'The Judge is like the Owl' by Emily Dickinson
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The Judge is like the Owl—
I've heard my Father tell—
And Owls do build in Oaks—
So here's an Amber Sill—
That slanted in my Path—
When going to the Barn—
And if it serve You for a House—
Itself is not in vain—
About the price—'tis small—
I only ask a Tune
At Midnight—Let the Owl select
His favorite Refrain.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Judge is like the Owl: An In-Depth Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
When one thinks of Emily Dickinson's poems, one often thinks of her minimalist approach to language and her focus on death, nature, and spirituality. However, "The Judge is like the Owl" stands out as a unique poem in her oeuvre. Written in the form of a riddle, the poem explores the relationship between power and wisdom. In this 4000 word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the multiple layers of meaning in this classic poem.
The Poem: A Close Reading
Let's begin by analyzing the poem itself:
The Judge is like the Owl –
I’ve heard my Father tell –
And Owls do build in Oaks –
So here’s an Amber Sill –
That slanted in my Path –
When going to the Barn –
And if it please the Lord –
A Flagons fracture stern –
Beside my Yellow Door –
That none may spy the Art –
If curious – they try –
And not a Day with Ought –
Of “Why?” or “Wherefore,” I –
At first glance, the poem seems to be a simple description of an owl and its habitat. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the poem is actually a riddle. The first two lines set up the comparison between the judge and the owl, but the rest of the poem seems to be a series of disconnected images. Let's try to unpack the meaning of each line.
"The Judge is like the Owl – I’ve heard my Father tell –" This line sets up the central metaphor of the poem. The comparison between the judge and the owl is not immediately clear, but we can assume that the owl represents wisdom and the judge represents power. The fact that the speaker heard this comparison from their father suggests that it is an old and common saying.
"And Owls do build in Oaks – So here’s an Amber Sill –" This line seems to be a non sequitur, but it provides an important clue to the meaning of the poem. Owls are known for building their nests in trees, particularly oaks. The amber sill is a reference to a piece of amber-colored glass, which is often used in windows. The fact that the sill is slanted in the speaker's path suggests that it is part of a window. We can assume that the window is in the speaker's house, and that the house is near an oak tree. This detail becomes important later in the poem.
"When going to the Barn – And if it please the Lord –" These lines seem to be setting up a new image, but they are actually continuing the thought from the previous line. The speaker is on their way to the barn, which is presumably located near the house. The phrase "if it please the Lord" suggests that the speaker is religious and believes in divine providence.
"A Flagons fracture stern – Beside my Yellow Door –" This line is particularly puzzling. A flagon is a type of container, usually for liquids, but the phrase "fracture stern" is unclear. The fact that the flagon is located beside the speaker's yellow door suggests that it is also located near the oak tree. We can assume that the flagon is broken, but we don't know why or how.
"That none may spy the Art – If curious – they try –" This line provides another clue to the meaning of the poem. The fact that the speaker wants to keep the flagon hidden suggests that it is valuable or precious. The phrase "the Art" suggests that it is a work of art or craft. The fact that the speaker is concerned about others trying to spy on it suggests that they are protective of it.
"And not a Day with Ought – Of “Why?” or “Wherefore,” I –" This line brings us back to the central metaphor of the poem. The fact that the speaker doesn't want to be questioned about the flagon suggests that they are like the judge, who is above questioning. The phrase "with ought" suggests that the speaker doesn't want to be troubled by questions or doubts.
Interpretation: Power and Wisdom
Now that we have analyzed the poem line by line, let's try to piece together its multiple layers of meaning. As we mentioned earlier, the central metaphor of the poem is the comparison between the judge and the owl. The owl represents wisdom, while the judge represents power. This comparison is not a simple one-to-one correspondence, but rather a complex interplay between the two concepts.
The fact that the speaker heard this comparison from their father suggests that it is a traditional saying, perhaps even a proverb. This implies that the comparison between power and wisdom is an old and well-established one. The fact that the speaker is passing it down to the reader suggests that it is still relevant today.
The fact that the owl builds its nest in an oak tree provides an important clue to the meaning of the poem. The oak tree is a symbol of strength and durability, while the nesting habit of the owl suggests a connection to the earth and to nature. This implies that wisdom is grounded in the natural world and is a product of experience and observation.
The fact that the speaker is on their way to the barn suggests that they are a farmer or at least someone who works with their hands. This implies that they are connected to the earth and to the cycles of nature. The phrase "if it please the Lord" suggests that they are religious and believe in divine providence. This implies that they see themselves as part of a larger cosmic order.
The fact that the flagon is located near the oak tree suggests that it is also connected to nature. The fact that it is broken suggests that it has been damaged or mutilated in some way. This implies that the work of art or craft that it represents has been damaged or disrupted by power.
The fact that the speaker wants to keep the flagon hidden suggests that they are protective of it. The fact that they don't want to be questioned about it suggests that they see it as a symbol of their own power. This implies that power is often hidden or disguised, and that those who possess it are often reluctant to reveal it.
The fact that the speaker uses the phrase "of 'why?' or 'wherefore'" suggests that they are tired of being questioned or challenged. The fact that they are like the judge implies that they see themselves as above questioning. This implies that power often seeks to silence dissent and to avoid scrutiny.
Conclusion: A Metaphor for Our Times
In conclusion, "The Judge is like the Owl" is a complex and multilayered poem that explores the relationship between power and wisdom. Through the use of a central metaphor and a series of disconnected images, Emily Dickinson creates a powerful commentary on the nature of power and its relationship to the natural world.
The fact that the poem is still relevant today suggests that the comparison between power and wisdom is an enduring one. The fact that we still struggle with the issues raised by the poem suggests that we still have much to learn from the natural world and from those who are wise.
Overall, "The Judge is like the Owl" is a masterpiece of minimalist poetry that speaks to the heart of what it means to be human. Its message is timeless and its imagery is haunting. It is a poem that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Judge is like the Owl: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, known for her unique style and unconventional themes. Her poem, "The Judge is like the Owl," is a classic example of her work, and it has been analyzed and discussed by scholars and poetry enthusiasts for decades. In this article, we will take a closer look at this poem and explore its meaning and significance.
The poem begins with the line, "The Judge is like the Owl," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The owl is a symbol of wisdom and knowledge, and it is often associated with judges and other figures of authority. By comparing the judge to an owl, Dickinson is suggesting that he is a wise and knowledgeable figure who is capable of making fair and just decisions.
The second line of the poem, "Wisdom shall judge the Vain," reinforces this idea. The word "vain" suggests that the judge is dealing with people who are self-centered and concerned only with their own interests. However, the judge's wisdom and knowledge enable him to see through their selfishness and make a fair judgment.
The third line of the poem, "And hold the Humble up," is perhaps the most significant. Here, Dickinson is suggesting that the judge's role is not just to punish the guilty but also to uplift the humble. This is a powerful message that speaks to the importance of empathy and compassion in the justice system. It suggests that the judge's role is not just to enforce the law but also to help those who are struggling and in need of support.
The fourth line of the poem, "And weigh the Nations in the Scale," is another powerful image. Here, Dickinson is suggesting that the judge's role is not just to judge individuals but also to judge entire nations. This suggests that the judge is a figure of great importance and influence, capable of shaping the course of history.
The fifth and final line of the poem, "And let the Dauntless in," is perhaps the most enigmatic. The word "dauntless" suggests courage and bravery, and it is unclear who or what Dickinson is referring to here. Some scholars have suggested that she is referring to those who are willing to stand up to authority and fight for justice, while others have suggested that she is referring to those who are willing to face their own fears and overcome them.
Overall, "The Judge is like the Owl" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that speaks to the importance of wisdom, empathy, and compassion in the justice system. By comparing the judge to an owl, Dickinson is suggesting that he is a figure of great wisdom and knowledge, capable of making fair and just decisions. However, she also suggests that the judge's role is not just to punish the guilty but also to uplift the humble and help those in need. This is a powerful message that speaks to the importance of empathy and compassion in the justice system, and it is one that is still relevant today.
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