''Twas awkward, but it fitted me' by Emily Dickinson
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'Twas awkward, but it fitted me-
An Ancient fashioned Heart-
Its only lore-its Steadfastness-
In Change-unerudite-It only moved as do the Suns-
For merit of Return-
Or Birds-confirmed perpetual
By Alternating Zone-I only have it not Tonight
In its established place-
For technicality of Death-
Omitted in the Lease-
Editor 1 Interpretation
'Twas awkward, but it fitted me by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, known for her ability to convey complex ideas and emotions in simple and concise language. One of her lesser-known poems, 'Twas awkward, but it fitted me, is a powerful commentary on the nature of identity and the struggle to find one's place in the world. In this literary criticism, we will explore the themes and motifs of this poem, as well as analyze its structure and language in order to better understand its meaning.
Context and Background
Before delving into the poem itself, it is important to understand the context and background surrounding Emily Dickinson and her work. Dickinson was born in Amherst, Massachusetts in 1830, and spent most of her life in seclusion, rarely leaving her family's home. Despite this, she was a prolific writer, producing nearly 1,800 poems in her lifetime, many of which were not published until after her death in 1886.
'Twas awkward, but it fitted me was written in the mid-1860s, during a period of great personal and societal upheaval for Dickinson. This was a time of great social and political change in America, with the Civil War raging and slavery still a contentious issue. Additionally, Dickinson was struggling with her own identity, as she was deeply conflicted about her place in the world and her relationship to God.
Themes and Motifs
At its core, 'Twas awkward, but it fitted me is a meditation on the nature of identity and the struggle to find one's place in the world. The poem is filled with imagery of clothing and dressing, which serves as a metaphor for the process of shaping and defining one's identity. The speaker of the poem is trying on different outfits, each of which represents a different version of themselves. They are searching for the outfit that fits them best, both physically and emotionally.
The poem also explores the concept of conformity and societal expectations. The speaker is acutely aware of the norms and expectations of their community, and feels pressure to conform to those standards. However, they are also aware of the limitations of conformity, and are struggling to find a way to be true to themselves while still fitting in with the world around them.
Another key theme in the poem is the tension between the physical and the emotional. The speaker is trying on different outfits, but they are also trying on different emotional identities. They are searching for the emotional outfit that fits them best, and are struggling to find a balance between their physical appearance and their emotional reality.
Finally, the poem speaks to the idea of the self as a constantly evolving entity. The speaker is trying on different outfits, but they are also trying on different versions of themselves. They are searching for the outfit that fits them best in this moment, but they are also aware that their identity is constantly shifting and evolving.
Structure and Language
From a structural standpoint, 'Twas awkward, but it fitted me is a relatively simple poem. It consists of three stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and there is a consistent use of iambic tetrameter throughout the poem. This creates a sense of repetition and rhythm that reinforces the themes of the poem.
In terms of language, Dickinson uses simple, everyday words to convey complex emotions and ideas. The poem is filled with imagery of clothing and dressing, which serves as a metaphor for the process of identity formation. Additionally, the poem is filled with paradoxes and contradictions, such as the idea that something can be both awkward and fitting at the same time. These contradictions underscore the complexity of the speaker's struggle to define themselves.
Interpretation
At its core, 'Twas awkward, but it fitted me is a powerful commentary on the nature of identity and the struggle to find one's place in the world. The speaker of the poem is trying on different outfits and emotional identities, searching for the one that fits them best. However, they are also aware of the pressure to conform to societal expectations and the limitations of conformity.
Ultimately, the poem speaks to the idea that the self is a constantly evolving entity, and that the process of identity formation is both complex and ongoing. The struggle to find one's place in the world is not something that can be resolved in a single moment, but rather is a lifelong journey of self-discovery.
In conclusion, 'Twas awkward, but it fitted me is a powerful and haunting poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Through its exploration of identity, conformity, and the tension between the physical and emotional, the poem speaks to the universal struggles of the human experience. Emily Dickinson's ability to convey complex emotions and ideas in simple language is on full display in this poem, making it a true literary masterpiece.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
‘Twas awkward, but it fitted me – a poem by Emily Dickinson, is a classic piece of poetry that has been analyzed and appreciated by many literary enthusiasts. The poem is a reflection of the poet’s personal experiences and emotions, and it is a perfect example of how Dickinson used her poetry to express her innermost thoughts and feelings.
The poem is a short one, consisting of only two stanzas, but it is packed with meaning and symbolism. The first stanza reads:
‘Twas awkward, but it fitted me – The garment was of cloth Had buttons by the left of each And patches by the both.
The first line of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word “awkward” suggests that the speaker is uncomfortable or uneasy with something. In this case, it is the garment that she is wearing. However, despite the awkwardness, the speaker acknowledges that the garment “fitted” her. This suggests that the garment is a metaphor for something else, perhaps a situation or a relationship, that is uncomfortable but necessary.
The second line of the poem describes the garment as being made of cloth. This is a simple and straightforward description, but it is also significant. Cloth is a material that is often associated with clothing, but it is also a material that can be woven or stitched together. This could be a metaphor for the speaker’s life, which is made up of different experiences and relationships that have been woven together to create the person she is today.
The third line of the poem describes the buttons on the garment. Buttons are often used to fasten clothing together, and in this case, they could be a metaphor for the speaker’s relationships. The fact that they are on the left side of the garment suggests that they are on the speaker’s heart side, indicating that her relationships are important to her.
The final line of the first stanza describes patches on the garment. Patches are often used to repair clothing, and in this case, they could be a metaphor for the speaker’s past experiences. The fact that they are on both sides of the garment suggests that the speaker has had both positive and negative experiences in her life.
The second stanza of the poem reads:
To me ‘twas elect place – And choice of chastened taste – To me ‘twas Paradise.
The first line of the second stanza suggests that the speaker has chosen to wear the garment, despite its awkwardness. The word “elect” suggests that the speaker has made a deliberate choice, and the phrase “place” suggests that the garment is a part of her identity.
The second line of the second stanza describes the speaker’s taste as “chastened”. This suggests that the speaker has a refined or restrained taste, and that she has chosen the garment because it fits with her personal style.
The final line of the poem describes the garment as “Paradise”. This is a powerful metaphor, suggesting that the garment is a source of comfort or happiness for the speaker. Despite its awkwardness, the garment is something that the speaker cherishes and values.
Overall, ‘Twas awkward, but it fitted me is a powerful and evocative poem that explores themes of identity, relationships, and personal taste. Through her use of metaphor and symbolism, Emily Dickinson has created a piece of poetry that is both beautiful and thought-provoking. The poem is a testament to Dickinson’s skill as a poet, and it is a reminder of the power of poetry to capture the complexities of human experience.
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