Ourselves we do inter with sweet derision.
The channel of the dust who once achieves
Invalidates the balm of that religion
That doubts as fervently as it believes.
Ourselves we do inter with sweet derision.
The channel of the dust who once achieves
Invalidates the balm of that religion
That doubts as fervently as it believes.
Do you have any comments, criticism, paraphrasis or analysis of this poem that you feel would assist other visitors in understanding the meaning or the theme of this poem by Emily Dickinson better? If accepted, your analysis will be added to this page of American Poems. Together we can build a wealth of information, but it will take some discipline and determination.
I would suggest the Dickinson here is arguing that the ruin of an individual comes when he are too hard on themselves, dwelling on their failures, shortcomings, and sins. Optimism and and faith rather than doubt is what ought to establish and secure an individual.
On the second point, I would disagree with ED. Yes belief is fundamentally important but in developing our beliefs we must consider why what is right is true but also why what is wrong is false — Reason both supports and opposes. Just some thoughts.