Meaning: This quote by Lucy Larcom speaks to the power of the human mind and spirit to transcend the limitations imposed by the machinery and chaos of the world. Lucy Larcom, an American poet and writer, was known for her works that often explored themes of nature, spirituality, and the human experience. In this quote, she expresses a defiance against the dehumanizing effects of industrial machinery and emphasizes the resilience of the human spirit in maintaining its inner harmony and creativity.

Larcom's use of the phrase "defied the machinery to make me its slave" carries a strong sense of resistance and determination. In the context of the industrial revolution, during which Larcom lived, machinery was rapidly transforming the way people lived and worked. The rise of factories and mass production brought with it a sense of automation and dehumanization, as people were often treated as mere cogs in the industrial wheel. Larcom's defiance against becoming a "slave" to the machinery reflects a desire to maintain her autonomy and individuality in the face of these changes.

The imagery of "incessant discords" created by the machinery further emphasizes the overwhelming and chaotic nature of industrialization. The constant noise and disruption caused by machinery could easily drown out the inner thoughts and creativity of an individual. However, Larcom asserts that the "music of my thoughts" could still soar above these discordant sounds, suggesting that the human spirit has the capacity to rise above external disturbances and find its own rhythm and harmony.

The phrase "if I would let them fly high enough" underscores the idea that despite the challenges posed by the external world, it is ultimately up to the individual to allow their thoughts and creativity to flourish. This implies a sense of agency and personal responsibility in cultivating one's inner world, even in the face of external pressures.

In essence, this quote encapsulates a timeless message of resilience, inner strength, and the power of the human spirit to resist dehumanization and find beauty and creativity in the midst of chaos. It speaks to the universal struggle of individuals to assert their autonomy and maintain their inner peace and creativity in the face of external forces that seek to subdue and control them.

Larcom's own life experiences as a mill worker turned poet lend depth and authenticity to her words. Having worked in the textile mills of Massachusetts in her youth, she was intimately familiar with the harsh conditions and dehumanizing aspects of industrial labor. Her personal journey from laborer to acclaimed poet further underscores the message of empowerment and resilience embedded in this quote.

Overall, Lucy Larcom's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring human capacity to defy external forces that seek to subjugate and dehumanize, and to instead nurture the inner music of thoughts and creativity that elevates the human spirit above the discordant noise of the world.