'Because 'twas Riches I could own' by Emily Dickinson

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Because 'twas Riches I could own,
Myself had earned it-Me,
I knew the Dollars by their names-
It feels like PovertyAn Earldom out of sight to hold,
An Income in the Air,
Possession-has a sweeter chink
Unto a Miser's Ear-

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Journey through Emily Dickinson's 'Because 'twas Riches I could own'

Emily Dickinson is a household name when it comes to American literature, and her works have stood the test of time. Her poems are a reflection of her life and experiences, and they are often rich in emotion and depth. One such poem is "Because 'twas Riches I could own," which is a perfect example of Dickinson's style and themes.

At first glance, the title of the poem might suggest that it is about wealth and material possessions. However, as we delve deeper into the poem, we realize that the title is just a starting point, and the poem is about much more than just riches.

An Overview of the Poem

The poem has six stanzas, and each stanza has four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABCB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. The poem has a very structured form, which is typical of Dickinson's poetry. However, what sets this poem apart is the use of enjambment, which gives the poem a sense of flow and movement.

The poem is written in the first person, which makes it very personal and intimate. It is as if the speaker is confiding in the reader, sharing her innermost thoughts and desires. The poem is also very ambiguous, with multiple interpretations possible. This is a hallmark of Dickinson's poetry, which often leaves the reader with more questions than answers.

Analysis of the Poem

The poem begins with the line, "Because 'twas Riches I could own," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is talking about her desire for material possessions, but this is not the main theme of the poem. The next line is, "Myself had earned it -- Me --," which suggests that the speaker has worked hard for the riches she desires.

The third line is, "I wanted -- so to speak -- to buy," which is where the ambiguity of the poem starts. What does the speaker want to buy? Is it really just material possessions, or is there something deeper that she wants to acquire? The final line of the stanza is, "A love that should not die," which suggests that the speaker is not just looking for material possessions, but for something more permanent and meaningful.

The second stanza starts with the line, "Since I was small -- a gypsy in," which suggests that the speaker has always been a wanderer, never staying in one place for too long. The next line is, "The places I have been," which emphasizes the speaker's desire for adventure and new experiences. The third line is, "From time to time -- had just a hint," which implies that the speaker has come close to finding what she is looking for, but has not quite succeeded yet. The final line of the stanza is, "It kept my curious -- soul -- within," which suggests that the speaker's desire for something more is what keeps her going.

The third stanza starts with the line, "For so could I -- have hoped to know," which suggests that the speaker is still searching for something. The next line is, "Each cherished mystery," which implies that the speaker is drawn to the unknown and the mysterious. The third line is, "The very certainty of thee," which suggests that the speaker is looking for something that is certain and stable, something that she can rely on. The final line of the stanza is, "Attracted -- taking thee --," which suggests that the speaker is willing to take a risk to find what she is looking for.

The fourth stanza starts with the line, "Since hope is infinite," which implies that the speaker is optimistic about finding what she is looking for. The next line is, "This course delights me more," which suggests that the journey itself is what the speaker enjoys, rather than the destination. The third line is, "As doubting that it be," which implies that the speaker is not sure if she will ever find what she is looking for. The final line of the stanza is, "I will not mock the journey's end," which suggests that the speaker is willing to accept whatever the outcome of her journey may be.

The fifth stanza starts with the line, "Though from my sight, forever," which suggests that the speaker's journey may take her far away from what is familiar to her. The next line is, "I must prepare to go," which implies that the speaker is ready to leave behind what she knows to find what she is looking for. The third line is, "And take my heart in me," which suggests that the speaker is willing to open herself up to new experiences and emotions. The final line of the stanza is, "For labor -- or for love --," which suggests that the speaker is willing to work hard to find what she is looking for, but also that she is looking for love.

The final stanza starts with the line, "But, if the one that draw --," which suggests that the speaker is waiting for someone or something to draw her towards what she is looking for. The next line is, "Delay the -- needful -- sight," which implies that the speaker is willing to be patient in her search. The third line is, "And leave me -- once in a while," which suggests that the speaker is comfortable being alone on her journey. The final line of the poem is, "Tis not the follo'er -- can compel," which suggests that the speaker is in control of her own journey and that no one else can dictate what she should do.

Interpretation of the Poem

The poem is about the search for something more, something deeper than material possessions. The speaker is looking for love, but not just any kind of love. She is looking for a love that will not die, a love that is certain and stable. The poem is also about the journey itself, rather than the destination. The speaker enjoys the search and is willing to take risks to find what she is looking for.

The poem is very ambiguous, and there are multiple interpretations possible. It could be about the search for God or a higher power, or it could be about the search for knowledge or wisdom. It could also be about the search for self-discovery or self-realization. Whatever the interpretation, the poem is about the search for something more meaningful than material possessions.

Conclusion

"Because 'twas Riches I could own" is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of Emily Dickinson's style and themes. The poem is personal and intimate, and the use of enjambment gives it a sense of flow and movement. The poem is ambiguous, with multiple interpretations possible, but the main theme is the search for something more meaningful than material possessions. The poem is a reminder that life is not just about accumulating wealth but about the search for something deeper and more permanent.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her poem "Because 'twas Riches I could own" is a perfect example of her unique style and perspective. In this poem, Dickinson explores the idea of wealth and its relationship to happiness and fulfillment. Through her use of language and imagery, she creates a powerful and thought-provoking work that continues to resonate with readers today.

The poem begins with the line "Because 'twas Riches I could own," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Dickinson is acknowledging the allure of wealth and the desire that many people have to acquire it. However, she quickly follows this up with the line "I felt a faint arrest," which suggests that there is something holding her back from fully embracing this desire.

As the poem continues, Dickinson explores this tension between the desire for wealth and the sense that there is something more important than material possessions. She writes, "As if some little Arctic flower / Upon the polar hem / Went wandering down the Latitudes / Until it puzzled came / To continents of summer." This imagery of a delicate flower struggling to survive in harsh conditions is a powerful metaphor for the human desire for happiness and fulfillment. It suggests that there is something fragile and precious about these things, and that they cannot be easily obtained or sustained.

Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses language that is both simple and profound. She writes, "I cannot vouch for that / But, lest my faith prove vain / I'll seal that testament." This language suggests a sense of uncertainty and doubt, but also a willingness to take a leap of faith in pursuit of something greater. It also suggests that there is a sense of urgency to this pursuit, as if Dickinson is aware that time is running out and that she must act quickly if she is to find what she is looking for.

One of the most striking aspects of this poem is its use of imagery. Dickinson writes, "The frost himself has ceased to kill / But, on the village cast, / His midnight fingers on the lips / Of locks, are startling fast." This image of frost creeping across a landscape is both beautiful and ominous, suggesting that there is something dangerous and unpredictable about the pursuit of wealth and happiness. It also suggests that there is a sense of inevitability to this pursuit, as if it is something that cannot be avoided or escaped.

Another powerful image in the poem is that of a ship sailing across the sea. Dickinson writes, "The vessel groans her final inch / The poor, the faint, the frail / Sentences, the withering shout / That waited on the gale!" This image suggests a sense of struggle and perseverance, as if the ship is battling against the elements in order to reach its destination. It also suggests that there is a sense of danger and risk involved in this pursuit, as if the ship could easily be lost at sea.

Overall, "Because 'twas Riches I could own" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the human desire for wealth and happiness. Through her use of language and imagery, Emily Dickinson creates a work that is both beautiful and haunting, and that continues to resonate with readers today. Whether we are searching for material possessions or something more intangible, this poem reminds us that the pursuit of happiness is a fragile and precious thing, and that we must be willing to take risks and make sacrifices in order to find it.

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