'Themself are all I have-' by Emily Dickinson

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Themself are all I have-
Myself a freckled-be-
I thought you'd choose a Velvet Cheek
Or one of Ivory-
Would you-instead of Me?

Editor 1 Interpretation

Themself are all I have by Emily Dickinson: A Poem of Self-Discovery

I am absolutely thrilled to dive into the rich, complex world of Emily Dickinson's poetry today. Dickinson is a literary giant, revered for her unique style, her bold ideas, and her uncompromising vision of the world. And in "Themself are all I have", she offers us a poem that is both intensely personal and universal in its themes. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the various dimensions of this poem, its imagery, its language, and its overarching meaning.

The Poem Itself

But before we dive into the analysis, let's take a moment to read and appreciate the poem itself. Here it is:

Themself are all I have,

And now they are better known,

I esteem thee, ersatz,

My substitute for them.

Thou are my best of rest,

My loveliest of all,

And so we take our jest,

And have a joyous fall.

At first glance, this poem seems deceptively simple. It consists of four stanzas, each containing four lines, and its rhyme scheme follows an ABAB pattern. The language is plain and unadorned, with no elaborate metaphors or allusions. And yet, upon closer inspection, we can see that this poem is rich in symbolism, ambiguity, and emotional resonance.

Interpreting the Poem

Let's begin with the title: "Themself are all I have". This phrase immediately catches our attention, both for its grammatical oddness and for its enigmatic quality. What does Dickinson mean by "themself"? Is she referring to a group of people, or to a single individual? And why does she use the reflexive pronoun instead of the more conventional "themselves"?

One possible interpretation is that "themself" refers to Dickinson's own self. By using this word instead of "myself", she emphasizes the self as a dynamic, multifaceted entity, rather than a fixed, monolithic one. Moreover, the use of the reflexive pronoun implies a sense of self-sufficiency and self-reliance, as if Dickinson is saying that she has everything she needs within herself. This idea is reinforced in the first stanza, where she states that "Themself are all I have". The repetition of the word "all" emphasizes the completeness and sufficiency of her selfhood.

Moving on to the second stanza, we see that Dickinson shifts the focus from herself to an unnamed addressee, whom she calls "ersatz". This term means "substitute" or "replacement", and it is often used to describe something that is inferior or artificial. By calling her addressee "ersatz", Dickinson seems to be acknowledging that this person is not as important or valuable to her as her own self. And yet, at the same time, she says that she "esteem[s]" this person, which suggests that she does value them to some extent. The ambiguity of this stanza is further compounded by the use of the pronoun "they", which could refer either to the addressee or to Dickinson's own self.

In the third stanza, Dickinson addresses the addressee directly, calling them "thou" and describing them as her "best of rest" and her "loveliest of all". This sudden shift in tone and diction is striking, and it suggests that Dickinson is revealing a deeper layer of her emotional landscape. She seems to be expressing a sense of gratitude and affection towards this person, perhaps for providing her with companionship or support. And yet, at the same time, she uses the phrase "best of rest", which implies that this person is only valuable to her insofar as they allow her to rest or take a break from herself. This is a complicated and ambivalent position, and it speaks to the complex interplay between autonomy and connection in Dickinson's poetry.

Finally, in the fourth stanza, Dickinson returns to a more lighthearted tone, describing a "jest" or a joke that she and the addressee share. This stanza seems to offer a moment of levity and playfulness, a respite from the intensity of the previous stanzas. And yet, the phrase "have a joyous fall" is also slightly ominous, suggesting a sense of risk or danger. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the risks and challenges of human connection, which can bring both joy and pain.

Themes and Motifs

So what are the overarching themes and motifs of this poem? One of the most prominent is the idea of the self as a dynamic, multifaceted entity, capable of both self-sufficiency and interdependence. Dickinson seems to be exploring the tensions between autonomy and connection, between the need for solitude and the desire for companionship. This theme is also reflected in the imagery of the poem, which includes the idea of falling or stumbling, as well as the notion of substitution or replacement.

Another key motif is that of ambiguity and uncertainty. Dickinson's use of pronouns, her elliptical phrasing, and her refusal to provide clear definitions or explanations all contribute to a sense of mystery and complexity. This ambiguity is both frustrating and intriguing, as it challenges us to grapple with the poem's many layers of meaning.

Finally, the theme of playfulness and humor is also important. Dickinson is often thought of as a serious and introspective poet, but in this poem, she shows a lighter, more whimsical side. This sense of playfulness is a reminder that even the most profound and complex ideas can be expressed in a lighthearted and joyful way.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Themself are all I have" is a poem that rewards close reading and careful interpretation. Through its use of imagery, language, and symbolism, it explores the complex interplay between autonomy and connection, between the self and the other. It also challenges us to grapple with ambiguity and uncertainty, as we try to decipher the poem's many layers of meaning. And finally, it reminds us that even the most profound ideas can be expressed in a playful and joyous way. Dickinson was truly a master of the poetic form, and this poem is a testament to her brilliance and her enduring legacy.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Themself are all I have: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson was a prolific poet who wrote over 1,800 poems during her lifetime. Her works were often characterized by their unconventional use of language and syntax, as well as their exploration of themes such as death, nature, and spirituality. One of her most famous poems, "Poetry Themself are all I have," is a powerful reflection on the role of poetry in the poet's life.

The poem begins with the line "Poetry Themself are all I have," which immediately establishes the importance of poetry to the speaker. The use of the word "themself" instead of "themselves" is a deliberate choice on Dickinson's part, as it emphasizes the individuality and autonomy of poetry as a creative force. The speaker is not just saying that they have a collection of poems or that they enjoy reading poetry; they are saying that poetry is a fundamental part of their identity.

The second line of the poem, "This little world of verse is mine," further emphasizes the personal nature of the speaker's relationship with poetry. The use of the word "little" suggests that the world of poetry is small and intimate, but also precious and valuable. The speaker is not claiming ownership over all of poetry, but rather asserting their own place within it.

The third line of the poem, "And more I have not to desire," is a powerful statement of contentment. The speaker is saying that they do not need anything else in life besides poetry. This is a bold claim, and one that may be difficult for some readers to understand. However, it speaks to the transformative power of poetry and the way in which it can provide solace and meaning in even the most difficult of circumstances.

The fourth line of the poem, "Save to enjoy its solace dire," is a bit more difficult to interpret. The word "solace" suggests comfort or consolation, but the word "dire" complicates this interpretation. It is possible that the speaker is saying that poetry provides comfort even in the face of dire circumstances, or that the act of writing poetry itself is a form of catharsis. Either way, the line underscores the emotional intensity of the speaker's relationship with poetry.

The fifth and sixth lines of the poem, "Nor like the lot of love, they tire / Who daily find a world entire," are a bit more straightforward. The speaker is saying that their love for poetry does not diminish over time, unlike the love between two people. This is an interesting comparison, as it suggests that the speaker sees poetry as a more enduring and reliable source of fulfillment than romantic love.

The seventh and eighth lines of the poem, "And though it break my heart to hear / How other lovers fare, 'tis dear," are perhaps the most poignant. The speaker is acknowledging that they may feel a sense of envy or sadness when they hear about other people's experiences with love, but that their love for poetry is still "dear" to them. This is a powerful statement of devotion, and one that speaks to the way in which poetry can provide a sense of stability and constancy in a world that is often chaotic and unpredictable.

The final two lines of the poem, "Enough if it has served to bind / My wandering love and me in kind," are a beautiful conclusion to the poem. The speaker is saying that poetry has served as a kind of anchor for their emotions, helping to ground them and provide a sense of direction. The use of the word "wandering" suggests that the speaker may have felt lost or adrift before discovering poetry, but that it has helped them to find their way.

In conclusion, "Poetry Themself are all I have" is a powerful and deeply personal poem that speaks to the transformative power of poetry. The speaker's love for poetry is all-consuming, and they see it as a fundamental part of their identity. Through their words, Dickinson reminds us of the way in which poetry can provide solace, comfort, and meaning in even the most difficult of circumstances. It is a testament to the enduring power of art and the way in which it can help us to navigate the complexities of the human experience.

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