Poem Analysis - Our Share Of Night To Bear

Introduction: Acceptance and Hope

Emily Dickinson's "Our Share Of Night To Bear" is a short, deceptively simple poem that grapples with the universal experiences of suffering and hope. The poem adopts a tone of quiet acceptance, acknowledging the presence of both hardship ("night" and "scorning") and joy ("morning" and "bliss") in life. However, a subtle shift occurs in the second stanza, moving from a general statement of shared experience to a more optimistic view, hinting at the transient nature of darkness and the eventual arrival of "Day." The poem offers a compact but powerful meditation on resilience and the cyclical nature of existence.

The Burden of Existence and the Promise of Renewal

One of the poem's central themes is the acceptance of suffering as an inherent part of life. The opening lines establish this by stating, "Our share of night to bear / Our share of morning." The use of "share" suggests that both joy and sorrow are equally distributed, a common human experience. The poem doesn't dwell on the causes of "night" or "scorning," but simply acknowledges their presence as inevitable. Simultaneously, the poem anticipates the promise of renewal. The line "Our blank in bliss to fill / Our blank in scorning" implies an opportunity to find meaning and growth even in moments of pain. The poem suggests that the human experience is a continuous cycle of loss and gain, darkness and light.

Stars and Mist: Symbols of Hope and Uncertainty

The second stanza introduces potent symbolism. The "star" likely represents hope, guidance, or a moment of clarity. However, the line "Some lose their way!" acknowledges that even hope can be fleeting or misleading. This uncertainty is reinforced by the image of "mist," which symbolizes confusion, obscurity, and temporary obstacles. The pairing of stars and mist creates a dynamic tension between hope and doubt, reflecting the complexities of navigating life's challenges. The use of "Here a... and there a..." creates a sense of immediacy and ubiquity, suggesting that both hope and uncertainty are always present.

The Triumph of Day: An Allegory of Resilience

The final line, "Afterwards Day!" provides a crucial element of hope and resolution. "Day" acts as a symbol of enlightenment, clarity, and ultimately, overcoming adversity. This single line transforms the poem from a meditation on shared suffering into an affirmation of the cyclical nature of life and the inevitable return of light after darkness. The placement of "Afterwards" emphasizes that the darkness is not permanent; it is a transient phase that precedes a brighter future. One could interpret this as a commentary on the human capacity for resilience. It proposes that despite the hardships encountered ("night," "scorning," "mist"), there is always the potential for renewal and joy ("morning," "bliss," "Day").

Concluding Thoughts: A Quiet Affirmation

"Our Share Of Night To Bear" is a powerful exploration of human experience condensed into a few lines. Through simple language and evocative imagery, Dickinson captures the universality of suffering and the enduring power of hope. The poem acknowledges the inevitability of hardship but ultimately affirms the cyclical nature of life, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, the promise of "Day" remains. The poem is less a lament and more a quiet acceptance coupled with an enduring faith in the rhythm of existence and our ability to navigate its complexities.