We Grow Accustomed to the Dark
We grow accustomed to the dark,
When light is put away,
As when the neighbor holds the lamp
To witness her goodbye.
A moment, we uncertain step
For the newness of the night,
Then fit our vision to the dark
And meet the road, erect.
And so of larger darknesses,
Those evenings of the brain,
When not a moon discloses a sign
Or star comes out within.
The bravest grope a little,
And sometimes hit a tree,
Directly in the forehead,
But as they learn to see.
Either the darkness alters,
Or something in the sight
Adjusts itself to midnight,
And life steps almost straight.
Summary of We Grow Accustomed to the Dark
- Attribution and History: The poem is frequently discussed but has not been conclusively linked to Emily Dickinson. It first appeared in print in the 1930s and has become a popular text for exploring resilience and adaptation.
- Life as a Theme: The poem captures the human journey of adapting to challenges. Beginning with the simple image of adjusting to physical darkness, it expands to the darknesses of the mind and spirit—times of confusion, grief, or uncertainty. It shows that while these periods are initially disorienting, we can adjust our vision and find our way forward, even if it means stumbling along the way.
- Major Themes: The core themes of the poem revolve around adaptation, resilience, and the subjective nature of perception. It asks whether it is the external circumstances that change or our internal perception that shifts, offering a hopeful message that even in the deepest darkness we can regain our footing and move forward with newfound strength.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in We Grow Accounded to the Dark
Emily Dickinson masterfully employs a range of literary devices to enhance the meaning and impact of the poem. These techniques contribute to the poem’s evocative imagery, musicality, and philosophical depth.
- Assonance: Repetition of vowel sounds creates a musical effect. The repeated short “e” in “step” and “erect” reinforces the idea of forward movement despite uncertainty.
- Alliteration: Repetition of consonant sounds adds musicality. The repeated “s” sound in “steps almost straight” emphasizes the final resolution.
- Consonance: Repetition of consonant sounds within words adds texture. The repeated “t” sound in “Then fit our vision” highlights the effort involved in adjusting to darkness.
- Enjambment: Dickinson frequently uses enjambment to create a flowing rhythm. For example, the line “As when the neighbor holds the lamp to witness her goodbye” continues seamlessly, reflecting the gradual process of adjusting to loss.
- Irony: The poem contains situational irony. We often expect bravery to mean avoiding obstacles, but the poem shows that even the bravest individuals “grope” and make mistakes, acknowledging that facing challenges involves setbacks.
- Imagery: Vivid imagery of darkness, light, lamps, and trees creates a sensory experience, allowing readers to visualize and empathize with the speaker’s journey.
- Juxtaposition: The poem places contrasting ideas side by side. The contrast between light and darkness, and between disorientation and the eventual straight path, highlights the transformation that occurs.
- Metaphor: Darkness represents difficult times, and adjusting to it is a metaphor for coping with loss, grief, or uncertainty.
- Symbolism: The lamp symbolizes temporary comfort and guidance, while the tree represents an obstacle encountered along the way.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in We Grow Accustomed to the Dark
Beyond literary devices, the poem utilizes several poetic techniques that contribute to its harmony and impact.
- End Rhyme: The poem employs a regular ABAB end‑rhyme scheme throughout, creating a sense of order and musicality.
- Quatrain: The poem is structured in quatrains—four‑line stanzas—providing balance and containment that reflect the process of adaptation.
- Rhyme Scheme: The consistent ABAB scheme lends the poem a lyrical quality and reinforces its themes.
- Stanza Structure: The poem’s five stanzas provide a clear structure, allowing the speaker to explore the theme of adaptation in stages and culminating in resolution.
Quotes to be Used
These lines from the poem are particularly insightful when discussing themes of resilience and adaptation:
A moment, we uncertain step,
For the newness of the night,
Then fit our vision to the dark,
And meet the road, erect.
This passage captures the initial disorientation of facing adversity and the ultimate ability to adjust and move forward with strength and determination. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times we have the capacity to find our way.