“We Grow Accustomed to the Dark” Emily Dickinson

We grow accustomed to the Dark —

When light is put away —

As when the Neighbor holds the Lamp

To witness her Goodbye —

A Moment — We uncertain step

For newness of the night —

Then — fit our Vision to the Dark —

And meet the Road — erect —

And so of larger — Darknesses —

Those Evenings of the Brain —

When not a Moon disclose a sign —

Or Star — come out — within

The Bravest — grope a little —

And sometimes hit a Tree

Directly in the Forehead —

But as they learn to see —

Either the Darkness alters —

Or something in the sight

Adjusts itself to Midnight —

And Life steps almost straight.

1. Compare and contrast how both Vincent van Gogh's painting The Starry Night and Emily Dickinson's poem "We Grow Accustomed to the Dark" treat the subjects of light and darkness. Be sure to explain how both artists rely on a tension between light and darkness in these works/mediums. (attached is the painting so you may refer back as needed)

In this poem, Dickinson discusses the concept of dark. She contrasts dark with light, such as the light of a candle held by her neighbour to the dark that surrounds such image. Dickinson presents light and dark as opposites. She tells us that dark can be treacherous and dangerous initially, but that people are always able to adapt to it eventually. This is most likely an extended metaphor for life. It is likely that by talking about "dark times," Dickinson refers to difficult moments in life, and how people are able to overcome this eventually, once they become familiar with their situation.

On the other hand, van Gogh also talks about the juxtaposition of dark and light. However, while Dickinson presents these two as opposites, van Gogh presents them as complementary. Van Gogh presents darkness, in this case shown by the night, as a necessary element for light, which is shown in the moon and the stars.

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