Poem Analysis - We Talked As Girls Do

A Moment of Girlish Confidence and Crushing Reality

Emily Dickinson's "We Talked As Girls Do" is a poignant exploration of youthful dreams and the sudden intrusion of mortality. The poem initially exudes an air of playful confidence and boundless optimism, typical of adolescent friendships. This carefree tone, however, dramatically shifts in the final stanza, revealing the fragility of life and the abrupt shattering of these shared aspirations. The poem's brevity underscores the fleeting nature of both youth and the promises made within it. It leaves the reader with a sense of loss and the stark realization of life's unpredictability.

The Weight of Lost Potential

One dominant theme in the poem is the loss of potential. The first three stanzas focus on the girls' ambitious visions for the future. They "speculated fair" on everything, felt capable of handling "Destinies," and even imagined themselves as "Disposers," suggesting a youthful belief in their power to shape their lives. This potent theme of dreaming big in adolescence is sharply contrasted with the poem's ending, where "Heaven made both, impossible" to cherish and write, hinting that one, or both, of the girls has passed away. The unfulfilled promise serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and how quickly dreams can be extinguished.

Girlhood's Confidence: A Fleeting Illusion

The poem vividly portrays the illusion of control that often accompanies youth. Dickinson presents the girls as not only confident but almost audacious in their aspirations. They calmly "handled Destinies," suggesting an ease and familiarity with power that seems beyond their years. Even God is depicted as a "Quiet Party" to their authority, implying they felt secure in their place in the world. This sense of dominion, however, is ultimately revealed as a naive fantasy, emphasizing the gap between youthful perception and the harsh realities of life. This brief moment of confidence is the setup for the crushing end.

The Grave Intrudes: A Dark Symbol of Mortality

The poem contains powerful, though subtle, symbols. The most significant of these is "the Grave." Though initially excluded from their conversation ("every subject, but the Grave / Of ours, none affair"), it ultimately becomes the defining element of the poem. The "Grave" represents the unavoidable reality of death, which abruptly ends their youthful dreams and breaks their "contract." The fact that they deliberately avoided discussing it ironically highlights its pervasive presence in their lives. This avoidance underscores the girls' naivete, but it also makes the final blow of reality that much more devastating. Could it be that the reason this poem is being told at all is because the narrator is dealing with grief, finally having to face the grave?

A Crushing Conclusion: The Fickleness of Fate

In conclusion, "We Talked As Girls Do" is a powerful meditation on the fleeting nature of youth, the audacity of hope, and the crushing intrusion of mortality. Dickinson masterfully contrasts the girls' initial confidence and boundless optimism with the sudden and tragic loss of their shared future. The poem's significance lies in its ability to capture the poignant vulnerability of youth and the stark reality that even the most cherished dreams can be abruptly shattered by fate. The final lines leave the reader contemplating the precariousness of life and the enduring power of lost potential.