Poem Analysis - If What We Could Were What We Would

Introduction: The Gap Between Potential and Action

Emily Dickinson's "If What We Could Were What We Would" is a concise exploration of the frustrating disparity between our potential and our actual deeds. The poem adopts a reflective and somewhat melancholic tone, acknowledging the limitations that prevent us from fully realizing our desires. It grapples with the difficulty of expressing these limitations, suggesting that the inability to bridge the gap between aspiration and action is a fundamental aspect of the human condition. The poem's brevity belies its depth, packing a profound observation into just a few lines.

The Unreachable Ideal: A Theme of Unfulfilled Potential

One of the primary themes is the inherent unfulfillment that arises from the gap between what we are capable of doing and what we actually accomplish. The poem begins with a conditional statement: "If What we could were what we would." This "if" immediately sets up a world of hypothetical perfection, a world where action flawlessly aligns with intention. The second line, "Criterion be small," suggests that if this alignment were possible, our standards and expectations would be drastically lowered. This implies that our current standards are high precisely because we are aware of our potential, and constantly fall short of achieving it. The poem highlights the struggle of reconciling our ambitious visions with the realities of our limitations.

Communication Breakdown: The Impotence to Tell

Another significant theme is the difficulty of expressing this sense of unfulfilled potential. Dickinson writes, "It is the Ultimate of Talk/The Impotence to Tell." This suggests that language itself is inadequate to capture the complex feelings associated with the gap between "could" and "would." "The Ultimate of Talk" could be interpreted as the point at which language reaches its limit, where words become insufficient to convey the full weight of the human experience. The phrase "Impotence to Tell" underscores this feeling of inadequacy, highlighting the frustration of being unable to articulate the source of our dissatisfaction. Language, typically a tool for connection and understanding, becomes a barrier instead, amplifying our sense of isolation.

Symbolism of "What We Could" and "What We Would"

The phrases "What we could" and "What we would" function as central symbols within the poem. "What we could" represents our potential, our capabilities, and the vast range of possibilities that lie within us. It is the realm of untapped talent, unfulfilled dreams, and unrealized ambitions. On the other hand, "What we would" signifies our desires, intentions, and the actions we consciously choose to take. The tension between these two phrases embodies the human struggle to reconcile our aspirations with our limitations. It prompts us to consider why we often fail to translate our potential into tangible action.

Conclusion: A Reflection on Human Limitation

In conclusion, "If What We Could Were What We Would" is a poignant reflection on the inherent limitations of the human experience. Dickinson's poem explores the frustrating gap between our potential and our actual achievements, highlighting the difficulties we face in expressing this sense of unfulfillment. The poem's significance lies in its ability to capture a universal human struggle, reminding us that the pursuit of our potential is often a journey marked by both aspiration and limitation. It leaves the reader contemplating the nature of human ambition and the reasons behind our consistent failure to fully realize our capabilities, suggesting that perhaps the very act of striving is what defines us.