I took my Power in my Hand -- - A poem by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson - I took my Power in my Hand --

I took my Power in my Hand --
And went against the World --
'Twas not so much as David -- had --
But I -- was twice as bold --

I aimed by Pebble -- but Myself
Was all the one that fell --
Was it Goliath -- was too large --
Or was myself -- too small?

Added: on May 10th, 2005 at 8:52 AM | Viewed: 4086 times | Comments and analysis of I took my Power in my Hand -- by Emily Dickinson Comments (4)

I took my Power in my Hand -- - Comments and Information
Poet: Emily Dickinson Poem: 540. I took my Power in my Hand -- Volume: Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson Year: Published/Written in 1955 Comment 4 of 4, added on January 24th, 2008 at 9:34 PM. In school, we had analyzed this poem. My friend and I had came up with pretty much the same idea as you, Jenni. Åsa from Sweden Comment 3 of 4, added on January 18th, 2006 at 7:21 PM. That was well interpreted, however I believe that this poem is about Emily's life and outlook on the world. Emily was highly nonconformist and believed in whatever she perceived for herself (this is evident in Some Keep the Sabbath). In this poem it seems like Emily is unsure of why she failed to be accepted. Goliath symbolizes the world and common beliefs of society (since Goliath is a well-known religious charater) and sees it as a challenge. As Emily talks about the idealistic story she inserts herself as the unlikely challenger and a different outcome. Defeat. Emily dispays the realistic version of a modern (in her day and age) David and Goliath. Jenni from United States Comment 2 of 4, added on May 10th, 2005 at 8:52 AM. Alyssa, I think you did a great job interpreting the poem. Don't let anyone intimidate you because of your youth. I love this poem also because to me it speaks of what the Bible says, "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." The principle "If you think you can, you can; if you think you can't, you're right" comes through in this poem. Believe in the gifts you've been given...take your Power in your hand...if you believe you can, you will be successful! Liz from United States More Comments >> Are you looking for more information on this poem? Perhaps you are trying to analyze it? The poem, I took my Power in my Hand --, has received 4 comments. Click here to read them, and perhaps post a comment of your own. Of course you can also always discuss poems by Emily Dickinson with others on the American Poems poetry forum!

Poem Info
Poet: Emily Dickinson Poem: 540. I took my Power in my Hand -- Volume: Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson Year: Published/Written in 1955 Last read: Jul 2 2008, 12:49PM Viewed 4086 times. Added on May 10th, 2005 at 8:52 AM.

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