Poem Analysis - What Shall I Do It Whimpers So

A Heart's Persistent Yearning

Emily Dickinson's "What Shall I Do it Whimpers So" is a poignant exploration of inner turmoil and longing. The poem presents a speaker burdened by a persistent, almost childlike, distress within her own heart. Its tone begins with a sense of weary resignation, then shifts into pleading and tentative hope. The speaker seeks external validation and relief from this internal "Hound," revealing a deep-seated need for connection and understanding.

The Metaphor of the Heart-Hound

The central metaphor of the poem is the "little Hound within the Heart." This image immediately establishes the theme of emotional distress. The "Hound" isn't a majestic or fearsome beast, but a "little" one that "whimpers." This suggests a feeling that is persistent and irritating, rather than overwhelming, but one that the speaker cannot ignore. The hound's "bark and start" indicate anxiety and restlessness. It symbolizes a nagging emotional need, perhaps for affection or companionship, that the speaker struggles to manage. The speaker wants to know "what shall I do," highlighting her helplessness.

The Plea for Release and Connection

A central theme is dependence and seeking external validation. The questions, "Would you untie it, were you me? Would it stop whining if to Thee I sent it even now?" display a yearning for freedom from this inner torment, with an expectation that another person can solve her problem. The speaker is unsure of how to handle this "Hound" on her own and looks to someone else for guidance and even a transfer of responsibility. The direct address, "Would you untie it, were you me," engages the reader directly in the speaker's dilemma, creating a sense of intimacy and shared vulnerability.

Yearning for Acceptance and Love

The desire for acceptance and love is palpable throughout the latter half of the poem. The speaker worries that the "Hound" might be a nuisance: "It should not tease you / By your chair or, on the mat / Or if it dare to climb your dizzy knee." This concern reflects the speaker's fear of being a burden or causing inconvenience. The question "Shall it come?" is heavy with anticipation and hope, contingent on the other person's willingness to accept her and her "Hound." The mention of "Carlo," likely a pet, adds a layer of intimacy, suggesting that the speaker trusts this individual's judgment and connection to her world. There is an almost childlike innocence to asking Carlo. Will he accept and approve the relationship she is hoping for?

Final Thoughts: An Echo of Inner Longing

In conclusion, "What Shall I Do it Whimpers So" is a compact yet powerful poem that captures the complexities of inner turmoil, a need for external validation, and the yearning for acceptance. Through the image of the "little Hound within the Heart," Dickinson creates a vivid and relatable portrayal of emotional distress. The poem's strength lies in its ability to evoke a sense of shared vulnerability and the universal desire for connection and relief from our internal struggles. Ultimately, the poem leaves the reader pondering the speaker's fate and the enduring power of human longing.