FREE IGNOU BEGC-111 SOLVED ASSIGNMENT 2023-24
2. “I measure every Grief I meet” by Emily Dickinson:
In this stanza from Emily Dickinson’s poem, the speaker reflects on the concept of empathy and the ways in which people perceive and respond to the grief of others. The lines “I measure every Grief I meet / With narrow, probing, eyes” describe the speaker’s approach to understanding and empathizing with the suffering of others. The speaker observes and analyzes the sorrow of those they encounter, using a metaphorical measurement to gauge the depth and intensity of their grief.
The lines “I wonder if It weighs like Mine / Or has an Easier size” reveal the speaker’s internal questioning and comparison. They ponder whether the grief experienced by others is similar in weight and magnitude to their own personal sorrows, or if it is lighter and less burdensome. This introspective contemplation highlights the human tendency to compare and assess one’s own experiences against those of others, seeking commonalities and differences.
In the context of the poem, Dickinson explores themes of empathy, understanding, and emotional connection. The speaker’s contemplation of the varying degrees of grief emphasizes the complex and often hidden nature of human suffering. By acknowledging the potential differences in the intensity of grief, the poem prompts readers to consider the importance of compassion and genuine understanding when encountering the pain of others.
