Heart, we will forget him, You and I, tonight! You must forget the warmth he gave, I will forget the light.
Emily DickinsonRead
Mine Enemy is growing old -- I have at last Revenge -- The Palate of the Hate departs -- If any would avenge Let him be quick -- the Viand flits -- It is a faded Meat -- Anger as soon as fed is dead -- 'Tis starving makes it fat
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the futility of holding onto anger and the inevitability of its decline over time.
Emily Dickinson's quote explores the concept of revenge and the emotions tied to it, particularly anger. She suggests that as time passes, the intensity of hatred diminishes, and clinging to anger only prolongs suffering. The notion of quickly seeking revenge is rendered pointless since, like food that becomes stale, anger loses its potency if not actively fed. Ultimately, Dickinson conveys that letting go of animosity is a healthier choice, as unaddressed anger only grows more burdensome over time.
Themes
AngerRevengeHatredTimeForgiveness
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about the importance of moving on from past grievances.
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.
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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!
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My best Acquaintances are those With Whom I spoke no Word
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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.
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