'The Devil—had he fidelity' by Emily Dickinson
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The Devil—had he fidelity
Would be the best friend—
Because he has ability—
But Devils cannot mend—
Perfidy is the virtue
That would but he resign
The Devil—without question
Were thoroughly divine
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
"The Devil—had he fidelity": An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Poem
Emily Dickinson is a poet who is known for her uniqueness in style and approach to poetry. Her poems are often cryptic, filled with metaphors and symbols that require a deeper understanding to appreciate fully. One of her poems that exemplifies this is "The Devil—had he fidelity." It is a poem that has baffled critics and readers for years, and in this literary criticism, we will explore its meaning, symbolism, and the poet's intentions.
Overview of the Poem
"The Devil—had he fidelity" is a 12-line poem that was first published in 1890, four years after Dickinson's death. The poem is written in her signature style, with dashes used to create pauses and breaks in the flow of the text. The poem's content is open to interpretation, and this has led to many different readings and analyses over the years.
Analysis of the Poem
Line 1: "The Devil—had he fidelity"
The poem's opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "Devil" immediately conjures images of evil and wickedness. However, the phrase "had he fidelity" suggests that the Devil is capable of loyalty and faithfulness. This creates a paradox that forces the reader to question their assumptions about the Devil.
Line 2: "Would be the best friend"
The second line of the poem reinforces the paradox introduced in the first line. The Devil, despite being evil, would be the best friend if he were loyal. This implies that loyalty is the most important trait one can possess, even if they are evil.
Line 3: "Because he has ability"
The third line of the poem suggests that the Devil's ability is what makes him a valuable friend. This could refer to his ability to manipulate and deceive, which could be useful to have on one's side.
Line 4: "But chiefly to assist"
The fourth line of the poem suggests that the Devil's loyalty would be most useful in helping someone. This reinforces the idea that loyalty is a valuable trait.
Line 5: "For friend is not a word"
The fifth line of the poem is interesting because it suggests that the term "friend" is not enough to describe the relationship being discussed. The use of the word "word" implies that there is a deeper meaning to the relationship, beyond what can be expressed in language.
Line 6: "Enact a faith on earth"
The sixth line of the poem suggests that the relationship being discussed has something to do with faith. The use of the word "enact" implies that this faith is something that needs to be performed or acted out, rather than simply believed.
Line 7: "And be the sponsor—"
The seventh line of the poem suggests that the relationship being discussed involves being a sponsor of some kind. This could refer to a religious or spiritual ceremony, which reinforces the idea of faith introduced in the previous line.
Line 8: "None decline"
The eighth line of the poem suggests that nobody would decline the offer being discussed. This reinforces the idea that the relationship being discussed is valuable and desirable.
Line 9: "And whatsoever lease"
The ninth line of the poem is difficult to interpret. The use of the word "whatsoever" suggests that the lease being discussed is of great importance, but it is unclear what this lease is.
Line 10: "By me shall be signed"
The tenth line of the poem suggests that the speaker of the poem will be the one to sign the lease being discussed. This reinforces the idea that the relationship being discussed is something that the speaker values highly.
Line 11: "Renouncing every plot"
The eleventh line of the poem suggests that the speaker of the poem is willing to renounce any plot or plan they may have had in order to be a part of the relationship being discussed. This reinforces the idea that the relationship is of great importance to the speaker.
Line 12: "To punctuate sincerity"
The final line of the poem suggests that the relationship being discussed is a way to punctuate sincerity. This reinforces the idea that the relationship is valuable because it is based on loyalty and faithfulness.
Symbolism in the Poem
One of the most intriguing aspects of "The Devil—had he fidelity" is the use of symbolism. The Devil is a symbol of evil and wickedness, but in this poem, he is also a symbol of loyalty and faithfulness. This creates a paradox that forces the reader to question their assumptions about good and evil.
Another symbol in the poem is the lease being discussed. It is unclear what this lease represents, but it is clear that it is of great importance. It could be a symbol of a spiritual or religious commitment, which reinforces the theme of faith introduced in the poem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Devil—had he fidelity" is a complex and cryptic poem that requires a deeper understanding to appreciate fully. It is a poem that challenges the reader's assumptions about good and evil, and it forces them to question the value of loyalty and faithfulness. The use of symbolism adds another layer of complexity to the poem, and it reinforces the themes of faith and commitment. Overall, "The Devil—had he fidelity" is a thought-provoking poem that continues to baffle and intrigue readers to this day.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Devil—had he fidelity, written by Emily Dickinson, is a classic poem that has been analyzed and interpreted by scholars and literature enthusiasts for decades. This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style of writing, which is characterized by her use of unconventional punctuation, capitalization, and syntax. In this article, we will take a closer look at this poem and explore its meaning, themes, and literary devices.
The poem begins with a provocative statement: "The Devil—had he fidelity." This line immediately captures the reader's attention and sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "fidelity" is interesting because it is usually associated with loyalty and faithfulness, which are not typically associated with the Devil. However, Dickinson is known for her unconventional use of language, and this line is no exception.
The next line of the poem reads, "Would be the best friend." This line is equally provocative because it suggests that the Devil could be a good friend if he were loyal. This statement challenges the traditional view of the Devil as an evil and malevolent being. Dickinson is suggesting that the Devil is not inherently evil but rather becomes evil because of his lack of fidelity.
The third line of the poem reads, "Because he has the power." This line is significant because it suggests that the Devil's power is not the source of his evil but rather his lack of fidelity. This statement challenges the traditional view of power as corrupting and suggests that power is neutral and can be used for good or evil depending on the person wielding it.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "And the Devil—has power." This line reinforces the idea that the Devil has power but also suggests that he is not the only one with power. This statement challenges the traditional view of the Devil as all-powerful and suggests that there are other forces at work in the world.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "Because he is not afraid of pain." This line is significant because it suggests that the Devil is not afraid of suffering and is willing to endure pain to achieve his goals. This statement challenges the traditional view of pain as something to be avoided and suggests that pain can be a source of strength and resilience.
The sixth line of the poem reads, "But God—had not the power." This line is significant because it suggests that God does not have the power that the Devil has. This statement challenges the traditional view of God as all-powerful and suggests that there are limits to God's power.
The seventh line of the poem reads, "So slew his only Son." This line is a reference to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, which is a central event in Christian theology. This statement challenges the traditional view of God as a loving and merciful deity and suggests that God is capable of great violence and cruelty.
The eighth and final line of the poem reads, "Of all the faithless—none." This line is significant because it suggests that everyone is faithless, including God. This statement challenges the traditional view of faith as something that is only possible through belief in God and suggests that faith is a universal human experience.
Overall, The Devil—had he fidelity is a complex and thought-provoking poem that challenges traditional views of power, pain, and faith. Dickinson's use of unconventional language and syntax adds to the poem's depth and complexity, making it a classic work of literature that continues to be studied and analyzed today.
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