Undue Significance a Starving Man Attaches
The poem explores the idea that a starving man's perception of food is distorted due to his extreme hunger. He attributes significance to trivial things, like a bird's song or a cloud's shape, and believes they are edible. This distortion highlights the intense physical and mental state of someone on the brink of starvation.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1844 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Psychological · 63 words
First lines
Undue significance a starving man attaches / To food / Far off; he sighs, and therefore hopeless, / And therefore good.
Partaken, it relieves indeed, but proves us / That spices fly / In the receipt. It was the distance / Was savory.
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing poetic devices such as metaphor and imagery.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential ideas about desire, fulfillment, and perception.
- Psychological — The poem delves into the psychological state of longing and the human condition.
- Literary — The writing style is reflective and introspective, characteristic of literary works.
Tags
Poetry · Philosophy · Existentialism · Mortality · Famine · Starvation · Human Condition · Psychological Insight · Inner Turmoil · Desperation · Hopelessness · Self-Discovery
What this Textopian page supports
Undue Significance a Starving Man Attaches is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emily Dickinson, dated 1844 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Emily Dickinson
- Date: 1844 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Psychological, Literary
- Length: 63 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
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