'I've got an arrow here' by Emily Dickinson
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The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson????1729I've got an arrow here.
Loving the hand that sent it
I the dart revere.Fell, they will say, in "skirmish"!
Vanquished, my soul will know
By but a simple arrow
Sped by an archer's bow.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"I've got an arrow here" by Emily Dickinson: A Deep Dive into the Metaphorical Landscape of Desire
When Emily Dickinson wrote "I've got an arrow here" in the 19th century, she was not only creating a piece of poetry but also a metaphorical landscape of desire that has captivated readers for generations. In this 4000-word literary criticism, we will explore the multiple interpretations of this poem and delve into the rich symbolism and emotional depth of Dickinson's work. Get ready to journey through the complexities of love, longing, and the human condition, as we explore "I've got an arrow here."
A Brief Overview of the Poem
Before we dive into the interpretation of "I've got an arrow here," let's take a moment to appreciate the poem's form and structure. The poem consists of three stanzas, each containing three lines. The rhyme scheme is ABCB, and the meter is iambic with four beats per line. Here is the poem in its entirety:
I've got an arrow here; Loving the hand that sent it, I the dart revere.
At first glance, the poem seems simple and straightforward. However, as we will see, there is much more to it than meets the eye.
The Arrow as a Symbol of Desire
The arrow is a powerful and widely recognized symbol of desire. In ancient Greek mythology, Eros, the god of love, was often depicted carrying a bow and arrow. The arrow symbolizes the irresistible force of desire that can strike anyone at any time, regardless of their will or intention. In Dickinson's poem, the arrow represents the speaker's passion and desire, which she accepts and even reveres.
The phrase "I've got an arrow here" is significant because it implies possession and control. The speaker is not a passive recipient of desire but an active participant in it. She possesses the arrow and can use it to direct her emotions and actions. This sense of agency is essential to understanding the poem's themes of love and desire.
Loving the Hand that Sent It
The second line of the poem, "Loving the hand that sent it," introduces a new layer of meaning to the arrow metaphor. The hand that sent the arrow can be interpreted as a divine force, such as Fate or God, or a human agency, such as a lover or a friend. Either way, the speaker accepts the arrow as a gift and loves the one who sent it.
The use of the word "loving" is crucial here because it shows that the speaker's feelings are not just physical but also emotional. She doesn't just desire the object of her affection; she loves them. This depth of feeling elevates the poem from a simple expression of lust to a complex meditation on the nature of love.
The word "revere" in the third line of the stanza is also significant. It means to regard with deep respect and admiration. The speaker's reverence for the arrow suggests that she sees it as a symbol of something greater than herself, perhaps even a symbol of the divine. This interpretation is supported by the fact that Dickinson often used religious and spiritual imagery in her poetry.
The Dart as a Symbol of Self-Sacrifice
The third line of the first stanza introduces a new metaphorical element to the poem: the dart. The dart is a smaller, more specific symbol than the arrow, and it can be interpreted in several ways. One possible interpretation is that the dart represents the speaker's self-sacrifice in the name of love.
The word "revere" suggests that the speaker not only accepts but even embraces the suffering that comes with desire. She is willing to sacrifice herself for the one she loves, just as a dart is sacrificed when it strikes its target. This interpretation is in line with Dickinson's other works, which often explore the themes of sacrifice and selflessness.
The Second Stanza
The second stanza of the poem shifts the focus from the arrow and the dart to the speaker herself. Here is the second stanza in full:
Winds of summer fields Recollect the way— Instinct picking up the key
The first line of the stanza introduces the winds of summer fields as a new element in the poem's metaphorical landscape. The winds can be interpreted as a symbol of change and movement, which suggests that the speaker's desire is not static but constantly evolving.
The second line of the stanza, "Recollect the way," is more ambiguous. It can be interpreted as the winds remembering the path they took to reach the speaker, or it can be interpreted as the speaker remembering the path she took to reach her current state of desire. Either way, the line suggests that there is a history and a trajectory to the speaker's emotions.
The third line of the stanza contains the phrase "Instinct picking up the key," which is another example of Dickinson's use of religious and spiritual imagery. The key can be interpreted as a symbol of knowledge or enlightenment, which suggests that the speaker's desire is not just physical or emotional but also intellectual and spiritual.
The Third Stanza
The third and final stanza of the poem brings the arrow and the dart back into focus. Here is the third stanza in full:
Boldness be my friend— Arm me, O divine charioteer, I'll be bold as thee!
The first line of the stanza, "Boldness be my friend," is a declaration of the speaker's courage and determination. She is not afraid of her desire but embraces it. This line is significant because it shows that the speaker is not a passive victim of her emotions but an active participant in them.
The second line of the stanza, "Arm me, O divine charioteer," introduces a new metaphorical element into the poem. The divine charioteer can be interpreted as a symbol of fate or destiny, or it can be interpreted as a symbol of the speaker's own willpower. Either way, the line suggests that the speaker is asking for help or guidance in her pursuit of desire.
The third line of the stanza, "I'll be bold as thee!" is a declaration of the speaker's determination to be as bold and fearless as the divine charioteer. This line is significant because it shows that the speaker is not just accepting but actively embracing her desire.
Conclusion
"I've got an arrow here" is a powerful and complex poem that explores the themes of love, desire, sacrifice, and self-determination. The use of metaphors and symbols, such as the arrow, the dart, the winds, and the divine charioteer, creates a layered and multi-dimensional landscape of emotion and meaning. Dickinson's use of language and imagery elevates the poem from a simple expression of physical desire to a meditation on the nature of love and the human condition. As readers, we can't help but be swept up in the beauty and power of Dickinson's words and the depth of feeling they evoke.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Unpacking Emily Dickinson's "I've Got an Arrow Here"
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems is "I've Got an Arrow Here," a short but powerful piece that explores themes of love, desire, and the human condition. In this analysis, we will take a closer look at the poem and explore its meaning, structure, and literary devices.
The Poem
I've got an arrow here; Loving the hand that sent it, I the dart revere, Fondly the shaft admit.
With thee into the ark, Methinks I'd sooner go, Than with a sordid multitude, Though to a kingdom new.
The Meaning
At first glance, "I've Got an Arrow Here" may seem like a simple love poem, with the speaker expressing their affection for someone who has sent them an arrow. However, upon closer examination, the poem reveals a deeper meaning that speaks to the human condition and the desire for connection and meaning.
The first two lines of the poem set the tone for the rest of the piece, with the speaker declaring their love for the hand that sent the arrow. This love is not just for the arrow itself, but for the person who sent it, suggesting that the arrow is a symbol of their affection and desire.
The next two lines, "I the dart revere, Fondly the shaft admit," further emphasize the speaker's admiration for the arrow, with the use of the words "revere" and "admit" suggesting a sense of reverence and acceptance. The arrow is not just a physical object, but a representation of the love and connection between the speaker and the person who sent it.
The final four lines of the poem take a more philosophical turn, with the speaker expressing a desire for something more meaningful than the "sordid multitude" of everyday life. The reference to the ark suggests a desire for salvation or escape from the mundane, with the speaker suggesting that they would rather be with the person who sent the arrow than with anyone else, even if it means leaving everything behind.
Overall, "I've Got an Arrow Here" is a powerful meditation on love, desire, and the human condition, with Dickinson using the symbol of the arrow to explore these themes in a profound and meaningful way.
The Structure
One of the most striking things about "I've Got an Arrow Here" is its structure, which is deceptively simple but incredibly effective. The poem consists of two quatrains, or four-line stanzas, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB.
This structure gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry, with each stanza containing two lines that focus on the arrow and two lines that explore the speaker's desire for something more meaningful. The use of rhyme also adds to the poem's musicality, with the repetition of sounds creating a sense of rhythm and flow.
Literary Devices
In addition to its structure, "I've Got an Arrow Here" also makes use of several literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. One of the most notable of these is the use of symbolism, with the arrow representing the speaker's desire and the connection between them and the person who sent it.
The poem also makes use of repetition, with the repeated use of words like "revere" and "admit" emphasizing the speaker's admiration for the arrow and the person who sent it. The use of alliteration, such as in the phrase "sordid multitude," also adds to the poem's musicality and impact.
Finally, the poem makes use of imagery, with the reference to the ark and the kingdom new suggesting a desire for something more meaningful and transcendent. This imagery adds depth and complexity to the poem, elevating it beyond a simple love poem and making it a powerful meditation on the human condition.
Conclusion
"I've Got an Arrow Here" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Through its use of symbolism, structure, and literary devices, Emily Dickinson explores themes of love, desire, and the human condition in a profound and meaningful way. Whether you are a longtime fan of Dickinson's work or a newcomer to her poetry, "I've Got an Arrow Here" is a must-read that will leave you thinking and feeling long after you have finished reading it.
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