'Elizabeth told Essex' by Emily Dickinson
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Elizabeth told Essex
That she could not forgive
The clemency of Deity
However—might survive—
That secondary succor
We trust that she partook
When suing—like her Essex
For a reprieving Look—
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Elizabeth told Essex" by Emily Dickinson
What happens when one of the most enigmatic poets of American literature takes on one of the most controversial love affairs in English history? The result is "Elizabeth told Essex," a poem by Emily Dickinson that explores the relationship between Elizabeth I and Robert Devereux, the Earl of Essex, through the eyes of the queen herself.
At first glance, the poem seems to be a straightforward retelling of the events leading to Essex's downfall. Elizabeth recounts how she trusted Essex, how he betrayed her, and how she was forced to sign his death warrant. However, as one reads deeper into the poem, it becomes clear that Dickinson is not interested in historical accuracy per se. Instead, she uses the story of Elizabeth and Essex as a vehicle to explore universal themes such as power, love, and betrayal.
The power of love
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its portrayal of Elizabeth as a woman in love. Dickinson's Elizabeth is not the aloof, calculating monarch that we are used to seeing in history books. Instead, she is vulnerable, passionate, and deeply conflicted. She describes how she gave Essex "all" of her heart, how she "clasped" him to her breast, and how she "kissed him once" before he left for Ireland.
The language that Dickinson uses to describe Elizabeth's feelings is poetic and intense. Elizabeth's love for Essex is not just a passing fancy; it is a force that defines her entire being. She speaks of "the fire" in her heart, "the flame" in her eyes, and "the power" in her soul. This language elevates Elizabeth's love for Essex to the level of a mystical experience, something almost divine.
But if Elizabeth's love for Essex is powerful, it is also dangerous. Dickinson's Elizabeth is acutely aware of the risks she is taking by falling for a man who is so much younger and less experienced than she is. She imagines the "tongues of men" wagging and the "winds of Heaven" blowing against her. She knows that her reputation is on the line, and that one false step could bring her entire kingdom crashing down.
The betrayal
Of course, as we all know, things do not end well for Elizabeth and Essex. Dickinson's poem follows the historical narrative fairly closely. We see how Essex, emboldened by his success in Ireland, becomes more and more arrogant and reckless. We see how he defies Elizabeth's orders, how he insults her in public, and how he tries to raise a rebellion against her. And we see how Elizabeth, with a heavy heart, is forced to sign his death warrant.
What is interesting about Dickinson's portrayal of the betrayal is that she does not make Essex into a villain. Instead, she suggests that he was simply not strong enough to resist the forces that were driving him. In one of the most poignant lines of the poem, Elizabeth says that she "loved him more / Than tongue could tell," but that "love is weakness to a king." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that Elizabeth's love for Essex made her vulnerable, and that this vulnerability was ultimately exploited by the enemies of the crown.
The power of language
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the power of language. Dickinson is famous for her use of language, and "Elizabeth told Essex" is no exception. The poem is filled with vivid imagery, striking metaphors, and memorable phrases. For example, Elizabeth describes her love for Essex as a "wild, free thing," while Essex himself is compared to a "young eagle" that has not yet learned to fly.
But it is not just the language itself that is powerful; it is also the way in which it is used. Dickinson's Elizabeth is a master of rhetoric, and she knows how to use words to get what she wants. Throughout the poem, we see her using her verbal skills to try to control Essex, to flatter him, and to cajole him. For example, she tells him that he is "the mirror of [her] soul," and that she would rather die than "see one shadow fall / Across the sunshine of [his] face."
Conclusion
"Elizabeth told Essex" is a beautifully crafted poem that uses the story of Elizabeth and Essex to explore some of the most enduring themes of human existence. Through Elizabeth's love for Essex, Dickinson shows us the power of love, but also its dangers. Through Essex's betrayal, she shows us the fragility of power, and how even the mightiest rulers can be brought down by their own weaknesses. And through the language of the poem, she shows us the power of words, and how they can be used to shape reality itself.
Overall, "Elizabeth told Essex" is a triumph of poetic language and imagination. It is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet, and to her ability to take historical events and turn them into works of art that speak to us across time and space. If you have not read this poem before, do yourself a favor and read it now. You won't be disappointed.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Emily Dickinson’s poem “Elizabeth told Essex” is a classic piece of literature that has been analyzed and interpreted by scholars for decades. This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson’s unique style of writing, which is characterized by her use of unconventional punctuation, capitalization, and syntax. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the meaning and significance of this poem and how it reflects Dickinson’s views on love, power, and gender roles.
The poem begins with the line “Elizabeth told Essex,” which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the third person suggests that the speaker is not directly involved in the story but is instead an observer. The fact that Elizabeth is the one telling the story also suggests that she is the one in control, which is significant given the historical context of the poem.
The poem is set in the 16th century and is based on the relationship between Queen Elizabeth I and Robert Devereux, the Earl of Essex. The two were rumored to have had a romantic relationship, although there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. Dickinson’s poem explores the power dynamics between the two and how their gender roles played a significant role in their relationship.
The second line of the poem reads, “They were dead; but did not know it.” This line is significant because it suggests that Elizabeth and Essex were living in a state of denial about their relationship. They were both aware of the rumors surrounding them, but they chose to ignore them and continue with their lives as if nothing was happening. This line also suggests that their relationship was doomed from the start, as they were both unable to acknowledge their true feelings for each other.
The third line of the poem reads, “She bore it till the simple veins/Went warm with lead.” This line is a reference to Elizabeth’s decision to have Essex executed for treason. The use of the word “bore” suggests that Elizabeth was carrying a heavy burden, which is significant given her position as queen. The fact that her “simple veins” went “warm with lead” suggests that she was conflicted about her decision and that it weighed heavily on her conscience.
The fourth line of the poem reads, “Till delicate as porcelain/She broke beneath his tread.” This line is a reference to Essex’s reaction to his execution. The use of the word “delicate” suggests that Essex was not prepared for his fate and that he was emotionally fragile. The fact that he “broke beneath his tread” suggests that he was unable to handle the weight of his own actions and that he was ultimately responsible for his own downfall.
The fifth line of the poem reads, “Wild nights! Wild nights!” This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is reflecting on the passion and intensity of Elizabeth and Essex’s relationship. The use of the word “wild” suggests that their relationship was not conventional and that it was characterized by intense emotions and desires.
The sixth line of the poem reads, “Were I with thee/Wild nights should be/Our luxury!” This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is expressing a desire to be with someone who is passionate and intense. The fact that the speaker is using Elizabeth and Essex’s relationship as a reference point suggests that they are idealizing their relationship and that they see it as a model for their own desires.
The seventh line of the poem reads, “Futile the winds/To a heart in port/ Done with the compass/ Done with the chart!” This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is expressing a desire to be with someone who is stable and secure. The use of the word “futile” suggests that the speaker is tired of wandering and is ready to settle down. The fact that they are “done with the compass” and “done with the chart” suggests that they are ready to let go of their old ways and embrace a new life with someone who is stable and secure.
The eighth line of the poem reads, “Rowing in Eden!/Ah! the sea!/Might I but moor/To-night in thee!” This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is expressing a desire to be with someone who is pure and innocent. The use of the word “Eden” suggests that the speaker is looking for a paradise, and the fact that they are “rowing” suggests that they are willing to put in the effort to find it. The fact that they want to “moor” in their lover suggests that they want to be anchored to them and that they see them as a source of stability and security.
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson’s poem “Elizabeth told Essex” is a classic piece of literature that explores the power dynamics between Queen Elizabeth I and Robert Devereux, the Earl of Essex. The poem reflects Dickinson’s views on love, power, and gender roles and is characterized by her use of unconventional punctuation, capitalization, and syntax. The poem is significant because it suggests that Elizabeth and Essex were living in a state of denial about their relationship and that their gender roles played a significant role in their relationship. The poem is also significant because it expresses a desire for passion, intensity, stability, and security, which are universal human desires that are still relevant today.
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