'If recollecting were forgetting' by Emily Dickinson
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If recollecting were forgetting,
Then I remember not.
And if forgetting, recollecting,
How near I had forgot.
And if to miss, were merry,
And to mourn, were gay,
How very blithe the fingers
That gathered this, Today!
Editor 1 Interpretation
If Recollecting Were Forgetting: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Have you ever wondered about the power of memory? How it shapes who we are and how we see the world around us? Emily Dickinson, one of America's greatest poets, explores this theme in her poem "If recollecting were forgetting." In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the meaning, structure, and language of this classic poem.
Interpretation
What does the title of this poem mean? How can recollecting be forgetting? At first, it may seem like a paradox. However, Dickinson is suggesting that the act of remembering can be so painful that it is akin to forgetting. The speaker of the poem is reflecting on a past love, and the memories associated with it are so painful that they wish they could forget them altogether.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic trimeter, which means that each line has three feet, and each foot is made up of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. This creates a musicality to the poem, almost like a song.
The first stanza sets the scene, as the speaker reflects on their past love. They describe the memories as "a pain—resembling mine" (line 2), suggesting that the pain associated with these memories is universal. The use of the word "resembling" indicates that the speaker is not alone in their pain, and that others have experienced similar emotions.
In the second stanza, the speaker suggests that forgetting would be easier than remembering. They say, "If recollecting were forgetting, then I remember not" (lines 5-6). This is a powerful statement, as it suggests that the speaker would rather forget the memories entirely than continue to feel the pain of remembering them.
The third stanza brings the poem to a close, with the speaker acknowledging that the memories will never truly be forgotten. However, they suggest that they can try to minimize the pain associated with them by "recollecting them aright" (line 11). This means that they will try to remember the good parts of the past, rather than focusing on the pain.
Literary Criticism
Dickinson's use of language in this poem is particularly noteworthy. The use of the word "resembling" in the second line of the poem is powerful, as it suggests that the speaker is not alone in their pain. This is a recurring theme throughout the poem, as the speaker continues to refer to their pain as universal. This creates a sense of solidarity among readers, as they too may have experienced similar emotions.
The repetition of the word "recollecting" throughout the poem is also significant. It reinforces the theme of memory, and the idea that remembering can be painful. The use of the word "forgetting" in the title of the poem is a clever play on words, as it suggests that the act of remembering can be so painful that it is akin to forgetting.
The rhyme scheme and meter of the poem create a musicality that draws the reader in. The use of iambic trimeter gives the poem a rhythmic quality, almost like a song. This is particularly effective in the third stanza, as the speaker suggests that they will try to remember the good parts of the past. The use of the word "aright" in the final line of the poem is particularly powerful, as it suggests that there is a right way to remember the past, and that by doing so, the pain associated with the memories can be minimized.
Conclusion
"If recollecting were forgetting" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the theme of memory and its impact on our lives. Dickinson's use of language, rhyme scheme, and meter create a musicality that draws the reader in and reinforces the theme of memory. The poem's message is clear: while remembering can be painful, it is important to try to focus on the good parts of the past, rather than dwelling on the pain. By doing so, we can minimize the impact of our memories on our present lives.
In conclusion, "If recollecting were forgetting" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of memory, pain, and the power of the past are universal, and its message is as relevant today as it was when it was written.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
If recollecting were forgetting, a poem by Emily Dickinson, is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece of literature that explores the complex relationship between memory and forgetting. In this poem, Dickinson challenges the conventional notion that forgetting is a negative thing, and instead suggests that it can be a positive force in our lives.
The poem begins with the line "If recollecting were forgetting, then I remember not," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Dickinson is essentially saying that if remembering is the same as forgetting, then she does not remember anything at all. This line is significant because it highlights the paradoxical nature of memory and forgetting. On the one hand, memory is essential to our identity and sense of self, while on the other hand, forgetting is necessary for us to move on and grow.
The second stanza of the poem further explores this paradoxical relationship between memory and forgetting. Dickinson writes, "And if forgetting, recollecting, how near I had forgot." Here, she is suggesting that forgetting can actually help us to remember things more clearly. By forgetting certain details or memories, we are able to focus on the most important aspects and remember them more vividly. This idea is particularly relevant in today's fast-paced world, where we are constantly bombarded with information and often struggle to remember everything.
The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as it delves into the emotional impact of forgetting. Dickinson writes, "Sweetest the breaking strain, when memory is forgot." This line is significant because it suggests that forgetting can actually be a positive force in our lives, particularly when it comes to painful memories. By forgetting these memories, we are able to move on and heal, rather than being constantly haunted by them.
The final stanza of the poem brings everything together, as Dickinson writes, "Remembering is forgetting, if love be like forget." Here, she is suggesting that love is the ultimate form of forgetting, as it allows us to let go of our own needs and desires in order to focus on the needs of others. This idea is particularly relevant in today's world, where we are often encouraged to focus on ourselves and our own needs, rather than those of others.
Overall, If recollecting were forgetting is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that challenges our conventional notions of memory and forgetting. Through her use of paradoxical language and powerful imagery, Dickinson encourages us to embrace forgetting as a positive force in our lives, rather than something to be feared or avoided. Whether we are struggling to remember important details or trying to move on from painful memories, this poem reminds us that forgetting can be a powerful tool for growth and healing.
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