Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"I Like a Look of Agony" is a poem by Emily Dickinson, an American poet who lived from 1830 to 1886. The poem was first published posthumously in 1890.

The poem explores the idea of empathy and the complex relationship between pain and pleasure. The speaker suggests that they are drawn to the "look of agony," or the expression of pain on another person's face.

At the same time, the poem suggests a sense of ambiguity and complexity in the speaker's relationship with pain. The speaker acknowledges that their attraction to pain may be seen as perverse or abnormal, yet they also suggest that the expression of pain can be a powerful and moving experience.

Overall, the poem suggests a complex and nuanced relationship with pain and empathy. The poem explores the idea that pain and pleasure may be intertwined, and that the expression of pain can be a powerful and moving experience. The poem also acknowledges the potential for misunderstanding or judgment in the expression of empathy, particularly in relation to pain and suffering. Ultimately, the poem suggests a sense of empathy and connection with others, even in the face of pain and suffering.