"The most pathetic thing I do " By Emily Dickinson [Analysis]

The most pathetic thing I do [1] Is play I hear from you -- [2] I make believe until my Heart [3] Almost believes it too [4] But when I break it with the news [5] You knew it was not true [6] I wish I had not broken it -- [7] Goliah -- so would you -- [8]
Poem 1290 [F1345] "The most pathetic thing I do" Analysis by David Preest [Poem]

As was noted on poem 1251 Sue visited New York during the summer of 1873, and the 'you' of this poem is probably Sue. Emily can nearly make her Heart believe that a letter has come from Sue, until she breaks it with the news that Sue knows no letter has been sent. But then she wishes she had not broken her heart. Sue would wish it too. As in poem 540, Emily calls Sue 'Goliah' (a common mis-spelling for 'Goliath') to indicate her power.
Top