'We shun because we prize her Face' by Emily Dickinson
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We shun because we prize her Face
Lest sight's ineffable disgrace
Our Adoration stain
Editor 1 Interpretation
We shun because we prize her Face: A Treasure Trove of Dickinsonian Symbolism
We shun because we prize her Face is one of Emily Dickinson's most enigmatic and thought-provoking poems. This short yet dense piece of poetry seems to have a lot to say about the nature of human relationships and the ways in which we navigate the complexities and ambiguities of those relationships.
At its core, the poem explores the paradoxical notion that we often push away the things we value most, whether it be a person, an idea, or a feeling. Through vivid and evocative imagery, Dickinson invites her readers to contemplate the reasons why we shun and reject the things we prize, and what it means for our lives and our interactions with others.
Context and Historical Background
Before diving into the poem itself, it is important to provide some context and background on Emily Dickinson's life and work. Emily Dickinson was born in 1830 in Amherst, Massachusetts, and lived most of her life in seclusion, rarely leaving her family home and rarely interacting with outsiders. Despite her reclusive lifestyle, Dickinson was a prolific and highly original poet, producing over 1,800 poems in her lifetime, many of which were unpublished and unknown to the wider world until after her death.
Dickinson's poetry is characterized by its highly compressed and elliptical language, its frequent use of dashes and unconventional punctuation, and its dense and complex symbolism. Many of her poems deal with themes of death, love, nature, and spirituality, and are marked by a highly idiosyncratic and individualistic approach to language and imagery.
Analysis and Interpretation
We shun because we prize her Face is a highly symbolic and metaphorical poem that is open to multiple interpretations. At its most basic level, the poem seems to be exploring the idea that we often reject or push away the things we value most, for fear of losing them or being rejected in return.
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone and the thematic framework for the rest of the piece:
We shun because we prize her Face
As one that spurned you
Or a Cipher careless of its mark
Denotes us—Remunerates—Depart—
Here, Dickinson seems to be suggesting that we shun or avoid something or someone precisely because we value or prize them. The metaphor of the "Face" is particularly significant here, as it suggests that what we prize is something that is outwardly visible and tangible, but also highly personal and subjective. The use of the word "prize" also hints at the idea of something that is rare and valuable, and that we would go to great lengths to obtain or preserve.
The second line of the stanza, "As one that spurned you," adds a layer of complexity to this idea, suggesting that we may reject or shun someone or something precisely because we fear being rejected or spurned in return. This creates a cycle of avoidance and rejection that can be difficult to break out of, and that can lead to a sense of isolation and loneliness.
The third line of the stanza, "Or a Cipher careless of its mark," introduces another metaphor that adds to the poem's complexity. Here, Dickinson seems to be comparing the thing we prize to a "Cipher," which is a code or symbol that is difficult to decipher or understand. The idea of a "Cipher careless of its mark" suggests that what we prize may be something that is not immediately apparent or understandable, and that requires effort and attention to decode or appreciate.
The final line of the stanza, "Denotes us—Remunerates—Depart—," adds a note of finality and melancholy to the poem. The word "Denotes" suggests that our shunning or rejection of what we prize is not a reflection of its value or worth, but rather a sign of our own limitations and fears. The phrase "Remunerates—Depart—" suggests a sense of regret and loss, as if we recognize the value of what we have rejected only after it is gone.
The second stanza of the poem deepens and expands upon these themes, exploring the idea that what we shun or reject may be something that is difficult or painful to confront:
A Hoard of the profoundest Guile
But let us analyze—
Although I hold the Royal nail—
Too fine for Red—too Imperial—
Here, Dickinson uses the metaphor of a "Hoard" to describe what we shun or avoid. The word "Hoard" suggests something that is hidden or secret, and that requires effort and skill to uncover. The phrase "profoundest Guile" adds a note of danger or subterfuge to the image, suggesting that what we shun may be something that is not only valuable, but also potentially harmful or deceptive.
The second line of the stanza, "But let us analyze—," introduces a note of skepticism and self-reflection to the poem. Here, Dickinson seems to be suggesting that we need to examine our own motives and fears in order to understand why we shun or reject what we prize. The phrase "although I hold the Royal nail—" adds a note of authority and power to the speaker's voice, suggesting that she is in a position to uncover the hidden truths and meanings of the poem.
The final line of the stanza, "Too fine for Red—too Imperial—," is one of the most enigmatic and difficult to interpret in the poem. The phrase "Too fine for Red" may be a reference to the color red, which is often associated with passion and desire, suggesting that what we shun may be too intense or overwhelming to handle. The phrase "too Imperial" adds a note of grandiosity or majesty to the image, suggesting that what we shun may be something that is beyond our comprehension or control.
The final stanza of the poem returns to the theme of regret and loss, suggesting that what we shun or reject may be something that we later come to value or appreciate:
She was too fair for you to see
Forsooth — and I alone,
Have I escaped the common Doom
To frustrate her — and atone?
Here, Dickinson uses the metaphor of a "fair" woman to describe what we shun or avoid. The phrase "too fair for you to see" suggests that what we shun may be something that is too beautiful or sublime for us to fully appreciate or understand. The phrase "Forsooth" adds a note of irony or skepticism to the image, suggesting that what we shun may be something that is not only valuable, but also deeply ironic or paradoxical.
The second line of the stanza, "Forsooth — and I alone," adds a note of isolation and self-reflection to the poem. Here, Dickinson seems to be suggesting that she is the only one who can truly appreciate the value of what we shun or reject, perhaps because of her unique perspective or insight.
The third line of the stanza, "Have I escaped the common Doom," adds a note of hope and optimism to the poem. The phrase "common Doom" suggests that what we shun or avoid is a fate that is shared by everyone, but the use of the word "escaped" suggests that Dickinson has somehow managed to avoid this fate. The final line of the poem, "To frustrate her — and atone?," adds a note of uncertainty and ambivalence to the poem, suggesting that even Dickinson herself may not be sure of the ultimate meaning or value of what we shun or reject.
Conclusion
In conclusion, We shun because we prize her Face is a highly symbolical and thought-provoking poem that invites readers to contemplate the paradoxical nature of human relationships and the ways in which we navigate the complexities and ambiguities of those relationships. Through vivid and evocative imagery, Dickinson explores the idea that we often reject or push away the things we value most, for fear of losing them or being rejected in return. The poem's use of metaphor and symbolism is highly complex and open to multiple interpretations, adding to its richness and depth. Ultimately, the poem seems to suggest that what we shun or reject may be something that we later come to value or appreciate, highlighting the importance of self-reflection and open-mindedness in our interactions with others.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is often considered as a form of art that is meant to be appreciated and admired. However, Emily Dickinson's poem "We shun because we prize her Face" challenges this notion by exploring the idea that poetry is often overlooked or disregarded because of its perceived complexity. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve into the intricacies of this poem and explore its underlying themes and meanings.
The poem begins with the line "We shun because we prize her Face," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "shun" suggests that poetry is actively avoided or ignored, while the phrase "prize her Face" implies that poetry is valued for its aesthetic qualities rather than its content. This juxtaposition of ideas sets up the central conflict of the poem: the tension between the superficial and the profound.
Dickinson goes on to describe poetry as a "diminished thing," which further emphasizes the idea that poetry is undervalued. The use of the word "diminished" suggests that poetry is seen as less important or significant than other forms of art or literature. However, the poem also suggests that this perception is misguided, as the speaker goes on to describe the power and beauty of poetry.
The second stanza of the poem begins with the line "Her subjects snatch her tress," which is a metaphor for the way in which poetry is often taken for granted or overlooked. The use of the word "snatch" suggests that poetry is seen as something that can be easily obtained or discarded, rather than something that requires careful consideration and attention. However, the poem also suggests that poetry has the power to transform and inspire, as the speaker goes on to describe the way in which poetry can "make the faces lie."
This idea of poetry as a transformative force is further explored in the third stanza of the poem, which begins with the line "We tell the bees that buzz." The use of the word "bees" is significant, as it suggests the idea of a hive mind or collective consciousness. The speaker is suggesting that poetry has the power to influence and shape the way in which people think and feel. The line "We tell them that the sun will shine" is a metaphor for the way in which poetry can provide hope and optimism in difficult times.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as it suggests that poetry has the power to transcend time and space. The line "We pause before a House that seems" suggests that poetry has the ability to transport us to different places and times. The use of the word "pause" suggests that poetry has the power to make us stop and reflect, even in the midst of our busy lives. The final line of the poem, "And wonder what we're seeing," suggests that poetry has the power to inspire wonder and awe, even in the most mundane of situations.
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's poem "We shun because we prize her Face" is a powerful exploration of the way in which poetry is often undervalued and overlooked. The poem suggests that poetry has the power to transform and inspire, and that it has the ability to transcend time and space. By challenging our perceptions of poetry, Dickinson encourages us to look beyond the superficial and appreciate the profound beauty and power of this art form.
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