'She dealt her pretty words like Blades' by Emily Dickinson
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She dealt her pretty words like Blades—
How glittering they shone—
And every One unbared a Nerve
Or wantoned with a Bone—
She never deemed—she hurt—
That—is not Steel's Affair—
A vulgar grimace in the Flesh—
How ill the Creatures bear—
To Ache is human—not polite—
The Film upon the eye
Mortality's old Custom—
Just locking up—to Die.
Editor 1 Interpretation
She dealt her pretty words like Blades: A Literary Criticism
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature, known for her unique style and her ability to convey deep emotions through her writing. Her poems are often short, but they manage to capture the essence of life in a way that is both profound and simple. One of her most famous works is the poem "She dealt her pretty words like Blades," which explores the power of language and the impact that words can have on our lives.
The Poem
She dealt her pretty words like Blades,
How glittering they shone;
And every One unbared a Nerve,
Or wantoned with a Bone.
She never deemed - she hurt -
That - is not Steel’s Affair -
A vulgar grimace in the Flesh -
How ill the Creatures bear -
To Ache is human - not polite -
Bud lay it side by side
With Crucifixion - and it smart
Horribly - to die -
The first thing that strikes us about this poem is the use of metaphor. Dickinson compares words to blades, suggesting that they have the power to wound and hurt. The glittering, shining quality of the words suggests that they are attractive and alluring, but also dangerous. The imagery is vivid and powerful, and it immediately draws the reader in.
The second stanza is particularly interesting, as it suggests that the speaker is aware of the impact that her words are having on others. She is hurting people, but she doesn't seem to care. The line "That - is not Steel’s Affair" suggests that she sees herself as being above such concerns. She is like a surgeon with a scalpel, indifferent to the pain that she is causing.
The third stanza is perhaps the most significant, as it suggests that the pain caused by words is an essential part of the human experience. To "Ache is human," Dickinson argues, and we must accept it as such. The comparison to crucifixion is particularly powerful, as it suggests that pain and suffering are an integral part of the human condition. Despite the pain, however, there is a sense of beauty in the poem, especially in the final line, which suggests that even in the face of death, there is a sense of dignity and grace.
Themes
There are several themes that emerge from the poem, the most significant of which is the power of language. Dickinson suggests that words can be dangerous, but they can also be beautiful and alluring. The use of metaphor is particularly effective in this regard, as it allows the reader to see the impact that words can have in a concrete and vivid way.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of power and control. The speaker is clearly in control of the situation, using her words like a weapon to wound and hurt others. Her indifference to the pain that she is causing is both chilling and intriguing, suggesting that she is either unaware of the impact of her words or simply doesn't care.
Finally, the poem explores the relationship between pain and beauty. Dickinson suggests that even in the face of great suffering, there is still a sense of dignity and grace that can be found. The comparison to crucifixion is particularly powerful in this regard, as it suggests that even in the face of death, there is still a sense of beauty and meaning to be found.
Interpretation
There are several ways in which the poem can be interpreted, depending on one's perspective. Some readers might see the speaker as a manipulative and cruel person, using her words to hurt others for her own amusement. Others might see her as a tragic figure, unaware of the impact that her words are having on others and unable to control her impulses.
Another possible interpretation is that the poem is a commentary on the power dynamics between men and women. The speaker is clearly a woman, using her words to assert her power and control in a society that often denies women agency and autonomy. The comparison to a surgeon with a scalpel is particularly interesting in this regard, as it suggests that the speaker is operating in a male-dominated world and using language as a tool to assert her dominance.
Finally, the poem can be interpreted as a reflection on the nature of pain and suffering. Dickinson suggests that even in the face of great suffering, there is still a sense of beauty and dignity to be found. The comparison to crucifixion is particularly powerful in this regard, as it suggests that pain and suffering are an essential part of the human experience and that even in the face of death, there is still a sense of meaning and purpose to be found.
Conclusion
"She dealt her pretty words like Blades" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the power of language and the impact that words can have on our lives. Through the use of vivid imagery and metaphor, Emily Dickinson captures the essence of human experience in a way that is both profound and simple. Whether read as a commentary on power dynamics, a reflection on the nature of pain and suffering, or a meditation on the power of language, this poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and the human spirit.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
She dealt her pretty words like Blades: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, is known for her unique style of writing that often leaves readers in awe. Her poem "She dealt her pretty words like Blades" is no exception. This classic poem is a masterpiece that showcases Dickinson's exceptional talent for using language to convey powerful emotions and ideas.
The poem begins with the line "She dealt her pretty words like Blades," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "blades" is significant because it suggests that the words being spoken are sharp and cutting. This creates a sense of danger and unpredictability, which is further emphasized by the use of the word "pretty." The juxtaposition of these two words creates a sense of tension that draws the reader in and makes them want to know more.
The second line of the poem reads, "How glittering they shone." This line is important because it suggests that the words being spoken are not only sharp but also beautiful. This creates a sense of contradiction that is central to the poem's theme. The speaker is describing someone who is using their words as a weapon, but at the same time, these words are also captivating and alluring.
The third line of the poem reads, "And every one unbared a gem." This line is significant because it suggests that each word being spoken is revealing something valuable or precious. This creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, as the reader is left wondering what these gems might be. It also suggests that the person speaking is not only using their words as a weapon but also as a means of revealing something important or meaningful.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "But none of them her favor gained." This line is important because it suggests that despite the power and beauty of the words being spoken, they are ultimately ineffective. This creates a sense of disappointment and frustration, as the reader is left wondering why the person speaking is using their words in this way if they are not achieving their desired outcome.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "Perhaps because she did not speak." This line is significant because it suggests that the person speaking is not actually speaking at all. This creates a sense of confusion and uncertainty, as the reader is left wondering how someone can deal their pretty words like blades without actually speaking. It also suggests that the power of the words being spoken is not necessarily in the words themselves but in the way they are being delivered.
The sixth and final line of the poem reads, "In vain, her pretty words were done." This line is important because it suggests that despite the beauty and power of the words being spoken, they are ultimately ineffective. This creates a sense of sadness and disappointment, as the reader is left wondering why the person speaking is using their words in this way if they are not achieving their desired outcome.
Overall, "She dealt her pretty words like Blades" is a masterpiece of poetry that showcases Emily Dickinson's exceptional talent for using language to convey powerful emotions and ideas. The poem is full of contradictions and tension, which draws the reader in and makes them want to know more. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of words and the impact they can have on those around us.
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