Poem Analysis - I Want It Pleaded All Its Life

Introduction: A Plea for Recognition

Emily Dickinson's "I Want It Pleaded All Its Life" is a short but potent poem exploring the enduring power of desire, even in the face of death. The tone is yearning and insistent, bordering on demanding, yet tinged with a deep sadness and acceptance. The poem centers on a fundamental "want," presenting it as something vital and deserving of constant acknowledgement. This "want" is presented as a central part of the speaker's identity, something to be recognized always.

The Enduring Power of Desire: "I Want" as a Lifelong Claim

One central theme is the persistence and legitimacy of personal desire. The speaker stresses the importance of acknowledging this desire throughout the entire lifespan, even extending to the moment of death. The phrase "I want" is not just a fleeting impulse but a core aspect of existence. The line "I want was chief it said" highlights how this desire takes precedence, acting as a defining characteristic. Even as "Skill entreated it the last," suggesting perhaps medical intervention or the end of life drawing near, the desire remains present and unyielding, demonstrating its profound importance to the individual.

Mortality and the Echo of Longing: Extending Beyond Death

The poem also grapples with the theme of mortality and what remains after death. The longing expressed isn't extinguished by death, but rather seems to linger. The speaker still desires to hear "That single steadfast sigh," even after the person is "newly dead." This detail suggests a belief that the essence of a person, including their desires and longings, can somehow transcend physical existence. The sigh, a final expression of this "want," becomes a poignant reminder of the person's inner life, a life defined by this very desire.

Symbolism of the Sigh: A Wordless Plea to Eternity

The "sigh" functions as a powerful symbol within the poem. It is a nonverbal expression, imbued with deep meaning. Dickinson describes the lips placing it "as with a Please/Toward Eternity," suggesting the sigh is a final, almost reverent, request directed towards the unknown. This places desire not just as a personal need, but as a fundamental aspect of the soul's journey. The "sigh" can be interpreted as a plea for acceptance, understanding, or perhaps even fulfillment of that enduring "want" in the afterlife.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Desire

"I Want It Pleaded All Its Life" is a testament to the significance of personal desires. Dickinson's poem suggests that these wants are not trivial, but rather define our very being, coloring our lives and even influencing our departure from this world. The poem’s strength lies in its ability to elevate a simple expression of desire, "I want," into a profound exploration of human nature, mortality, and the lasting impact of our innermost needs. It leaves us pondering the nature of our own desires and the legacy they leave behind.