'They shut me up in Prose' by Emily Dickinson
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They shut me up in Prose—
As when a little Girl
They put me in the Closet—
Because they liked me "still"—
Still! Could themself have peeped—
And seen my Brain—go round—
They might as wise have lodged a Bird
For Treason—in the Pound—
Himself has but to will
And easy as a Star
Abolish his Captivity—
And laugh—No more have I—
Editor 1 Interpretation
They shut me up in Prose: A Literary Criticism
Oh, what a delight it is to dive into the world of Emily Dickinson and her enigmatic poetry! In this literary criticism, we will delve into one of her most famous works, "They shut me up in Prose," and attempt to decode the layers of meaning and symbolism that lie beneath the surface.
Background and Context
Before we delve into the poem itself, it is important to understand the context in which it was written. Emily Dickinson was born in Amherst, Massachusetts, in 1830 and lived a reclusive life, rarely venturing outside her family's home. She wrote more than 1,800 poems in her lifetime, but only a handful were published during her lifetime.
Dickinson's poetry is known for its unconventional style, often utilizing slant rhyme and unconventional punctuation. Many of her poems deal with themes of death, religion, and nature, and are imbued with a sense of mystery and ambiguity.
"They shut me up in Prose" was written in 1862, during a time when Dickinson was experiencing personal turmoil. Her father had suffered a stroke, and she was struggling with her own health issues. The poem can be interpreted as an expression of her frustration at being confined to the domestic sphere and denied the freedom to pursue her artistic passions.
Analysis
Let's turn now to the poem itself. "They shut me up in Prose" consists of two stanzas, each with four lines. Here is the poem in its entirety:
They shut me up in Prose –
As when a little Girl
They put me in the Closet –
Because they liked me "still" –
Still! Could themself have peeped –
And seen my Brain – go round –
They might as wise have lodged a Bird
For Treason – in the Pound –
The poem begins with a jarring image: "They shut me up in Prose." The use of the word "Prose" here is significant. Prose is typically associated with the mundane, the everyday, and the ordinary. By contrast, poetry is often seen as the realm of the imagination and the sublime. By suggesting that she has been "shut up" in Prose, Dickinson is expressing her frustration at being denied the freedom to express herself in a more creative and imaginative way.
The second line – "As when a little Girl" – further emphasizes Dickinson's sense of being trapped and powerless. The image of a little girl being locked in a closet is a powerful one, evoking feelings of fear and helplessness. The fact that she has been "put in the Closet – Because they liked me 'still'" suggests that her captors (whoever they may be) wanted her to be quiet and unobtrusive. This is a deeply gendered image, as it speaks to the societal expectation that women should be quiet and submissive.
The third line – "Still! Could themself have peeped –" – is a turning point in the poem. Here, Dickinson suggests that if her captors had been able to see inside her mind, they would have seen something far more complex and vibrant than they had imagined. The fact that her "Brain [goes] round" suggests that she is bursting with ideas and creativity, despite being confined to the mundane world of Prose.
The final line of the first stanza – "They might as wise have lodged a Bird / For Treason – in the Pound –" – is a powerful metaphor that captures Dickinson's sense of being unjustly imprisoned. The image of a bird being locked up for a crime it did not commit is a poignant one, and suggests that Dickinson sees herself as similarly victimized.
The second stanza continues with the bird imagery, as Dickinson suggests that her captors have failed to understand her true value and potential:
My Life had stood – a Loaded Gun –
In Corners – till a Day
The Owner passed – identified –
And carried Me away –
Here, Dickinson is comparing herself to a loaded gun that has been hidden away and unused. The image is a powerful one, suggesting that she possesses great power and potential that has been left untapped. The fact that she has been hidden away "In Corners" further emphasizes her sense of being overlooked and undervalued.
The final lines of the poem – "And carried Me away" – suggest that Dickinson's true potential has yet to be fully realized. The fact that she has been "identified" by an unnamed "Owner" suggests that she will eventually be rescued from her confinement and allowed to shine.
Interpretation
So what is Dickinson trying to say with this poem? On one level, it can be seen as a critique of the societal expectations that confine women to the domestic sphere and deny them the freedom to pursue their passions. The image of being "shut up in Prose" is a powerful metaphor for the limitations that women face in a patriarchal society.
At the same time, the poem can also be seen as a celebration of the power of creativity and imagination. Despite being confined to the world of Prose, Dickinson's mind is still alive with ideas and possibilities. By comparing herself to a loaded gun, she is suggesting that her creativity is a force to be reckoned with, and that it is only a matter of time before she is able to unleash it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "They shut me up in Prose" is a powerful and deeply moving poem that speaks to the struggles of women in a patriarchal society. Through her use of powerful imagery and vivid metaphors, Emily Dickinson captures the frustration and anger that comes from being denied the freedom to express oneself. At the same time, she celebrates the power of creativity and imagination, suggesting that even in the most confined and limiting of circumstances, the human spirit can still soar.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her works are known for their unique style and unconventional themes. One of her most famous poems is "They shut me up in Prose," which explores the limitations of language and the power of imagination.
The poem begins with the line, "They shut me up in Prose –." This line immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is being confined to a certain form of expression, and this restriction is causing her frustration. The use of the word "shut" implies that the speaker is being forced into this form of expression against her will.
The next line, "As when a little Girl," further emphasizes the speaker's frustration. The comparison to a little girl suggests that the speaker is being treated as a child, and her opinions and ideas are not being taken seriously. The use of the word "little" also implies that the speaker is being belittled and diminished.
The third line, "They put me in the Closet –," continues the theme of confinement. The use of the word "closet" suggests that the speaker is being hidden away and silenced. The closet is a symbol of secrecy and confinement, and the speaker is being forced into this space against her will.
The fourth line, "Because they liked me 'still' –," is perhaps the most important line in the poem. The use of the word "still" suggests that the speaker is being liked for her silence. Her opinions and ideas are not valued, and she is being praised for her ability to remain quiet. This line highlights the theme of oppression and the power dynamics at play in the poem.
The fifth line, "And always gave me Toys –," further emphasizes the speaker's treatment as a child. The use of the word "toys" suggests that the speaker is being given trivial distractions instead of being allowed to express herself. The toys are a symbol of the speaker's oppression and the limitations placed on her.
The final line, "Except the little Boys," is a powerful conclusion to the poem. The use of the word "boys" suggests that the speaker is being silenced by men. This line highlights the gender dynamics at play in the poem and the larger societal issues of women being silenced and oppressed.
Overall, "They shut me up in Prose" is a powerful poem that explores the limitations of language and the power dynamics at play in society. The speaker is being confined to a certain form of expression, and this restriction is causing her frustration. The poem highlights the theme of oppression and the gender dynamics at play in society. Emily Dickinson's unique style and unconventional themes make this poem a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.
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