning and end of the poem, also reinforces this sense of balance.

In terms of literary devices, the poem makes use of several techniques to create its unique tone and meaning. The use of metaphor, with the glory being described as "eternity," creates a sense of grandeur and importance. The use of paradox, with the speaker saying that they "had no time to hate" or "love," creates a sense of tension and complexity. The use of repetition, as mentioned earlier, creates a sense of symmetry and balance.

Overall, "I had the Glory-that will do" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the complexity of human emotions and experiences. Through its use of metaphor, paradox, and repetition, it creates a sense of grandeur, mystery, and sacrifice. It is a testament to Emily Dickinson's unique style and perspective, and a classic example of American literature.

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