'To earn it by disdaining it' by Emily Dickinson
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
1427
To earn it by disdaining it
Is Fame's consummate Fee—
He loves what spurns him—
Look behind—He is pursuing thee.
So let us gather—every Day—
The Aggregate of
Life's Bouquet
Be Honor and not shame—
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
"To Earn it by Disdaining it" by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works are still enjoyed and studied today. Her poem, "To Earn it by Disdaining it," is a masterpiece in its own right, and it deserves a detailed literary criticism and interpretation. In this essay, we will explore the deeper meanings behind the poem and the literary techniques that Emily Dickinson used to convey her message.
Overview of the Poem
"To Earn it by Disdaining it" is a short poem that consists of only six lines. Despite its brevity, the poem is rich in meaning and symbolism. The poem is written in the third person, and it describes a person who tries to earn something by disdaining it. The poem is ambiguous and open to interpretation, which allows the reader to explore different meanings and themes.
Here is the text of the poem:
To earn it by disdaining it
Is Fame's consummate Fee –
He loves what spurns him
Look behind His Brittle Majesty –
To find the ample fellow
Unto such Beloved Countrie.
Analysis of the Poem
The Title
The title of the poem, "To Earn it by Disdaining it," sets the tone for the entire work. It suggests that there is a paradox at the heart of the poem: how can one earn something by disdaining it? The title also hints at the theme of the poem, which is the nature of fame and the sacrifices that people make to achieve it.
The First Line
The first line of the poem, "To earn it by disdaining it," is a paradoxical statement. It suggests that the speaker is trying to earn something by rejecting it. This sets up a tension that runs throughout the poem. The reader is left wondering what the speaker is trying to earn, and why they are using such an unusual method.
Fame's Consummate Fee
The second line of the poem, "Is Fame's consummate Fee," reveals the object of the speaker's desire: fame. The use of the word "consummate" suggests that fame is the ultimate goal, the most important thing that one can achieve. The word "fee" suggests that fame comes at a cost, and the rest of the poem explores what that cost might be.
He Loves What Spurns Him
The third line of the poem, "He loves what spurns him," is a paradoxical statement. It suggests that the speaker loves something that rejects them. This could refer to fame, which is often fickle and unpredictable. It could also refer to the sacrifices that people make to achieve fame, which can be difficult and painful.
Look Behind His Brittle Majesty
The fourth line of the poem, "Look behind His Brittle Majesty," suggests that there is more to fame than meets the eye. The use of the word "brittle" suggests that fame is fragile and can be easily broken. The phrase "His Brittle Majesty" suggests that fame is a kind of monarchy, with the famous person as the king or queen. The phrase "look behind" suggests that there is something hidden or secret about fame that the speaker wants the reader to discover.
To Find the Ample Fellow
The fifth line of the poem, "To find the ample fellow," is a mysterious statement. The word "ample" suggests that the speaker is looking for someone who is generous and abundant. The word "fellow" suggests that the speaker is looking for a person, rather than a thing. This could refer to the speaker's desire for a friend or companion, or it could refer to the speaker's search for a deeper meaning in life.
Unto Such Beloved Countrie
The final line of the poem, "Unto such Beloved Countrie," is a metaphorical statement. The word "country" suggests a place, but it could also refer to a state of mind or a way of life. The use of the word "beloved" suggests that the speaker is searching for something that is important and meaningful to them.
Literary Techniques
Emily Dickinson was a master of literary techniques, and "To Earn it by Disdaining it" is no exception. Here are some of the techniques that she used to convey her message:
Paradox
The poem is full of paradoxical statements, such as "To earn it by disdaining it" and "He loves what spurns him." These paradoxes create a sense of tension and uncertainty, and they force the reader to think deeply about the poem's meaning.
Metaphor
The final line of the poem, "Unto such Beloved Countrie," is a metaphorical statement. The use of metaphor creates a sense of mystery and depth, and it allows the reader to explore different meanings and interpretations.
Alliteration
The use of alliteration, such as "Brittle Majesty," creates a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem. It also emphasizes certain words and phrases, and it draws attention to the poem's themes and motifs.
Symbolism
The poem is full of symbolism, such as "Fame's consummate Fee" and "His Brittle Majesty." These symbols create a sense of depth and complexity, and they allow the reader to explore different meanings and interpretations.
Themes and Interpretations
"To Earn it by Disdaining it" is a complex poem that explores a variety of themes and interpretations. Here are some of the possible themes and interpretations of the poem:
The Cost of Fame
The poem suggests that fame comes at a cost, and that the sacrifices that people make to achieve it can be difficult and painful. The use of paradox, metaphor, and symbolism creates a sense of depth and complexity, and it allows the reader to explore different meanings and interpretations.
The Human Condition
The poem explores the human condition, and it suggests that people are often searching for something that is important and meaningful to them. The use of alliteration, metaphor, and symbolism creates a sense of mystery and depth, and it allows the reader to explore different meanings and interpretations.
The Nature of Desire
The poem suggests that desire is a complex and paradoxical thing, and that people often desire things that are difficult to obtain or understand. The use of paradox, metaphor, and symbolism creates a sense of depth and complexity, and it allows the reader to explore different meanings and interpretations.
Conclusion
"To Earn it by Disdaining it" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the themes of fame, the human condition, and the nature of desire. Emily Dickinson's use of paradox, metaphor, alliteration, and symbolism creates a sense of depth and complexity, and it allows the reader to explore different meanings and interpretations. The poem is a testament to Emily Dickinson's skill as a poet, and it continues to inspire and challenge readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
To Earn It by Disdaining It: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most renowned poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers today. One of her most famous poems is "To Earn It by Disdaining It," a short but powerful piece that explores the concept of true wealth and the importance of humility. In this article, we will take a deep dive into this classic poem, analyzing its themes, structure, and language to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning.
First, let's take a look at the poem itself:
To earn it by disdaining it— Is Fame's consummate Fee— He loves what spurns him— Look behind He is pursuing thee.
At first glance, this poem may seem simple and straightforward, but upon closer examination, it reveals a complex and nuanced message. The poem is divided into two stanzas, each containing two lines. The first stanza sets up the central idea of the poem: that true fame and wealth can only be earned by rejecting them. The second stanza provides a warning to those who seek fame and fortune, reminding them that these things are fleeting and ultimately unfulfilling.
The first line of the poem, "To earn it by disdaining it," sets up the paradoxical idea that the only way to attain true wealth and fame is to reject it. This idea is further reinforced by the phrase "Fame's consummate Fee," which suggests that fame is something that must be earned through sacrifice and hard work. The word "consummate" also implies that fame is the ultimate goal, the pinnacle of success that can only be reached through great effort.
The second line of the first stanza, "He loves what spurns him," is a bit more ambiguous. It could be interpreted in a few different ways, but one possible meaning is that those who seek fame and wealth are often rejected or ignored by those they admire. This rejection only fuels their desire for success, driving them to work harder and strive for more. This interpretation is supported by the final line of the poem, which suggests that those who seek fame are ultimately chasing after something that is always just out of reach.
The second stanza of the poem provides a warning to those who seek fame and fortune. The phrase "Look behind" suggests that those who are focused solely on their own success are not paying attention to what is happening around them. They are so consumed with their own desires that they are blind to the world around them. The final line of the poem, "He is pursuing thee," is a chilling reminder that those who seek fame and fortune are often pursued by their own demons. They are never truly satisfied, always chasing after something that they can never truly attain.
Now that we have analyzed the structure and themes of the poem, let's take a closer look at the language that Dickinson uses to convey her message. One of the most striking things about this poem is its use of paradoxical language. The idea that one must reject fame in order to attain it is a paradox, and Dickinson uses language that reflects this paradox throughout the poem. For example, the phrase "To earn it by disdaining it" is a paradoxical statement, as is the phrase "Fame's consummate Fee." These paradoxes serve to emphasize the central idea of the poem, that true wealth and fame can only be attained through humility and rejection of material desires.
Another important aspect of the language in this poem is its use of imagery. The phrase "He loves what spurns him" conjures up an image of someone chasing after something that is always just out of reach. This image is reinforced by the final line of the poem, which suggests that those who seek fame are always being pursued by their own desires. The use of imagery in this poem serves to make its message more vivid and memorable, helping to reinforce its central themes in the reader's mind.
In conclusion, "To Earn It by Disdaining It" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the paradoxical nature of fame and wealth. Through its use of paradoxical language and vivid imagery, the poem emphasizes the importance of humility and rejection of material desires in the pursuit of true success. Its message is as relevant today as it was when it was written, and it continues to inspire and challenge readers to this day.
Editor Recommended Sites
Farmsim Games: The best highest rated farm sim games and similar game recommendations to the one you likeDecentralized Apps - crypto dapps: Decentralized apps running from webassembly powered by blockchain
Kids Books: Reading books for kids. Learn programming for kids: Scratch, Python. Learn AI for kids
Tactical Roleplaying Games: Find more tactical roleplaying games like final fantasy tactics, wakfu, ffbe wotv
Flutter Book: Learn flutter from the best learn flutter dev book
Recommended Similar Analysis
The Kraken by Alfred, Lord Tennyson analysisLove Is A Parallax by Sylvia Plath analysis
Prometheus by George Gordon, Lord Byron analysis
Whispers of Immortality by Thomas Stearns Eliot analysis
The Song Of The Happy Shepherd by William Butler Yeats analysis
My November Guest by Robert Lee Frost analysis
This Day, O Soul by Walt Whitman analysis
Beach Glass by Amy Clampitt analysis
The Artilleryman's Vision by Walt Whitman analysis
Window by Carl Sandburg analysis