Heart, we will forget him, You and I, tonight! You must forget the warmth he gave, I will forget the light.
Emily DickinsonRead
A precious, mouldering pleasure 't is To meet an antique book In just the dress his century wore; A privilege, I think, His venerable hand to take, And warming in our own, A passage back, or two, to make To times when he was young. His quaint opinions to inspect, His knowledge to unfold On what concerns our mutual mind, The literature of old.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the joy and privilege of engaging with old literature, allowing us to connect with the past.
Emily Dickinson beautifully expresses the profound pleasure of interacting with antique books, viewing them as gateways to past times and perspectives. By holding such a book, one can feel a connection to the author’s era and gain insights into their thoughts and knowledge, creating a timeless bridge between the past and present.
Themes
LiteratureAntiqueBooksKnowledgeHistory
In practice
Example use cases
A speaker at a literary event could use this quote to emphasize the importance of preserving and appreciating older works of literature.
More from Emily Dickinson
All quotes →I held a jewel in my fingers And went to sleep. The day was warm, and winds were prosy; I said: "'T will keep." I woke and chid my honest fingers,— The gem was gone; And now an amethyst remembrance Is all I own.
Emily DickinsonRead
I'll tell you how the sun rose, a ribbon at a time. The steeples swam in amethyst, The news like squirrels ran. The hills untied their bonnets, The bobolinks begun. Then I said softly to myself, "That must have been the sun!
Emily DickinsonRead
My best Acquaintances are those With Whom I spoke no Word
Emily DickinsonRead
This is the Hour of Lead- Remembered, if outlived, As freezing persons, recollect the Snow- First-Chill-then Stupor- then the letting go---
Emily DickinsonRead
Luck is not chance, it's toil; fortune's expensive smile is earned.
Emily DickinsonRead
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