'One of the ones that Midas touched' by Emily Dickinson

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One of the ones that Midas touched
Who failed to touch us all
Was that confiding Prodigal
The reeling Oriole-So drunk he disavows it
With badinage divine-
So dazzling we mistake him
For an alighting Mine-A Pleader-a Dissembler-
An Epicure-a Thief-
Betimes an Oratorio-
An Ecstasy in chief-The Jesuit of Orchards
He cheats as he enchants
Of an entire Attar
For his decamping wants-The splendor of a Burmah
The Meteor of Birds,
Departing like a Pageant
Of Ballads and of Bards-I never thought that Jason sought
For any Golden Fleece
But then I am a rural man
With thoughts that make for Peace-But if there were a Jason,
Tradition bear with me
Behold his lost Aggrandizement
Upon the Apple Tree-

Editor 1 Interpretation

"One of the ones that Midas touched" by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism

Emily Dickinson’s poetry is a treasure trove of emotions, thoughts, and ideas. Her unconventional style of writing and use of dashes and capitalization make her stand out as a unique voice in American literature. "One of the ones that Midas touched" is a poem that exemplifies Dickinson's style and explores the theme of greed and its impact on human relationships. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the symbolism, structure, and language of the poem to unravel its deeper meanings.

Background Information

Before we dive into the analysis of the poem, let's take a moment to understand its context. "One of the ones that Midas touched" is one of Emily Dickinson's many unpublished works. It was written in 1862, during the Civil War, which was a time of great turmoil and uncertainty in the United States. The poem was first published in 1945, nearly eight decades after Dickinson's death. The poem's title alludes to the Greek myth of King Midas, who was granted a wish by the god Dionysus, which turned everything he touched into gold. The myth serves as a metaphor for the dangers of greed and its destructive consequences.

Analysis

Symbolism

The poem opens with the lines, "One of the ones that Midas touched/Who failed to touch us all." Here, Midas is a symbol of wealth and power, which can be both a blessing and a curse. The phrase "failed to touch us all" implies that not everyone is affected by Midas's touch. This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which explores the consequences of greed and wealth on human relationships.

The second stanza introduces the character of "the merchant," who is also a symbol of wealth and materialism. The line "Who gave the pearls away" suggests that the merchant is not attached to his possessions and may even use them to gain favor or influence. However, the line "Are these the ones that pay?" suggests that the merchant's generosity is not entirely selfless and may be motivated by a desire for gain or recognition.

The third stanza introduces the character of "the fool," who is a symbol of ignorance and naivety. The line "Or, are they many days away" suggests that the fool is unaware of the consequences of his actions and may be living in a different world altogether. This stanza contrasts the merchant's practicality with the fool's innocence and highlights the different ways in which people approach wealth and possessions.

The fourth stanza introduces the character of "the beggar," who is a symbol of poverty and need. The line "A brief way off the starved wretch" suggests that the beggar is close to death and is in dire need of help. The line "Is standing, with the plaintive face" suggests that the beggar is asking for help but is ignored by those who have the means to help him. This stanza highlights the contrast between the wealthy and the poor and explores the theme of social inequality.

The final stanza ties the poem together by repeating the first line, "One of the ones that Midas touched." However, this time, it is followed by the line "Who god's gold hates to gain." Here, the phrase "god's gold" suggests that there is a higher purpose to wealth and that it should not be hoarded or used for selfish purposes. The line "hates to gain" suggests that true wealth lies in giving and that the act of giving is more important than the possession of wealth itself. This stanza offers a solution to the problem of greed and suggests that generosity and compassion are the keys to a fulfilling life.

Structure

The poem is structured in five stanzas, each with four lines. The consistent structure creates a sense of symmetry and balance, which is mirrored in the poem's themes of wealth and poverty. The repetition of the first line in the final stanza creates a circular structure that ties the poem together and emphasizes its central message.

Language

Dickinson's use of language in this poem is simple yet powerful. The use of the phrase "failed to touch us all" in the first line creates a sense of distance and detachment from Midas's touch. The use of the word "pearls" in the second stanza creates an image of luxury and extravagance that contrasts with the beggar's plight in the fourth stanza. The use of the phrase "plaintive face" in the fourth stanza creates a sense of desperation and highlights the plight of the poor. The final stanza's use of the phrase "god's gold" creates a sense of spiritual wealth and emphasizes the importance of generosity and compassion.

Interpretation

"One of the ones that Midas touched" is a poem that explores the theme of greed and its impact on human relationships. The different characters in the poem represent different approaches to wealth and possessions, from the merchant's practicality to the fool's ignorance to the beggar's desperation. The poem suggests that true wealth lies in giving and that the act of giving is more important than the possession of wealth itself.

The poem's central message is particularly relevant today, as we live in a world that is increasingly divided between the haves and the have-nots. The poem highlights the contrast between the wealthy and the poor and emphasizes the importance of compassion and generosity in bridging this divide. The poem's use of simple yet powerful language and its consistent structure create a sense of balance and symmetry that mirrors its themes and message.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "One of the ones that Midas touched" is a powerful poem that explores the theme of greed and its impact on human relationships. The poem's use of symbolism, structure, and language creates a sense of balance and symmetry that mirrors its central message. The poem offers a solution to the problem of greed and suggests that true wealth lies in giving and that the act of giving is more important than the possession of wealth itself. This poem serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and generosity in a world that is increasingly divided by wealth and poverty.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a medium of expression for the human soul. It is a form of art that allows us to convey our deepest emotions and thoughts in a way that is both beautiful and profound. Emily Dickinson, one of the greatest poets of all time, was a master of this art. Her poem "One of the ones that Midas touched" is a perfect example of her genius.

The poem begins with the line "One of the ones that Midas touched," which immediately draws the reader's attention. Midas, the legendary king of Phrygia, was known for his ability to turn everything he touched into gold. This reference to Midas sets the tone for the poem, which is about the power of touch and its consequences.

The second line of the poem reads, "Who failed to touch us all." This line is a powerful statement about the limitations of human touch. Despite our best efforts, we cannot touch everyone, and some people remain untouched by our presence. This is a sad reality of life, but it is one that we must accept.

The third line of the poem reads, "And all the seas were ink." This line is a metaphor for the vastness of the world and the endless possibilities that exist within it. The sea is a symbol of the unknown, and the fact that it is filled with ink suggests that there are countless stories and experiences waiting to be written.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "And all the skies were parchment." This line is a continuation of the metaphor from the previous line. The sky is a symbol of the infinite, and the fact that it is made of parchment suggests that it is a blank canvas waiting to be filled with stories and experiences.

The fifth line of the poem reads, "And all the world a scribe." This line is a powerful statement about the role of the poet. The poet is a scribe who writes the stories of the world, capturing the beauty and complexity of life in words.

The sixth line of the poem reads, "And all the people, scribes." This line is a continuation of the metaphor from the previous line. It suggests that everyone has the ability to write their own story and contribute to the collective narrative of humanity.

The seventh line of the poem reads, "A silver-chaos." This line is a metaphor for the unpredictability of life. Chaos is often associated with disorder and confusion, but the fact that it is silver suggests that there is beauty in the chaos.

The eighth line of the poem reads, "Noiseless, like fear or love." This line is a powerful statement about the nature of silence. Silence can be just as powerful as noise, and it can evoke emotions such as fear or love.

The ninth line of the poem reads, "All of them touch us once." This line is a reminder that even though we cannot touch everyone, everyone has the ability to touch us in some way. Every person we meet has the potential to leave a lasting impression on us.

The tenth line of the poem reads, "And many touch us till they do us harm." This line is a warning about the power of touch. While touch can be a source of comfort and connection, it can also be a source of pain and harm.

The eleventh line of the poem reads, "A few, alas, and how they charm!" This line is a reminder of the beauty and magic of human connection. There are some people who have the ability to charm us with their touch, leaving us feeling uplifted and inspired.

The twelfth and final line of the poem reads, "But never met this fellow." This line is a reference to Midas, who was able to turn everything he touched into gold. The fact that the speaker has never met Midas suggests that they have never experienced his touch, which is both a blessing and a curse.

In conclusion, "One of the ones that Midas touched" is a powerful poem about the power of touch and its consequences. Through her use of metaphor and imagery, Emily Dickinson captures the beauty and complexity of human connection. The poem is a reminder that while touch can be a source of comfort and connection, it can also be a source of pain and harm. Ultimately, the poem is a celebration of the beauty and magic of human connection, and a warning about the power of touch.

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