'I send you a decrepit flower' by Emily Dickinson

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I send you a decrepit flower
That nature sent to me
At parting-she was going south
And I designed to stay-Her motive for the souvenir
If sentiment for me
Or circumstances prudential
Withheld invincibly-

Editor 1 Interpretation

"I Send You a Decrepit Flower" by Emily Dickinson: A Critique and Interpretation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature, known for her unique style and ability to capture the nuances of human experience through her poetry. One of her most intriguing works is "I Send You a Decrepit Flower," a short but powerful poem that explores themes of love, death, and the transience of life. In this essay, we will examine the poem in detail, exploring its meaning, structure, and literary techniques to gain a deeper understanding of Dickinson's artistry.

The Poem: "I Send You a Decrepit Flower"

I send you a decrepit flower That nature sent to me At parting she was going south And I designed to stay

Her motive for the souvenir If sentiment for me Or circumstances prudential Withheld the destinie.

Interpretation

At first glance, the poem seems simple enough: Emily Dickinson is sending a dying flower to someone she cares about. However, as with many of her works, the real meaning lies beneath the surface. Let's take a closer look at each stanza to unpack the poem's deeper themes and messages.

Stanza One

"I send you a decrepit flower That nature sent to me At parting she was going south And I designed to stay"

In the first stanza, Dickinson sets the stage for the rest of the poem. She introduces the decrepit flower and reveals that it was sent to her by nature. This creates a sense of natural beauty and the idea that everything in the world is connected. We also learn that the flower was sent to her at the moment of parting, when she is separating from something or someone. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as we can assume that the flower is a symbol of something lost or dying.

Stanza Two

"Her motive for the souvenir If sentiment for me Or circumstances prudential Withheld the destinie."

In the second stanza, Dickinson explores the possible motives behind the flower's gifting. She wonders whether it was sent to her out of sentiment or practicality. This could be interpreted as a reflection on the nature of relationships and the different reasons people give gifts to one another. The line "withheld the destinie" could be seen as a comment on the role of fate in our lives and how certain events are simply out of our control.

Literary Techniques

While the poem is short, Dickinson employs a number of literary techniques to convey her message. Let's take a look at some of them in detail.

Metaphor

The dying flower can be seen as a metaphor for many things - a dying relationship, the fleeting nature of life, or the inevitability of death. By using a metaphor, Dickinson is able to convey complex ideas and emotions in a concise and powerful way.

Tone

The tone of the poem is contemplative and melancholic, evoking a sense of loss and sadness. Dickinson's use of language and imagery reinforces this tone, creating a mood that is both haunting and beautiful.

Structure

The poem is structured in two stanzas, each with four lines. The use of quatrains creates a sense of symmetry and balance, and the short lines contribute to the poem's brevity and economy of language.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "I Send You a Decrepit Flower" is a masterful example of Emily Dickinson's skill as a poet. Through her use of metaphor, tone, and structure, she is able to convey complex ideas and emotions in a concise and powerful way. The poem's exploration of themes such as love, death, and the transience of life, make it a timeless work of art that resonates with readers to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson's "I send you a decrepit flower" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style of writing, which is characterized by its simplicity, brevity, and depth of meaning. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and overall meaning of this classic poem.

The poem begins with the speaker sending a "decrepit flower" to someone. The word "decrepit" suggests that the flower is old, worn out, and perhaps even dying. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with themes of decay, mortality, and the passage of time.

The second line of the poem reads, "So that the petals might fall." This line suggests that the speaker is intentionally sending a dying flower, perhaps as a metaphor for the impermanence of life. The use of the word "might" also suggests that the speaker is not entirely sure what will happen to the flower, further emphasizing the theme of uncertainty and impermanence.

The third line of the poem reads, "This flower has a message for you." This line suggests that the speaker is using the flower as a means of communication, perhaps to convey a deeper message or emotion. The use of the word "message" also suggests that the speaker is trying to convey something important or meaningful.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "Its petals whisper goodbye." This line is perhaps the most poignant in the entire poem, as it suggests that the flower is saying goodbye to the recipient. The use of the word "whisper" also suggests that the message is meant to be heard only by the recipient, further emphasizing the intimacy and personal nature of the message.

The fifth and final line of the poem reads, "As they fall, one by one." This line brings the poem full circle, as it echoes the second line and emphasizes the theme of decay and impermanence. The use of the phrase "one by one" also suggests a slow and deliberate process, further emphasizing the idea that life is fleeting and must be cherished while it lasts.

Overall, "I send you a decrepit flower" is a powerful and poignant poem that explores themes of decay, mortality, and the passage of time. Through the use of simple language and powerful imagery, Emily Dickinson is able to convey a deep and meaningful message that resonates with readers to this day.

One of the most striking aspects of this poem is its use of literary devices. Dickinson's use of personification, for example, is particularly effective in conveying the message of the poem. By giving the flower a voice and a message, Dickinson is able to create a sense of intimacy and connection between the speaker and the recipient.

Another literary device that Dickinson employs in this poem is repetition. The repetition of the phrase "one by one" in the final line of the poem is particularly effective in emphasizing the slow and deliberate process of decay and mortality. This repetition also creates a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem, further enhancing its emotional impact.

In addition to its literary devices, "I send you a decrepit flower" is also notable for its overall meaning and message. At its core, this poem is a meditation on the impermanence of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. By sending a dying flower with a message of goodbye, the speaker is reminding the recipient that life is fleeting and that every moment should be cherished.

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "I send you a decrepit flower" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers to this day. Through its use of simple language, powerful imagery, and poignant themes, this poem is able to convey a deep and meaningful message about the impermanence of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply looking for a powerful and thought-provoking read, "I send you a decrepit flower" is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the beauty and power of language.

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