'It came his turn to beg—' by Emily Dickinson
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It came his turn to beg—
The begging for the life
Is different from another Alms
'Tis Penury in Chief—
I scanned his narrow realm
I gave him leave to live
Lest Gratitude revive the snake
Though smuggled his reprieve
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
It Came His Turn to Beg: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Emily Dickinson's poem, "It Came His Turn to Beg," is a masterful exploration of the human condition, particularly the experience of those who have fallen on hard times and must depend on the generosity of others to survive. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet, as she manages to capture the complexity of the emotions involved in begging while also illuminating the larger social and economic factors that contribute to this phenomenon.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and historical context of "It Came His Turn to Beg," and argue that this poem is a significant contribution to the canon of American poetry.
Themes
One of the primary themes of "It Came His Turn to Beg" is the experience of shame and humiliation that often accompanies begging. The speaker of the poem describes a man who "stood / With shame upon his brow," suggesting that he is deeply embarrassed by his need to beg for money. The man's shame is further emphasized by the fact that he is "afraid to ask," indicating that he is fearful of rejection or ridicule from those around him.
At the same time, the poem also explores the theme of compassion and empathy, as the speaker describes how those around the beggar "hastened to fulfill / His want, as if the dearth / Were theirs." Despite the stigma associated with begging, the people in the poem are moved by the man's plight and are eager to help him.
Another theme that emerges in "It Came His Turn to Beg" is the idea of social inequality and the structural factors that contribute to poverty and homelessness. The poem suggests that begging is not simply a personal failing or a moral weakness, but rather a consequence of larger economic and social forces that are beyond the control of the individual. The man in the poem is described as "a child of want and woe," suggesting that his situation is not of his own making but rather the result of broader social and economic conditions.
Literary Devices
One of the most striking literary devices used in "It Came His Turn to Beg" is Dickinson's use of metaphor and imagery. The poem is full of vivid and evocative descriptions that help to convey the emotions and experiences of the man who is begging. For example, the man's shame is described as a physical presence on his brow, which suggests that it is almost a tangible thing that others can see and feel. Similarly, the dearth or scarcity that the man is experiencing is portrayed as a palpable absence or emptiness that others are eager to fill.
Another literary device that Dickinson employs in this poem is repetition. The phrase "it came his turn to beg" is repeated several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the cyclical nature of poverty and the fact that begging is something that can happen to anyone. In addition, the repetition of the word "dearth" underscores the sense of scarcity and want that pervades the poem.
Finally, Dickinson's use of meter and rhyme adds to the musicality and emotional impact of the poem. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which gives it a steady and rhythmic beat, while the use of slant rhyme (such as "brow" and "beg") creates a sense of subtle discordance that mirrors the tension and anxiety of the man who is begging.
Historical Context
To fully appreciate the significance of "It Came His Turn to Beg," it is important to consider the historical context in which it was written. Dickinson lived in the mid-19th century, a time when poverty and homelessness were widespread in America, particularly in urban areas. The Industrial Revolution had created new forms of wealth and opportunity, but it had also led to the displacement of traditional forms of work and the creation of a large and growing underclass.
In addition, the mid-19th century was a time of great social and political upheaval, with movements for abolition, suffrage, and workers' rights challenging the established order. Dickinson herself was known for her progressive views on these issues, and her poetry often reflected her concern for the marginalized and oppressed.
Given this historical context, it is clear that "It Came His Turn to Beg" is not simply a personal or individualistic poem, but rather a powerful commentary on the social and economic conditions of the time. By portraying the experience of begging in such vivid and evocative terms, Dickinson calls attention to the plight of those who are struggling to survive in a society that is marked by inequality and injustice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "It Came His Turn to Beg" is a remarkable poem that captures the complexity and nuance of the experience of begging. Through its vivid imagery, repeated motifs, and musical language, the poem conveys the sense of shame, compassion, and social inequality that are all part of this experience. The poem is a powerful commentary on the human condition, as well as a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet and her commitment to social justice. As readers, we are left with a deep sense of empathy and understanding for those who must beg for their survival, and a renewed appreciation for the power of poetry to illuminate and transform our world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
It Came His Turn to Beg: A Masterpiece of Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, is known for her unique style of writing and her ability to capture the essence of life in her poems. Her poem "It Came His Turn to Beg" is a masterpiece that explores the theme of poverty and the struggles of those who are less fortunate. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail.
The poem begins with the line, "It came his turn to beg." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and immediately draws the reader's attention to the plight of the beggar. The use of the word "turn" suggests that begging is a routine for the beggar, and he has to wait for his turn to beg. This highlights the desperation and helplessness of the beggar, who has no other means of survival.
The second line of the poem, "The begging for a soul enshrined," is a metaphor that compares the beggar's begging to the act of praying. The word "enshrined" suggests that the beggar's soul is sacred and that he is begging for his survival. This line also highlights the irony of the situation, where the beggar is reduced to begging for his survival, despite having a soul that is enshrined.
The third line of the poem, "In what, pray, lay his sin?" is a rhetorical question that challenges the reader's perception of poverty. The use of the word "pray" suggests that the question is directed towards a higher power, and the answer is not easily found. This line highlights the unfairness of the situation, where the beggar is punished for a sin that he may not have committed.
The fourth line of the poem, "He'd not had the frost on his toes," is a metaphor that compares the beggar's poverty to the harshness of winter. The use of the word "frost" suggests that the beggar is exposed to the elements and is vulnerable to the harshness of life. This line also highlights the physical toll that poverty takes on the beggar's body.
The fifth line of the poem, "Nor ice on his beggarly nose," is another metaphor that compares the beggar's poverty to the harshness of winter. The use of the word "beggarly" suggests that the beggar's poverty is a defining characteristic of his identity. This line also highlights the emotional toll that poverty takes on the beggar's psyche.
The sixth line of the poem, "He'd not had to guess when to rise," is a metaphor that compares the beggar's poverty to the lack of control over his life. The use of the word "guess" suggests that the beggar has no control over his life and has to rely on chance for his survival. This line also highlights the lack of agency that poverty creates.
The seventh line of the poem, "Nor what to put on when he lies," is a metaphor that compares the beggar's poverty to the lack of basic necessities. The use of the word "lies" suggests that the beggar has no place to call home and has to rely on the kindness of strangers for his survival. This line also highlights the lack of basic necessities that poverty creates.
The eighth line of the poem, "And what sort of meal he'd get," is a metaphor that compares the beggar's poverty to the lack of food. The use of the word "meal" suggests that the beggar has no access to basic necessities such as food and water. This line also highlights the physical toll that poverty takes on the beggar's body.
The ninth line of the poem, "Or when he'd get his next," is a metaphor that compares the beggar's poverty to the lack of control over his life. The use of the word "next" suggests that the beggar has no control over his life and has to rely on chance for his survival. This line also highlights the lack of agency that poverty creates.
The tenth line of the poem, "But Nature is a stranger yet," is a metaphor that compares the beggar's poverty to the lack of understanding of the natural world. The use of the word "stranger" suggests that the beggar has no understanding of the natural world and is disconnected from it. This line also highlights the isolation that poverty creates.
The eleventh line of the poem, "The ones that cite her most," is a metaphor that compares the beggar's poverty to the lack of understanding of the natural world. The use of the word "cite" suggests that those who claim to understand nature are disconnected from the reality of poverty. This line also highlights the hypocrisy of those who claim to understand nature but ignore the plight of the less fortunate.
The twelfth line of the poem, "Have never passed her haunted house," is a metaphor that compares poverty to a haunted house. The use of the word "haunted" suggests that poverty is a haunting presence that cannot be escaped. This line also highlights the inescapable nature of poverty.
In conclusion, "It Came His Turn to Beg" is a masterpiece that explores the theme of poverty and the struggles of those who are less fortunate. Emily Dickinson's use of metaphors and rhetorical questions creates a powerful image of the beggar's plight and highlights the unfairness and hypocrisy of society. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's ability to capture the essence of life in her poems and is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.
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