Welcome, everyone, to a fascinating journey into the world of poetry! Today, we are going to explore a profound and timeless work by one of America’s most celebrated poets, Emily Dickinson. Her poem, “We Grow Accustomed to the Dark,” offers deep insights into the human experience of navigating life’s challenges. Let us begin by immersing ourselves in the poem itself.
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 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 disclose a sign—
Nor Star—come 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.
We Grow Accustomed to the Dark Summary and Central Idea
Emily Dickinson’s “We Grow Accustomed to the Dark” is a masterful exploration of human adaptation and resilience in the face of adversity. The poem begins with a simple, relatable observation: how our eyes adjust to physical darkness when a light source is removed. This initial, everyday experience serves as a powerful metaphor for how individuals cope with life’s more significant challenges, referred to as “larger Darknesses.”
The central idea of the poem is that just as our physical vision adapts to the absence of light, our minds and spirits learn to navigate periods of emotional, intellectual, or spiritual uncertainty. These “evenings of the brain” can be disorienting, causing even the “Bravest” among us to stumble. However, the poem offers a hopeful message: through perseverance and an internal adjustment, we can learn to “see” in these difficult times, eventually finding our footing and moving forward with renewed strength. It suggests that while external circumstances may not change, our internal perception and capacity for resilience allow us to overcome obstacles and continue our journey.
A noteworthy aspect of this poem is its profound psychological insight. Dickinson captures the initial disorientation, the struggle, and the eventual triumph of adaptation, making it a timeless reflection on coping with loss, grief, confusion, or any significant life transition. The poem’s enduring popularity stems from its universal message of hope and the inherent human capacity to adjust and thrive even when faced with profound darkness.
We Grow Accustomed to the Dark Analysis: Exploring Themes and Meaning
Delving deeper into “We Grow Accustomed to the Dark” reveals a rich tapestry of themes and profound meaning. The poem’s brilliance lies in its ability to translate a simple physical phenomenon into a powerful commentary on the human condition.
The Universal Theme of Adaptation and Resilience
At its core, the poem is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to adapt. The opening lines establish this theme immediately:
We grow accustomed to the Dark,
When Light is put away,
This initial observation sets the stage for the poem’s broader message. It suggests that adaptation is not just a possibility, but a natural, almost inevitable, process. The poem emphasizes that even in moments of profound disorientation, a path forward can be found through internal adjustment.
Navigating Uncertainty and Disorientation
Dickinson vividly portrays the initial shock and uncertainty that accompanies the onset of darkness, both literal and metaphorical:
A Moment—We uncertain step
For newness of the Night—
This “uncertain step” perfectly captures the feeling of being lost or overwhelmed when confronted with an unfamiliar challenge. The “newness of the Night” highlights how sudden changes or difficult experiences can initially leave us feeling vulnerable and without clear direction.
The Metaphor of “Larger Darknesses”
The poem skillfully expands its scope from physical darkness to more abstract, profound challenges. Dickinson introduces the concept of “larger Darknesses,” which are not merely the absence of light but represent significant life struggles:
And so of larger Darknesses—
Those Evenings of the Brain—
When not a Moon disclose a sign—
Nor Star—come out—within—
These “Evenings of the Brain” symbolize periods of mental or emotional confusion, grief, despair, or existential uncertainty. The absence of a “Moon” or “Star” within suggests a complete lack of external or internal guidance, emphasizing the profound isolation and disorientation these experiences can bring.
The Nature of Bravery and Stumbling
Dickinson challenges conventional notions of bravery. She suggests that true courage is not the absence of fear or stumbling, but the willingness to persevere despite them:
The Bravest—grope a little—
And sometimes hit a Tree
Directly in the Forehead—
This striking imagery acknowledges that even the most courageous individuals will experience setbacks and make mistakes when navigating difficult times. The act of “groping” and “hitting a Tree” underscores the reality that the path through darkness is rarely smooth or straightforward, but filled with trials and errors.
The Transformative Power of Perception
The poem’s conclusion offers a powerful insight into the mechanism of adaptation. It poses a profound question about whether external circumstances change or if our internal perception shifts:
Either the Darkness alters—
Or something in the sight
Adjusts itself to Midnight—
And Life steps almost straight.
This ambiguity is central to the poem’s message. It suggests that while the “Darkness” itself might not physically disappear, our ability to “Adjust itself to Midnight” allows us to find clarity and move forward. The phrase “Life steps almost straight” provides a hopeful, yet realistic, resolution, acknowledging that while perfect clarity may not always be achieved, significant progress and stability are possible.
Literary and Poetic Devices in We Grow Accustomed to the Dark
Emily Dickinson’s poetic genius shines through her masterful use of various literary and poetic devices, which enrich the poem’s meaning, musicality, and emotional impact. Understanding these techniques enhances our appreciation of “We Grow Accustomed to the Dark.”
Metaphor
The entire poem functions as an extended metaphor. Physical darkness and the process of adjusting to it serve as a representation for life’s challenges and the human capacity to cope with them. For example:
We grow accustomed to the Dark,
When Light is put away,
Here, “Dark” is not just the absence of light but symbolizes periods of difficulty, uncertainty, or grief. Similarly, “Light” represents comfort, clarity, or happiness.
Symbolism
Dickinson employs several symbols to deepen the poem’s layers of meaning:
- The Lamp: This symbolizes temporary comfort, guidance, or a fleeting moment of clarity before darkness fully descends.
As when the Neighbor holds the Lamp
To witness her Goodbye—This image suggests a brief illumination before a departure into the unknown.
- The Tree: This represents an unexpected obstacle or a painful setback encountered during the journey through darkness.
And sometimes hit a Tree
Directly in the Forehead—The “Tree” embodies the harsh realities and inevitable mistakes faced when navigating difficult circumstances.
- Moon and Star: These celestial bodies typically symbolize guidance, hope, or enlightenment. Their absence in the “Evenings of the Brain” emphasizes profound disorientation.
When not a Moon disclose a sign—
Nor Star—come out—within—Their non-appearance highlights a complete lack of internal or external direction.
Imagery
Vivid imagery appeals to the senses, allowing readers to visualize and feel the experience described. Dickinson uses contrasting images of light and dark, and the physical sensations of movement:
A Moment—We uncertain step
For newness of the Night—
The image of an “uncertain step” immediately evokes a sense of vulnerability and the physical act of groping in the dark, making the metaphorical journey more tangible.
Juxtaposition
The poem frequently places contrasting ideas side by side to highlight transformation and the nature of adaptation:
When Light is put away,
…
Then fit our Vision to the Dark—
And meet the Road—erect—
The contrast between the initial loss of “Light” and the eventual ability to “meet the Road—erect” underscores the journey from disorientation to confident navigation.
Irony
Situational irony is present in the depiction of bravery. One might expect the “Bravest” to avoid obstacles, yet the poem reveals the opposite:
The Bravest—grope a little—
And sometimes hit a Tree
Directly in the Forehead—
This ironic twist suggests that true bravery lies not in flawless navigation, but in the willingness to stumble, learn, and continue despite setbacks.
Personification
Towards the end, Dickinson subtly personifies “Life” and “Darkness,” giving them human-like qualities:
Either the Darkness alters—
…
And Life steps almost straight.
The idea that “Darkness alters” or “Life steps” imbues these abstract concepts with agency, contributing to the poem’s philosophical depth about change and progress.
Assonance
The repetition of vowel sounds within words creates a musical effect and reinforces meaning. For example, the repeated short “e” sound:
A Moment—We uncertain step
…
And meet the Road—erect—
The assonance in “step” and “erect” subtly links the initial hesitant movement with the eventual upright posture, emphasizing the progression.
Alliteration
The repetition of initial consonant sounds adds musicality and emphasis. Consider the “s” sound:
And Life steps almost straight.
This alliteration creates a smooth, flowing sound that mirrors the idea of life finding its rhythm and moving forward with greater ease.
Consonance
The repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words adds texture and cohesion. The “t” sound is prominent:
Then fit our Vision to the Dark—
The repeated “t” sounds here create a sense of deliberate effort and precision in the act of adjusting one’s vision.
Enjambment
Dickinson frequently uses enjambment, where a sentence or phrase continues from one line to the next without a pause. This creates a flowing rhythm and can emphasize the continuous nature of an action or idea:
As when the Neighbor holds the Lamp
To witness her Goodbye—
The seamless flow across these lines reflects the gradual, unfolding process of an event and the subsequent adjustment to its aftermath.
Quatrain Structure
The poem is structured in five quatrains, or four-line stanzas. This consistent structure provides a sense of order and containment, which subtly reflects the process of bringing order to chaos or adapting to difficult circumstances.
Rhyme Scheme
Dickinson employs a consistent ABAB end-rhyme scheme throughout the poem. For example, in the first stanza:
We grow accustomed to the Dark, (A)
When Light is put away, (B)
As when the Neighbor holds the Lamp (A)
To witness her Goodbye— (B)
This regular rhyme scheme lends the poem a lyrical, almost hymn-like quality, making it memorable and contributing to its sense of quiet contemplation and resolution.
Meter
The poem largely follows a common meter, alternating between lines of iambic tetrameter (four iambs, eight syllables) and iambic trimeter (three iambs, six syllables). This rhythmic pattern is characteristic of Dickinson’s work and often found in hymns and ballads, giving the poem a familiar, meditative cadence. For instance:
We GROW ac-CUS-tomd TO the DARK, (iambic tetrameter)
When LIGHT is PUT a-WAY, (iambic trimeter)
This consistent rhythm creates a steady, deliberate pace, mirroring the gradual and persistent nature of adaptation described in the poem.
Conclusion: The Enduring Message of “We Grow Accustomed to the Dark”
“We Grow Accustomed to the Dark” stands as a powerful testament to Emily Dickinson’s profound understanding of the human spirit. Through its elegant simplicity and insightful metaphors, the poem offers a timeless message of hope and resilience. It reminds us that while life will inevitably present its “larger Darknesses,” our inherent capacity for adaptation allows us to navigate these challenges. We may stumble, we may grope, but ultimately, we possess the inner strength to adjust our vision, find our footing, and continue our journey, stepping “almost straight” into the future. This poem encourages us to embrace the process of learning and growing, even in the most disorienting times, making it a source of comfort and inspiration for generations of readers.