'We shun because we prize her Face' by Emily Dickinson
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We shun because we prize her Face
Lest sight's ineffable disgrace
Our Adoration stain
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
We shun because we prize her Face: A Literary Analysis
In the world of poetry, Emily Dickinson is a name that stands out. Her poems are celebrated for their evocative imagery, powerful emotions, and unique style. One such poem, "We shun because we prize her Face," is a striking example of her mastery of language and the ability to capture complex emotions in a few words. The poem, though seemingly simple, carries a profound message about the society we live in and our relationship with beauty.
A Brief Overview
"We shun because we prize her Face" is a short poem consisting of six lines. It was written in 1862, during a time when Dickinson was grappling with various personal and societal issues. The poem is written in free verse, without any formal rhyme or meter, and is divided into two stanzas.
We shun because we prize her Face
As one that bears a crown
To her departing servant brings
A princely portion down
We own Her, for Her Wig's sake—
Conversely—to die—
Lest, during Age, Our witness
Be dimmer than Our tie—
At first glance, the poem appears to be about the act of shunning someone because of their external appearance. However, a closer reading reveals that it is a commentary on the way we view beauty, our relationship with it, and the role it plays in our lives.
An Interpretation
The poem begins with the line, "We shun because we prize her Face." The use of the word "prize" is significant here, as it suggests that beauty is something that we value highly. However, it is also the cause of our shunning. The reason for this is revealed in the second line: "As one that bears a crown." The image of a crown implies that beauty is not just something that we admire, but it is a symbol of power and privilege. The line suggests that we treat beautiful people as royalty, and we shun those who do not fit the standard of beauty.
The next two lines, "To her departing servant brings / A princely portion down," further emphasize the idea of beauty as a form of power. The image of a departing servant suggests that beauty is something that is fleeting, and we must make the most of it while it lasts. The phrase "princely portion" further emphasizes the idea that beauty is something that can bring riches and rewards.
The second stanza begins with the line, "We own Her, for Her Wig's sake." Here, the use of the word "own" is significant, as it suggests that beauty is something that we possess and control. The phrase "Her Wig's sake" refers to the idea that beauty is something that is artificial and can be created through external means. The line suggests that we value beauty not just for what it is, but for what it can be made to be.
The next line, "Conversely—to die—" takes a sudden turn, suggesting that our relationship with beauty is not just superficial, but also has a deeper, more profound meaning. The line suggests that our obsession with beauty is so deep that it can lead us to sacrifice our own lives. This is further emphasized in the next line, "Lest, during Age, Our witness / Be dimmer than Our tie—". The phrase "Our witness" refers to the idea that beauty is something that we bear witness to, and it is a reflection of our own worth. The phrase "Our tie" refers to the idea that our relationship with beauty is not just transient, but it is something that binds us to it forever.
Literary Devices
Dickinson uses several literary devices in this poem to convey her message. One of the most prominent devices is imagery. The use of the crown, departing servant, and princely portion creates a vivid image in the reader's mind and emphasizes the idea of beauty as a form of power. The phrase "Her Wig's sake" also creates a striking image, suggesting that beauty is something that can be created and controlled.
Another important device used in the poem is irony. The line "We shun because we prize her Face" is ironic because it suggests that the very thing we value is the reason why we shun. The line "Conversely—to die—" is also ironic because it suggests that our relationship with beauty is so deep that it can lead us to sacrifice our own lives.
Conclusion
"We shun because we prize her Face" is a powerful poem that delves into the way we view beauty and our relationship with it. The poem suggests that beauty is not just something we admire, but it is a symbol of power and privilege. It also indicates that our obsession with beauty is so deep that it can lead us to sacrifice our own lives. The poem is a commentary on the society we live in and the role that beauty plays in our lives.
Dickinson's use of vivid imagery and irony creates a striking and memorable poem that captures the reader's attention. "We shun because we prize her Face" is a reminder that our obsession with beauty can blind us to the true worth of a person, and it is a message that is as relevant today as it was in 1862.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
We Shun Because We Prize Her Face: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, the renowned American poet, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of death, nature, and spirituality. One of her most famous poems, "We shun because we prize her Face," is a masterpiece that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the fear of rejection.
At first glance, the poem appears to be a simple observation of human behavior. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that Dickinson is exploring the deeper psychological motivations behind our actions. The poem is structured in three stanzas, each with four lines, and follows a consistent rhyme scheme of ABAB.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with Dickinson stating that we "shun" someone because we "prize her Face." This line immediately captures the reader's attention and raises questions about why we would avoid someone we value. The use of the word "prize" suggests that the person in question is important to us, but the word "shun" implies that we are actively avoiding them.
In the second stanza, Dickinson continues to explore this idea by suggesting that we fear rejection. She writes, "As Forests – fear the Fire!" This metaphorical comparison between human behavior and the natural world is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry. The image of a forest fearing fire is a powerful one, as it suggests that we are afraid of being consumed by our emotions.
The third stanza brings the poem to a close, with Dickinson suggesting that our fear of rejection is ultimately self-destructive. She writes, "We only know it burns / Because it is our – own." This line is a poignant reminder that our fear of rejection is often rooted in our own insecurities and self-doubt. By avoiding someone we value, we are only hurting ourselves in the long run.
Overall, "We shun because we prize her Face" is a powerful exploration of human behavior and the fear of rejection. Dickinson's use of metaphor and imagery is masterful, and her ability to capture complex emotions in just twelve lines is truly remarkable. The poem is a testament to her skill as a poet and her ability to connect with readers on a deep and emotional level.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its relevance to modern-day relationships. In a world where social media and dating apps have made it easier than ever to connect with others, the fear of rejection is still a very real and pervasive issue. Many people avoid pursuing relationships or friendships because they are afraid of being rejected, and this fear can ultimately lead to loneliness and isolation.
Dickinson's poem offers a powerful message of hope and encouragement to those who struggle with the fear of rejection. By acknowledging our own insecurities and recognizing that our fear is often self-destructive, we can begin to overcome it and build meaningful connections with others.
In conclusion, "We shun because we prize her Face" is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today. Dickinson's exploration of human behavior and the fear of rejection is both poignant and insightful, and her use of metaphor and imagery is truly masterful. The poem is a testament to her skill as a poet and her ability to capture the complexities of the human experience in just twelve lines.
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