Poem Analysis - Each Life Converges To Some Centre

A Quiet Yearning for the Ideal

Emily Dickinson's "Each Life Converges To Some Centre" is a poem of quiet aspiration and persistent hope. The tone is introspective and reverent, exploring the universal human desire for a purpose, a goal, or an ideal. There's a subtle shift from acknowledging the difficulty of achieving this goal to a hopeful acceptance of the endless possibilities offered by eternity. The poem contemplates the deeply personal nature of ambition and the courage it takes to pursue a dream, even when that dream seems impossibly distant.

The Unspoken Dream: A Central Theme

One central theme of the poem is the pursuit of an elusive ideal. Dickinson describes this ideal as a "centre" to which each life converges, a goal that is "admitted scarcely to itself," suggesting that we often bury our true desires, perhaps out of fear or self-doubt. The poem explores the tension between acknowledging our dreams and the apprehension we experience when considering how improbable it may be to achieve them. The phrase "Too fair/For credibility’s temerity/To dare" highlights this struggle, emphasizing how daunting it can be to openly chase what we deeply desire.

Faith, Perseverance, and the Infinite Possibility

Another significant theme is the importance of perseverance in the face of perceived impossibility. The poem acknowledges the daunting nature of the goal, comparing it to reaching the "rainbow's raiment," an impossible task. Yet, the poem doesn't dwell on despair. Instead, it emphasizes the value of the striving itself. "Yet persevered toward, surer for the distance," suggesting that the very act of pursuing the goal, despite its apparent unattainability, strengthens our resolve. The line, "Unto the saints’ slow diligence/The sky!" reinforces this idea: perseverance, even at a slow pace, allows one to achieve the unimaginable.

Eternity's Embrace: Second Chances and Endless Pursuit

Finally, the poem explores the theme of eternal hope and opportunity. Dickinson offers a comforting perspective on failure. If a "life's low venture" fails to achieve the desired goal, "Eternity enables the endeavoring/Again." This suggests a cyclical view of existence, where death is not an end but a transition to another opportunity to pursue one's ambitions. It is as if death is not a full-stop to our desires, but rather a comma.

The Rainbow and the Sky: Symbols of the Unattainable

The poem employs potent imagery, particularly the symbols of the "rainbow's raiment" and "the sky." The rainbow represents an unattainable ideal, something beautiful and alluring yet ultimately beyond our grasp in this life. This image emphasizes the often-illusory nature of our dreams. The sky, in contrast, symbolizes the limitless possibilities that open up through persistent effort. The sky is high, but diligence can reach it, which further supports the author's ideas about perseverance and the possibilities open to us when we show slow and steady diligence toward our goals.

A Legacy of Hope and Endless Aspiration

In conclusion, "Each Life Converges To Some Centre" is a powerful meditation on the nature of human ambition and the enduring power of hope. Dickinson acknowledges the difficulty of achieving our deepest desires, even suggesting that we might keep our truest intentions hidden from ourselves. However, she ultimately emphasizes the value of perseverance and the comfort of knowing that eternity offers endless opportunities to strive toward our goals. The poem encourages readers to embrace the pursuit of their ideals, no matter how unattainable they may seem, and to find solace in the belief that the endeavor itself is meaningful and that failure is not final.