Emily Dickinson

What I See Not, I Better See

poem 939

What I See Not, I Better See - meaning Summary

Vision Shaped by Faith

The poem contrasts physical sight with inner vision. Dickinson argues that when her literal sight fails, faith and memory provide a clearer perception of a beloved. Sensory darkness becomes equalized by an inner light that renders the beloved’s features distinctly. Dreams sustain this perfected image until daylight intrudes and diminishes it, suggesting that imagination and devotion preserve an ideal that everyday, empirical seeing cannot maintain.

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What I see not, I better see Through Faith my Hazel Eye Has periods of shutting But, No lid has Memory For frequent, all my sense obscured I equally behold As someone held a light unto The Features so beloved - And I arise and in my Dream Do Thee distinguished Grace Till jealous Daylight interrupt And mar thy perfectness

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