Poem Analysis - If Recollecting Were Forgetting

A Paradoxical Memory

Emily Dickinson's "If Recollecting Were Forgetting" is a short, contemplative poem that plays with the relationship between memory, forgetting, joy, and sorrow. The tone is initially paradoxical, exploring inverted meanings. It then shifts towards a more melancholic, yet almost playful, reflection on the present moment and its connection to the past. The poem leaves the reader pondering the nature of experience and how we perceive it.

The Ambiguity of Memory and Loss

One of the central themes is the ambiguity of memory and loss. The opening lines, "If recollecting were forgetting, / Then I remember not. / And if forgetting, recollecting, / How near I had forgot," present a riddle-like construction. Dickinson suggests that the very act of remembering might be a form of forgetting, and vice versa. This creates a sense of uncertainty and questions the reliability of our own memories. It hints at the pain that can be associated with remembering, perhaps suggesting that forgetting can sometimes be a form of self-preservation. The poem suggests the thin line between what we choose to hold on to and what we subconsciously let go of.

The Intertwined Nature of Joy and Sorrow

Another significant theme is the intertwined nature of joy and sorrow. The lines "And if to miss, were merry, / And to mourn, were gay" continue the inverted logic, suggesting that sadness and happiness are not mutually exclusive. This idea is further emphasized by the paradoxical pairing of "miss" and "merry" and "mourn" and "gay." Dickinson appears to be exploring the complexities of human emotion, highlighting the idea that even in moments of joy, there can be an underlying sense of melancholy, and vice versa. It is possible that Dickinson suggests that experiences are a mixture of sadness and joy and that to have one means you must also know the other.

The Harvest of Today

The final stanza introduces the image of "the fingers / That gathered this, Today!" This could be interpreted as a symbol of action and experience in the present moment. "Gathered" suggests a collection of moments, experiences, or even emotions. "Today" grounds the poem in the present, emphasizing the importance of the here and now. The "fingers" could be seen as representing human agency and the ability to shape our own experiences, even within the context of memory and emotion. The "blithe" (happy) nature of these fingers is juxtaposed with the possibility that the actions taken to 'gather' could have been motivated by loss or mourning as well. This creates an ambiguity; are the "fingers" happy in spite of their past and present circumstances, or are they naively happy because they are unaware of the complexity of things? The use of the word “blithe” may suggest superficiality, and the ambiguous meaning of the word could suggest that the happiness is not necessarily deeply felt.

Final Reflection

In conclusion, "If Recollecting Were Forgetting" is a poem about the intricate and often paradoxical relationship between memory, forgetting, joy, and sorrow. Dickinson uses inverted logic and striking imagery to explore the complexities of human experience. The poem ultimately invites us to consider the ambiguous nature of our own memories and emotions, and to appreciate the present moment, even as it is shaped by the echoes of the past. This short poem's strength lies in its ability to pose profound questions without offering easy answers, leaving the reader to ponder the depths of human consciousness.