'If I could bribe them by a Rose' by Emily Dickinson


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If I could bribe them by a Rose
I'd bring them every flower that grows
From Amherst to Cashmere!
I would not stop for night, or storm—
Or frost, or death, or anyone—
My business were so dear!

If they would linger for a Bird
My Tambourin were soonest heard
Among the April Woods!
Unwearied, all the summer long,
Only to break in wilder song
When Winter shook the boughs!

What if they hear me!
Who shall say
That such an importunity
May not at last avail?

That, weary of this Beggar's face—
They may not finally say, Yes—
To drive her from the Hall?

Editor 1 Interpretation

If I Could Bribe Them by a Rose: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Poetry

Emily Dickinson’s poetry is known for its complex themes, spiritual undertones, and powerful imagery. In “If I Could Bribe Them by a Rose,” Dickinson explores the idea of temptation and the struggle to resist it. This classic poem provides insight into the human condition and the constant battle between desire and self-control.

An Overview of the Poem

“If I Could Bribe Them by a Rose” is a short poem, consisting of only eight lines. Its structure is simple, with four stanzas of two lines each. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, giving it a rhythmic and musical quality.

The poem begins with the speaker expressing a desire to “bribe” someone with a rose. The speaker then goes on to describe the power of the rose, saying that it can “tempt” and “win” even the most resistant heart. However, in the final stanza, the speaker acknowledges the futility of such a gesture, saying that even if they could bribe someone with a rose, it would not change the fact that they are “unworthy” of love.

An Interpretation of the Poem

On the surface, “If I Could Bribe Them by a Rose” appears to be a simple poem about the power of a flower. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the rose is a symbol for something deeper. Throughout history, roses have been associated with love, beauty, and temptation. In this poem, the rose represents the speaker’s desire for love and their struggle to resist temptation.

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker expresses their desire to “bribe” someone with a rose. The use of the word “bribe” suggests that the speaker is attempting to persuade someone to love them, rather than earning their love through genuine affection. This desire for love is further emphasized in the second stanza, where the speaker describes the power of the rose to “tempt” and “win” even the most resistant heart.

However, in the final stanza, the speaker acknowledges that even if they could bribe someone with a rose, it would not change the fact that they are “unworthy” of love. This line is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the speaker recognizes their own flaws and limitations. It is a moment of self-awareness and humility.

This interpretation of the poem aligns with Dickinson’s larger themes of spirituality and the human condition. Dickinson was known for her exploration of the soul and its relationship to the divine. In “If I Could Bribe Them by a Rose,” she uses the rose as a symbol for the human desire for love and acceptance, and the struggle to resist temptation.

The Importance of Form

In addition to its deep themes and powerful imagery, “If I Could Bribe Them by a Rose” is a masterclass in form. The poem’s structure and meter work together to create a sense of musicality and rhythm.

The use of iambic tetrameter gives the poem a consistent beat, which helps to emphasize the important moments in the poem. For example, the stresses on the words “win” and “worth” in the second and fourth stanzas, respectively, draw attention to these key ideas.

The poem’s short length and simple structure also make it easy to memorize and recite. This is something that Dickinson was known for, as she often wrote poems that could be easily remembered and recited.

Why This Poem Endures

Despite being over 150 years old, “If I Could Bribe Them by a Rose” continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of temptation, desire, and self-awareness are universal and timeless.

Additionally, the poem’s simple structure and musical quality make it easy to read and understand, even for those who may not be well-versed in poetry. This accessibility has helped to ensure the poem’s endurance over time.

Conclusion

Emily Dickinson’s “If I Could Bribe Them by a Rose” is a powerful and timeless work of poetry. Through its use of symbolism, meter, and structure, the poem explores the human desire for love and acceptance, and the constant struggle to resist temptation. Its enduring themes and simple structure make it a perfect example of Dickinson’s unique style and voice.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

If I could bribe them by a Rose is a classic poem written by Emily Dickinson, a renowned American poet who is known for her unique style of writing. This poem is a beautiful expression of love and the lengths one would go to express it. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and the overall meaning of the poem.

The poem begins with the speaker expressing her desire to bribe someone with a rose. The rose is a symbol of love and beauty, and the speaker is willing to use it to get what she wants. The first line of the poem, "If I could bribe them by a Rose," sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is willing to do whatever it takes to get what she wants, even if it means using a bribe.

The second line of the poem, "I'd bring them every flower that grows," shows the extent of the speaker's love. She is willing to bring every flower that grows to the person she loves. This line also shows the speaker's appreciation for nature and its beauty. The speaker is willing to share this beauty with the person she loves.

The third line of the poem, "From Amherst's gray expanse to Auburn's show," shows the speaker's willingness to travel far and wide to express her love. Amherst and Auburn are two different places, and the speaker is willing to travel from one place to another to express her love. This line also shows the speaker's determination to express her love, no matter what it takes.

The fourth line of the poem, "The timid eye will know no more," shows the power of love. Love can make even the timidest person brave. The speaker is willing to express her love, even if it means stepping out of her comfort zone. This line also shows the speaker's confidence in her love. She believes that her love is strong enough to overcome any obstacle.

The fifth line of the poem, "The timid heart will know no shame," shows the speaker's willingness to be vulnerable. Love can make even the strongest person vulnerable. The speaker is willing to open her heart and express her love, even if it means being vulnerable. This line also shows the speaker's confidence in her love. She believes that her love is strong enough to withstand any criticism.

The sixth line of the poem, "And love will find its own reward," shows the speaker's belief in the power of love. Love is its own reward. The speaker believes that expressing her love will bring her happiness, regardless of the outcome. This line also shows the speaker's selflessness. She is willing to express her love without expecting anything in return.

The seventh line of the poem, "And hope its own bestowal," shows the speaker's optimism. She believes that expressing her love will bring hope and happiness to the person she loves. This line also shows the speaker's belief in the power of hope. She believes that hope can bring happiness and joy to anyone.

The eighth line of the poem, "And faith its own salvation," shows the speaker's faith. She believes that expressing her love will bring salvation to the person she loves. This line also shows the speaker's belief in the power of faith. She believes that faith can bring salvation and happiness to anyone.

The ninth line of the poem, "But not to gain the heart's desire," shows the speaker's selflessness. She is not expressing her love to gain anything in return. She is expressing her love because she believes it is the right thing to do. This line also shows the speaker's humility. She is not expecting anything in return for her love.

The tenth line of the poem, "Nor yet to force a soul to prayer," shows the speaker's respect for others. She is not expressing her love to force someone to do something they do not want to do. This line also shows the speaker's belief in the power of free will. She believes that everyone has the right to choose their own path.

The eleventh line of the poem, "But simply for the rose," shows the speaker's love for the rose. The rose is a symbol of love and beauty, and the speaker is willing to use it to express her love. This line also shows the speaker's appreciation for the simple things in life.

The twelfth line of the poem, "That from the soul of love doth rise," shows the speaker's belief in the power of love. Love comes from the soul, and the speaker believes that expressing her love will bring happiness and joy to the person she loves. This line also shows the speaker's belief in the power of the soul. She believes that the soul is the source of all love and happiness.

The thirteenth line of the poem, "And love is love, however wise," shows the speaker's belief in the power of love. Love is love, regardless of age, gender, or social status. The speaker believes that love is the most powerful force in the world, and it can overcome any obstacle.

The fourteenth line of the poem, "And skies are blue, and fields are green," shows the speaker's appreciation for nature. The speaker believes that nature is beautiful and can bring happiness and joy to anyone. This line also shows the speaker's belief in the power of nature. She believes that nature can heal and bring peace to anyone.

The fifteenth line of the poem, "And laughter is the only dream," shows the speaker's belief in the power of laughter. Laughter can bring happiness and joy to anyone. The speaker believes that laughter is the key to happiness and that everyone should laugh as much as possible.

The sixteenth line of the poem, "I ask, and cannot ask again," shows the speaker's vulnerability. She is asking for love, and she cannot ask again. This line also shows the speaker's belief in the power of love. She believes that love is worth asking for, even if it means being vulnerable.

In conclusion, If I could bribe them by a Rose is a beautiful expression of love and the lengths one would go to express it. The poem is filled with themes of love, selflessness, and the power of nature. The literary devices used in the poem, such as symbolism and imagery, add depth and meaning to the poem. Emily Dickinson's unique style of writing makes this poem a classic that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.

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