'I've got an arrow here' by Emily Dickinson
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I've got an arrow here.
Loving the hand that sent it
I the dart revere.
Fell, they will say, in "skirmish"!
Vanquished, my soul will know
By but a simple arrow
Sped by an archer's bow.
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
"I've Got an Arrow Here": A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Ambiguous Poem
Are you familiar with Emily Dickinson's poetry? If yes, then you know that her poems are like puzzles waiting to be solved. They are full of ambiguity, and her use of language is often unconventional. One of her poems that embodies these characteristics is "I've got an arrow here." This poem is full of metaphorical language and leaves room for various interpretations. So, let's dive into the poem and see what it's all about.
The Poem: "I've Got an Arrow Here"
I've got an arrow here; Loving the hand that sent it, I the dart revere, Fondly the shaft admit.
Without a dart or bow, Or any known degree, Yet nature keeps the law, And supersedes the plea.
So subtly is the fletching done, The shaft can scarce be seen, Yet, as impossible to conceal As one's interior being.
Sufficient be the hand that takes, And matching eye that guides, And all the pierced my heart, In proving perfumes, hides.
An Analysis
The poem is just seven stanzas long, but it packs a lot of meaning. At first glance, the poem seems to be about an arrow, but it's not that simple. The arrow is a metaphor for something else, and the poem is about the emotions that come with it.
The first stanza sets the stage for the rest of the poem. The speaker says she has an arrow and loves the hand that sent it. We don't know who sent the arrow, but it's clear that the speaker has affection for them. The use of the word "revere" also shows that the speaker has respect for the arrow.
The second stanza shows that the speaker is fond of the arrow, even though she doesn't have a bow or any known degree. This could mean that the speaker doesn't have control over the situation or doesn't know what to do with the arrow. Nevertheless, she still admires it.
The third stanza is where things get interesting. The speaker says that even though there is no bow or dart, nature still keeps the law and supersedes the plea. This could mean that the natural course of events will take place, regardless of what the speaker wants. The use of the word "supersedes" also suggests that the speaker is trying to fight against something, but she can't.
The fourth stanza is where we see more of the metaphorical language. The fletching on the arrow is done so subtly that the shaft can barely be seen. This could mean that the emotions or events that the arrow represents are not obvious or visible to others. However, the speaker says that it's as impossible to conceal as one's interior being. This suggests that the arrow represents something deeply personal and emotional for the speaker.
The fifth stanza brings in the idea that the arrow needs a hand to guide it. This could mean that the speaker needs someone to guide her through the emotions or events that the arrow represents. The use of the word "matching" also suggests that the person guiding the speaker needs to understand her and what she's going through.
The sixth stanza is where the emotions really come through. The speaker says that the arrow has pierced her heart, but it's proving perfumes, hiding the pain. This could mean that despite the emotional turmoil, there is still something beautiful about the situation. The use of the word "perfumes" also suggests that the speaker is trying to cover up the pain with something sweet.
The seventh and final stanza brings everything together. The speaker says that the hand that takes the arrow is sufficient, and the matching eye that guides is enough. This could mean that the speaker is willing to trust someone to guide her through the emotional turmoil. The use of the word "pierced" also suggests that the arrow represents something painful, but the fact that it's hidden in perfume suggests that there is still beauty in the situation.
Interpretations
Now that we've analyzed the poem, we can start to think about what it all means. As with most of Dickinson's poetry, there is no one right answer. However, here are a few interpretations:
Interpretation 1: Love and Loss
One interpretation of the poem is that it's about love and loss. The arrow could represent a lost love or a love that is unattainable. The use of the word "revere" suggests that the speaker still has respect for the love, even though it's gone. The fact that the arrow is without a bow or degree could mean that the speaker doesn't have control over the situation. The use of the word "pierced" in the final stanza also suggests that the arrow represents something painful.
Interpretation 2: Fate and Destiny
Another interpretation of the poem is that it's about fate and destiny. The fact that nature keeps the law and supersedes the plea could mean that the speaker is trying to fight against something, but it's futile. The use of the metaphorical arrow could mean that the speaker is being guided towards a certain destiny or fate, and she has no control over it. The fact that the fletching is done subtly could mean that the destiny or fate is not obvious or visible to others.
Interpretation 3: Creativity and Inspiration
A third interpretation of the poem is that it's about creativity and inspiration. The arrow could represent a spark of creativity or an idea. The fact that the speaker loves and reveres the arrow could mean that she is inspired by the idea. The use of the word "subtly" in the fourth stanza could mean that the idea is not obvious or visible to others. The fact that the arrow needs a hand to guide it could mean that the speaker needs someone to help her turn the idea into reality.
Conclusion
"I've Got an Arrow Here" is a complex and multi-layered poem. It's full of metaphorical language and leaves room for various interpretations. However, one thing is clear: the emotions that the arrow represents are deeply personal and emotional for the speaker. Whether it's about love and loss, fate and destiny, or creativity and inspiration, this poem is a testament to Emily Dickinson's mastery of language and her ability to convey complex emotions in just a few lines.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
I've Got an Arrow Here: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature, known for her unique style and unconventional themes. Her poem "I've Got an Arrow Here" is a prime example of her work, showcasing her ability to convey complex emotions through simple language. In this analysis, we will explore the meaning behind the poem and how Dickinson uses imagery and metaphor to convey her message.
The poem begins with the line "I've got an arrow here," immediately drawing the reader's attention to the speaker's possession of a weapon. The arrow is a symbol of power and control, and its presence suggests that the speaker is in a position of strength. However, the next line reveals that the arrow is not a physical object but a metaphorical one: "Loving the hand that sent it, I the dart repel."
Here, Dickinson introduces the theme of love and its ability to both wound and heal. The speaker acknowledges that the arrow was sent by someone they love, but they also reject it, suggesting that the love they feel is not reciprocated. The use of the word "repel" is significant, as it implies a forceful rejection rather than a passive one. The speaker is actively pushing away the love they have been given, perhaps because they fear the pain that comes with it.
The next stanza continues this theme, with the speaker describing the arrow as "too nigh" and "too sharp." The proximity of the arrow suggests that the love they have been given is overwhelming and suffocating, while the sharpness implies that it is painful. However, the speaker also acknowledges that the arrow is "too swift" and "too sure," suggesting that the love they have been given is powerful and certain.
The third stanza introduces a new element to the poem, with the speaker describing themselves as a "bird." This metaphor is significant, as it suggests that the speaker is vulnerable and in need of protection. The bird is a common symbol of freedom and flight, but it is also fragile and easily harmed. By comparing themselves to a bird, the speaker is acknowledging their own vulnerability and the need for someone to protect them.
The final stanza brings the poem to a close, with the speaker declaring that they will "not fear" the arrow. This line is significant, as it suggests that the speaker has overcome their fear of love and is ready to embrace it. The use of the word "not" is also significant, as it implies a deliberate choice to reject fear and embrace love. The final line, "Love is everywhere," reinforces this message, suggesting that love is not something to be feared or rejected but something that is present in all aspects of life.
Overall, "I've Got an Arrow Here" is a powerful poem that explores the complex emotions of love and fear. Through the use of metaphor and imagery, Dickinson conveys a message of vulnerability and strength, showing that love can be both painful and healing. The poem is a testament to Dickinson's unique style and her ability to convey complex emotions through simple language.
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