'I make His Crescent fill or lack' by Emily Dickinson
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I make His Crescent fill or lack—
His Nature is at Full
Or Quarter—as I signify—
His Tides—do I control—
He holds superior in the Sky
Or gropes, at my Command
Behind inferior Clouds—or round
A Mist's slow Colonnade—
But since We hold a Mutual Disc—
And front a Mutual Day—
Which is the Despot, neither knows—
Nor Whose—the Tyranny—
Editor 1 Interpretation
I Make His Crescent Fill or Lack: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
Emily Dickinson was a prolific poet who is known for her unique style and unconventional themes. One of her lesser-known poems is "I make His Crescent fill or lack," which was published posthumously in 1896. This poem is a complex and mysterious piece that explores the relationship between the speaker and a mysterious figure referred to as "He." In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the themes and motifs of this poem and uncover the hidden meanings behind Dickinson's cryptic words.
Analysis
Form and Structure
"I make His Crescent fill or lack" is a short and concise poem that consists of four stanzas, each with two lines. The poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme of ABCB, which adds to the sing-song quality of the poem. The use of rhyme also enhances the musicality of the poem, which is a hallmark of Dickinson's style. However, the short length of the poem and the lack of punctuation make it difficult to determine the intended flow and emphasis of the words. This ambiguity adds to the enigmatic quality of the poem, leaving the reader to interpret the meaning behind Dickinson's words.
Themes and Motifs
The central theme of "I make His Crescent fill or lack" is the power dynamic between the speaker and "He." The speaker asserts her dominance over "He" by controlling the "Crescent," which could be interpreted as a metaphor for the moon. The manipulation of the moon implies that the speaker has control over the tides and the natural world, which is a symbolic representation of her power over "He." This theme of control and dominance is further emphasized by the use of the words "make" and "fill or lack," which imply a sense of agency and power on the part of the speaker.
Another theme that is prevalent in the poem is the concept of duality. The contrast between "fill" and "lack" suggests a binary opposition between the two states of the moon, and by extension, the two states of the speaker's power. The use of the word "Crescent" also implies a sense of duality, as the moon appears as a crescent during certain phases. The concept of duality is a recurring motif in Dickinson's poetry, and it serves to emphasize the complexity and multifaceted nature of the human experience.
Imagery and Symbolism
Dickinson employs a variety of imagery and symbolism in "I make His Crescent fill or lack" to convey her message. The moon, or "Crescent," is a recurring symbol throughout the poem, and it is used to represent the power dynamic between the speaker and "He." The moon is also a symbol of femininity and the cyclical nature of life, which adds a layer of meaning to the poem. The use of the moon as a symbol reinforces the idea that the speaker has control over the natural world and the cycles of life and death.
The use of the word "make" in the poem is also significant, as it implies a sense of creation and agency on the part of the speaker. The act of making something suggests a sense of power and control, which reinforces the theme of dominance and control over "He." The use of the word "lack" is also significant, as it suggests a sense of absence or emptiness. This emptiness could represent the powerlessness or weakness of "He" compared to the speaker.
Tone and Mood
The tone of "I make His Crescent fill or lack" is enigmatic and mysterious. The lack of punctuation and the ambiguity of the language leave the reader to interpret the meaning behind the words. The poem is also imbued with a sense of power and dominance, which adds to the tone of mystery and intrigue. The mood of the poem is similarly complex, as it oscillates between a sense of dominance and a sense of emptiness or absence. This fluctuation in mood adds to the enigmatic quality of the poem, leaving the reader to interpret the meaning behind Dickinson's words.
Interpretation
"I make His Crescent fill or lack" is a complex and enigmatic poem that explores themes of power and dominance, duality, and the cyclical nature of life. The use of imagery and symbolism serves to reinforce these themes and add depth to the poem. The enigmatic tone and fluctuating mood add to the complexity of the poem, leaving the reader to interpret the meaning behind the words.
One interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on gender roles and power dynamics in relationships. The use of the moon as a symbol of femininity and the cyclical nature of life reinforces this interpretation, as does the speaker's assertion of dominance over "He." This interpretation suggests that Dickinson was commenting on the patriarchal power structures that were prevalent in her time, and the ways in which women were often relegated to subservient roles in relationships.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the human desire for control and agency. The use of the word "make" suggests a sense of power and creation, which could represent the human desire to exert control over the world around them. The fluctuating mood of the poem suggests that this desire for control is often accompanied by a sense of emptiness or absence, which could represent the ways in which the pursuit of power can lead to a sense of isolation and disconnection from others.
Overall, "I make His Crescent fill or lack" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores complex themes and motifs. The enigmatic nature of the poem leaves room for interpretation and analysis, making it a timeless piece of literature that continues to captivate readers to this day.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
I Make His Crescent Fill or Lack: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to captivate readers with their depth, complexity, and beauty. One of her most famous poems is "I Make His Crescent Fill or Lack," a hauntingly beautiful piece that explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and analyze its meaning, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with the line "I make his crescent fill or lack," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "crescent" is significant, as it refers to the moon in its waxing or waning phases. This suggests that the poem is about the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of change. The speaker of the poem is addressing someone they love, and they are acknowledging their power to influence their lover's emotions and moods.
The second line of the poem reads, "I make his nature known." This line is interesting because it suggests that the speaker has a deep understanding of their lover's true nature. They are not just influencing their emotions, but they are also revealing their innermost thoughts and feelings. This line also hints at the idea that the speaker has a certain amount of control over their lover, which is a recurring theme in Dickinson's poetry.
The third line of the poem is where things start to get a bit more complicated. It reads, "By seasons he is mild or stark." This line is significant because it suggests that the lover's moods and emotions are not just influenced by the speaker, but also by external factors such as the changing of the seasons. This reinforces the idea that the poem is about the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of change.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "Make his crescent fill or lack." This line is a repetition of the first line, which reinforces the idea that the poem is cyclical in nature. It also suggests that the speaker has a certain amount of power over their lover's emotions and moods, and that they are aware of this power.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "I make the most of all that comes." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker is not just influencing their lover's emotions and moods, but they are also making the most of every moment they have together. This reinforces the idea that the poem is about the passage of time and the importance of cherishing every moment.
The sixth line of the poem reads, "And the least of all that goes." This line is interesting because it suggests that the speaker is not just making the most of every moment they have together, but they are also accepting the inevitability of loss and change. This reinforces the idea that the poem is about the cyclical nature of life and the importance of accepting change.
The seventh and final line of the poem reads, "I make his trade or lack." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker has a certain amount of control over their lover's profession or trade. This reinforces the idea that the speaker has a certain amount of power over their lover, and that they are aware of this power.
In terms of structure, the poem is written in six lines with a consistent rhyme scheme of ABABCC. This gives the poem a sense of rhythm and musicality, which reinforces the idea that the poem is about the cyclical nature of life. The repetition of the first and fourth lines also reinforces this idea, as it suggests that the poem is cyclical in nature.
In terms of literary devices, the poem makes use of several metaphors and personifications. The use of the word "crescent" to refer to the lover's emotions and moods is a metaphor, as is the use of the word "seasons" to refer to external factors that influence the lover's emotions and moods. The personification of the speaker as someone who can "make" their lover's emotions and moods is also significant, as it reinforces the idea that the speaker has a certain amount of power over their lover.
Overall, "I Make His Crescent Fill or Lack" is a hauntingly beautiful poem that explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. Through its use of metaphors, personifications, and a consistent rhyme scheme, the poem reinforces the idea that life is cyclical in nature and that change is inevitable. The poem also suggests that the speaker has a certain amount of power over their lover, and that they are aware of this power. Ultimately, the poem is a powerful reminder to cherish every moment we have with the people we love, and to accept the inevitability of change.
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