Poem Analysis - Knows How To Forget

Introduction: The Elusive Art of Forgetting

Emily Dickinson's "Knows How To Forget!" is a poignant exploration of the human desire to erase painful memories. The poem possesses a tone of yearning, tinged with frustration and a touch of irony. Dickinson embarks on a quest to uncover the secret of forgetting, moving from a curious inquiry to a desperate plea. This seemingly simple objective evolves into a profound reflection on the limits of knowledge and the enduring power of memory. The poem's beauty lies in its directness, making a complex emotional struggle feel universally relatable.

The Universal Search for Oblivion

The poem's central theme revolves around the elusive nature of forgetting. Dickinson presents forgetting not as a natural process, but as a skill, an "Art," almost a superpower that some possess innately. She yearns to learn this art, highlighting the human tendency to cling to memories, even those that cause pain. The lines "But could It teach it? / Easiest of Arts, they say" reveal her skepticism and frustration. The supposed ease of forgetting, contrasted with her own inability, amplifies the emotional weight of unwanted memories. This pursuit of forgetting reflects a deeper longing for peace and release from the burdens of the past.

Science, Religion, and the Limits of Knowledge

Dickinson uses science and religion as symbols to illustrate the limitations of formal knowledge in addressing the complexities of the human heart. She states, "Globe did not teach it / Nor Logarithm Show." This suggests that traditional education and scientific methods fail to provide the answer she seeks. Similarly, the "Rabbi of the Wise Book" is questioned, implying that religious wisdom might also fall short. The poem critiques the reliance on external sources for internal solutions, suggesting that the ability to forget might be beyond the grasp of conventional learning and belief systems. This lack of a readily available answer contributes to the poem's overall sense of longing and frustration.

The Imagery of Learning and Discovery

The poem utilizes potent imagery related to learning and discovery. Dickinson uses the "School" and "Book" as symbols for formal education and acquired knowledge. The "Globe" and "Logarithm" represent the vastness of scientific understanding. The mention of "Telescopes" evokes images of searching the cosmos for answers, further emphasizing the scope of her quest. The idea of a "Patent" suggests that forgetting could be an invention, a tangible solution that can be acquired. This imagery paints a picture of a relentless search for a concrete answer to a deeply personal and emotional problem. Is Dickinson subtly suggesting that forgetting is not a product to be bought, but a process to be understood from within?

Conclusion: A Quest for Peace

"Knows How To Forget!" ultimately underscores the paradoxical nature of memory and forgetting. The poem explores the human desire to escape painful memories, yet it acknowledges the difficulty, if not impossibility, of achieving complete oblivion. Dickinson suggests that forgetting is not a skill that can be easily taught or learned, but rather a complex process influenced by individual experiences and emotions. The poem's enduring significance lies in its ability to capture the universal longing for peace from the burdens of the past, while simultaneously acknowledging the profound impact of memory on shaping our present selves. It leaves us contemplating the delicate balance between remembering and forgetting, and the ever-present human struggle to find solace in the face of suffering.