Poem Analysis - I Should Have Been Too Glad I See

An Overview of Yearning and Restraint

Emily Dickinson's "I Should Have Been Too Glad, I See" is a profound exploration of the human condition, specifically the paradoxical relationship between joy and suffering. The poem presents a speaker who recognizes the potential danger of unbridled happiness, suggesting it could lead to a disconnect from the realities of life, faith, and mortality. The tone is initially regretful, shifting to a more reflective and understanding acceptance as the poem progresses. The speaker grapples with the idea that true fulfillment requires an understanding of both joy and sorrow, a delicate balance she fears she could not have maintained.

The Perilous Ascent of Unchecked Joy

One of the central themes is the corrupting potential of pure, unadulterated joy. The speaker fears that excessive happiness would have distanced her from the "penurious Round" of everyday life. This is depicted through the imagery of being "too lifted," suggesting a detachment from earthly concerns. The "little Circuit" of her normal life would be "shamed" by the overwhelming experience of joy, implying that she would become disconnected from her past and perhaps lose sight of her humble beginnings. This fear of being "too glad" implies a belief that hardship and limitation are necessary components of a meaningful existence. The poem suggests that unearned or unrestrained joy can lead to a distorted perspective and a lack of appreciation for the simpler aspects of life.

Faith Forged in the Crucible of Suffering

The theme of faith's dependence on suffering is another key element in the poem. The speaker states, "I should have been too saved I see / Too rescued Fear too dim to me / That I could spell the Prayer." This suggests that without the experience of fear and doubt, her faith would be shallow and unearned. The reference to "Scalding One Sabachthani," Christ's cry of abandonment on the cross, emphasizes the importance of suffering in understanding the depth of religious experience. The speaker recognizes that suffering ("Defeat whets Victory") sharpens one's understanding and appreciation of faith and salvation. The imagery of Gethsemane, a place of profound suffering, "endear[ing] the Coast beyond" reinforces the idea that hardship makes the rewards of faith all the more precious. It is the suffering, not the destination, that makes the destination worthwhile.

The Dichotomy of Earth and Heaven

The poem further delves into the theme of the necessary balance between earthly existence and spiritual aspiration. The speaker declares that "Earth would have been too much I see / And Heaven not enough for me," highlighting the delicate equilibrium required for a fulfilling life. She acknowledges the risk of becoming either overly attached to the earthly or too focused on the heavenly, suggesting that true fulfillment lies in navigating the complexities of both realms. The image of "The Palm without the Calvary" symbolizes victory without sacrifice, implying that such a victory would be hollow and meaningless. The need for both "Joy" and "Fear" reveals a need for contrast and a full range of human experience. The vivid image of the speaker being "crucified" as a savior is also an indication of the role suffering plays in accessing greater understanding.

The Banquet of Experience

Dickinson’s poem ultimately suggests that a complete understanding of life requires embracing both joy and suffering. The final stanza uses the metaphor of beggars defining banquets, implying that only those who have experienced deprivation can truly appreciate abundance. Similarly, "Parching vitalizes Wine," suggesting that thirst enhances the enjoyment of drink. These images illustrate the poem's central paradox: that joy is best understood and appreciated through the lens of suffering. The final line, "Faith bleats to understand!" could imply that faith itself is in a state of seeking understanding, dependent on both positive and negative experiences to gain greater depth. The poem's significance lies in its exploration of the complex and often contradictory nature of human experience, emphasizing the need for balance and the importance of embracing both the light and the darkness.