How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #4
The Grieved—are many—I am told—
There is the various Cause—k (25-26)
Unlike other Dickinson poems, this one isn't only about the single speaker's feelings or point of view. In saying that other people experience grief, too, the speaker opens up the world of the poem. Grief isn't something that individual people experience all alone—it's a part of life, and it's a thing that people share. Still, the speaker is only "told" this—it's not like she's out there mingling with the sad people. What does this tell us about her character?
Quote #5
A piercing Comfort it affords
In passing Calvary— (35-36)
The poem uses an oxymoron ("piercing Comfort") to get at the contradictory feelings of comfort and pain. Sure, it might feel a bit icky to find comfort in the feelings of others, but we can't deny that we've all been there.
Quote #6
Still fascinated to presume
That Some—are like My Own— (39-40)
What is the relationship between suffering and fascination? It seems like the speaker uses her curiosity about others to make herself feel better, sure, but why's that fascinating? Does it seem downright miraculous to her that other folks could be in the same bummer boat?