'Ideals are the Fairly Oil' by Emily Dickinson

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Ideals are the Fairly Oil
With which we help the Wheel
But when the Vital Axle turns
The Eye rejects the Oil.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Ideals are the Fairy Oil: An Exploration of Dickinson's Poetic Genius

Emily Dickinson remains one of the most enigmatic yet influential figures in American literature. Her oeuvre, which mostly consists of over 1,700 poems, grapples with themes such as death, immortality, nature, spirituality, and identity. Among her works is the poem "Ideals are the Fairy Oil," a piece that stands out for its cryptic yet captivating language and imagery. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into Dickinson's poetic genius and unravel the symbolic meaning and significance of "Ideals are the Fairy Oil."

Overview of the Poem

"Ideals are the Fairy Oil" is a brief, eight-line poem that is written in Dickinson's characteristic style, featuring irregular meter and rhyme. The poem reads as follows:

Ideals are the fairy oil
With which we help the wheel
But when the wheel’s in motion
With ideals, they will not reel.

At first glance, the poem seems to be a simple, whimsical observation about ideals and their role in human affairs. However, as with most of Dickinson's poems, there is more to it than meets the eye. To understand the poem better, we need to examine its language and imagery.

Symbolism and Meaning

The first line, "Ideals are the fairy oil," sets the tone for the poem and introduces us to the central metaphor. The phrase "fairy oil" is a reference to a traditional belief in folklore that fairies used to oil their wings to fly. Thus, the use of "fairy oil" in the poem serves as a metaphor for something that makes things possible or easier, particularly when it comes to achieving lofty goals or ideals.

The second line, "With which we help the wheel," further develops the metaphor by likening ideals to a lubricant that helps a wheel turn smoothly. Here, the "wheel" represents the machinery or mechanisms of life, such as society, politics, and economics. The poem suggests that ideals play a critical role in keeping these systems functioning correctly.

However, the third and fourth lines, "But when the wheel’s in motion / With ideals, they will not reel," introduce a twist to the metaphor. The lines suggest that when the wheel is already in motion, ideals are no longer necessary or useful. They may even become a hindrance or obstacle, preventing the wheel from turning correctly.

But why would ideals that are so essential in getting the wheel started become an impediment once the machine is in motion? The answer lies in the way ideals work. Ideals are abstract concepts that guide and inspire human behavior, but they are not always compatible with the realities of the world. Once the wheel is in motion, practicality and pragmatism take over, and ideals become less relevant or useful.

Dickinson's Philosophical Viewpoint

"Ideals are the Fairy Oil" can also be interpreted as a reflection of Dickinson's philosophical viewpoint, particularly her skepticism and disillusionment with the world. The poem suggests that ideals, no matter how aspirational or noble, cannot overcome the harsh realities of life. The fact that the machine of life will continue to turn despite the presence or absence of ideals is a testament to its indifference to human aspirations and dreams.

The poem also highlights the ephemeral nature of ideals. Like fairy oil, ideals are a fleeting and fragile substance that can quickly evaporate or disappear. The poem's brevity and straightforward language reflect Dickinson's belief that life is a fleeting and transient experience that can be best captured in a few choice words.

Conclusion

"Ideals are the Fairy Oil" is a testament to Emily Dickinson's poetic genius and her ability to capture complex ideas in simple yet evocative language. The poem's metaphorical language and imagery reveal Dickinson's philosophical viewpoint on the role of ideals in human affairs, as well as her skepticism and disillusionment with the world. In the end, the poem reminds us that life is a fleeting and ephemeral experience that can only be lived in the present moment, with or without ideals to guide us.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Ideals are the Fairly Oil: A Masterpiece by 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 convey deep emotions through her words. Her poem, "Ideals are the Fairly Oil," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of human nature and the pursuit of perfection.

The poem begins with the line, "Ideals are the Fairly Oil, / With which we help the Wheel." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that ideals are essential for the smooth functioning of society. The use of the word "fairly" in this line is significant, as it implies that ideals are not perfect, but they are still necessary.

The second stanza of the poem reads, "The action of the Thrill / Is all the Upshot of the Will / And all the Wheeling still." This stanza suggests that the pursuit of ideals is not just a passive activity, but it requires action and effort. The use of the word "Thrill" in this stanza is significant, as it suggests that the pursuit of ideals is not just a duty, but it can also be a source of excitement and joy.

The third stanza of the poem reads, "The Suspension of the Shaft / Depends on tiny Draughts of Breath / That from the Soul exhale." This stanza suggests that the pursuit of ideals is not just a physical activity, but it also requires a spiritual component. The use of the word "Suspension" in this stanza is significant, as it suggests that the pursuit of ideals requires a certain level of balance and stability.

The fourth stanza of the poem reads, "The Want of Oxygen / Increases but the More / The Depth attained by Oxygen / The more the Needful, Air." This stanza suggests that the pursuit of ideals is not just a one-time activity, but it requires a continuous effort. The use of the word "Oxygen" in this stanza is significant, as it suggests that the pursuit of ideals is essential for the sustenance of life.

The fifth stanza of the poem reads, "Is it the Air's Affair / The Whole Responsibility / We breathe Or Brush, or steal?" This stanza suggests that the pursuit of ideals is not just an individual activity, but it is also a collective responsibility. The use of the word "Responsibility" in this stanza is significant, as it suggests that the pursuit of ideals is not just a personal choice, but it also has an impact on society as a whole.

The sixth and final stanza of the poem reads, "That, like the Heat of Day / Oppresses, flattening Land and Sea / And fellow Men as well." This stanza suggests that the pursuit of ideals can also have negative consequences, as it can lead to oppression and conflict. The use of the word "Oppresses" in this stanza is significant, as it suggests that the pursuit of ideals can sometimes lead to a loss of freedom and individuality.

Overall, "Ideals are the Fairly Oil" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of human nature and the pursuit of perfection. The poem suggests that the pursuit of ideals is essential for the smooth functioning of society, but it also requires action, effort, balance, and a spiritual component. The poem also suggests that the pursuit of ideals is not just a personal choice, but it is also a collective responsibility that can have both positive and negative consequences. Emily Dickinson's unique style of writing and her ability to convey deep emotions through her words make this poem a timeless masterpiece that will continue to inspire generations to come.

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