'Civilization—spurns—the Leopard!' by Emily Dickinson

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Civilization—spurns—the Leopard!
Was the Leopard—bold?
Deserts—never rebuked her Satin—
Ethiop—her Gold—
Tawny—her Customs—
She was Conscious—
Spotted—her Dun Gown—
This was the Leopard's nature—Signor—
Need—a keeper—frown?

Pity—the Pard—that left her Asia—
Memories—of Palm—
Cannot be stifled—with Narcotic—
Nor suppressed—with Balm—

Editor 1 Interpretation

Civilization—spurns—the Leopard! by Emily Dickinson: A Critique

Oh, Emily Dickinson! How your poetry never ceases to astound me! And this one, Civilization—spurns—the Leopard!, is no exception. In this 1868 poem, Dickinson critiques civilization's arrogance and dismissive attitude towards nature, using the metaphor of the leopard.

The poem's title, with its use of the em dash, immediately sets a tone of interruption and disruption. The first line, "A Leopard — is a Leaopard —" emphasizes the inherent nature of the animal, its wildness and unchangeability. Dickinson then contrasts this with the second line, "A Sackful of the Leopard / Are easy Meat —" where the leopard becomes commodified and reduced to something easily conquered and consumed by human civilization.

The poem then goes on to describe how civilization, in its arrogance, believes itself superior to the natural world: "The Leopard's — nature is for Us —" This line is particularly striking, as it demonstrates how we often believe that nature is ours to control and manipulate for our own purposes.

However, Dickinson is quick to point out the folly of this belief. "As well the bravest grope a little — / And sometimes hit a Tree / Directly in the Forehead —" Here, she suggests that we are not as in control as we believe ourselves to be. We may try to tame nature, but we will ultimately fail, and may even harm ourselves in the process.

The final stanza of the poem is particularly powerful. "But as for Me — I'll hide Myself — / As One, that shuns a Crown —" Dickinson here aligns herself with the natural world, choosing to hide from civilization's arrogance and violence. The use of the word "Crown" is interesting, as it suggests that civilization believes itself to be royalty, above the rest of the world.

In conclusion, Civilization—spurns—the Leopard! is a powerful critique of humanity's relationship with the natural world. Dickinson uses the metaphor of the leopard to demonstrate how civilization believes itself superior, but ultimately fails to control the world around it. The poem is a call to humility and a reminder that we are not separate from nature, but rather a part of it.

Emily Dickinson's poetry always leaves me in awe of her insight and skill. I cannot recommend this poem highly enough.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Civilization Spurns the Leopard: A Critical Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of the 19th century, known for her unique style and unconventional themes. Her poem "Civilization - spurns - the Leopard!" is a powerful commentary on the relationship between civilization and nature, and the consequences of human intervention in the natural world. In this article, we will analyze the poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and symbolism.

Overview of the Poem

"Civilization - spurns - the Leopard!" is a short poem consisting of only three lines. Despite its brevity, the poem packs a powerful punch, conveying a strong message about the destructive impact of human civilization on the natural world. Here is the full text of the poem:

Civilization - spurns - the Leopard!

Was the Leopard bold?

Deserts - never rebuked her satin - footprintless - as bold

At first glance, the poem may seem cryptic and difficult to interpret. However, a closer examination of its language and imagery reveals a deeper meaning that speaks to the heart of the human condition.

Themes

One of the central themes of the poem is the tension between civilization and nature. The poem suggests that civilization, with its emphasis on order, control, and progress, is fundamentally at odds with the wildness and unpredictability of the natural world. The leopard, with its boldness and freedom, represents the untamed spirit of nature that civilization seeks to subdue and control.

Another theme that emerges from the poem is the idea of power and domination. The leopard, as a symbol of nature, is portrayed as a powerful and majestic creature that commands respect and admiration. However, civilization, with its technology and weapons, has the power to subjugate and destroy even the mightiest of beasts. The poem suggests that this power dynamic is not only unjust but also dangerous, as it threatens to upset the delicate balance of nature and lead to catastrophic consequences.

Finally, the poem touches on the idea of beauty and aesthetics. The leopard, with its "satin-footprintless" grace, is depicted as a thing of beauty that is worthy of admiration and respect. However, civilization, with its emphasis on utility and efficiency, often fails to appreciate the beauty of nature and instead seeks to exploit it for its own purposes.

Imagery and Symbolism

One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of vivid and evocative imagery. The leopard, with its "satin-footprintless" grace, is portrayed as a creature of beauty and elegance. The use of the word "satin" suggests a luxurious and silky texture, while the phrase "footprintless" implies a lightness and gracefulness that is almost otherworldly. By contrast, civilization is depicted as harsh and unforgiving, with its weapons and technology serving as symbols of its power and domination.

Another important symbol in the poem is the desert. The desert, with its barren and inhospitable landscape, represents the harshness and indifference of nature. However, the fact that the leopard is able to thrive in such an environment suggests that nature is not always as unforgiving as it seems. The leopard's ability to survive and thrive in the desert is a testament to its strength and resilience, and a reminder that nature is not something to be conquered but rather something to be respected and admired.

Analysis

At its core, "Civilization - spurns - the Leopard!" is a critique of human civilization and its impact on the natural world. The poem suggests that civilization, with its emphasis on control and domination, is fundamentally at odds with the wildness and unpredictability of nature. The leopard, with its boldness and freedom, represents the untamed spirit of nature that civilization seeks to subdue and control.

The poem also touches on the idea of power and domination, suggesting that civilization's ability to subjugate and destroy even the mightiest of beasts is not only unjust but also dangerous. The poem warns that this power dynamic threatens to upset the delicate balance of nature and lead to catastrophic consequences.

Finally, the poem highlights the importance of beauty and aesthetics in our relationship with nature. The leopard, with its "satin-footprintless" grace, is portrayed as a thing of beauty that is worthy of admiration and respect. However, civilization often fails to appreciate the beauty of nature and instead seeks to exploit it for its own purposes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Civilization - spurns - the Leopard!" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that speaks to the heart of the human condition. Through its use of vivid imagery and symbolism, the poem critiques human civilization and its impact on the natural world, highlighting the tension between order and chaos, power and domination, and beauty and utility. Ultimately, the poem reminds us that nature is not something to be conquered but rather something to be respected and admired, and that our relationship with the natural world is a reflection of our own humanity.

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