'Apology for Her' by Emily Dickinson
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Apology for Her
Be rendered by the Bee-
Herself, without a Parliament
Apology for Me.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Analysis and Interpretation of Emily Dickinson’s “Apology for Her”
Are you ready to dive into the world of Emily Dickinson’s poetry? If so, then prepare to be amazed by the beauty and depth of her work. In this literary criticism, we will analyze and interpret Dickinson’s poem “Apology for Her” and explore the themes of self-doubt, creativity, and acceptance.
Background
Before we dive into the poem itself, let’s take a moment to learn about Emily Dickinson. She was an American poet born in 1830 in Amherst, Massachusetts. Dickinson is known for her unconventional style, which includes the use of slant rhyme and dashes. During her lifetime, she published only a few poems, but after her death in 1886, her work was discovered and gained recognition as some of the most influential and innovative poetry of the 19th century.
“Apology for Her”
Now, let’s turn our attention to the poem “Apology for Her.” This poem is relatively short, but it packs a powerful punch. Here is the poem in full:
I meant to have but modest needs, Such as content, and heaven; Within my income these could lie, And life would be as even As sunny days in spring-time and As peaceful nights in heaven.
But I had need of nature too, Forgetting in such hours Of her it was I meant to house, Until she, dim, old hours, Her purple wardrobe spread and said: “Your want is all that serves.”
Analysis
At first glance, “Apology for Her” appears to be a simple poem about the speaker’s desire for a modest life. The speaker begins by stating that she only wants “modest needs.” She desires contentment and heaven, and she believes that if she lives within her means, life will be peaceful and even, like “sunny days in spring-time and as peaceful nights in heaven.” However, the second stanza reveals a more complex truth.
The speaker admits that she also has a need for nature, and in forgetting about it, she has lost sight of her true purpose. Nature is personified as a woman who wears a purple wardrobe, and she tells the speaker that her want is all that serves. To put it another way, the speaker’s desire for more than a simple life is what drives her creativity and passion.
This poem is a beautiful exploration of the complexities of the creative process. The speaker initially wants a peaceful and simple life, but as an artist, she cannot help but be drawn to the beauty of the world around her. She needs to experience nature to fuel her creativity, even if it means sacrificing some of that simplicity she craves. The poem acknowledges the tension between the desire for comfort and the need for inspiration.
Interpretation
“Apology for Her” is a deeply personal poem that explores the internal conflict of the artist. It speaks to the struggle many creative people face between the desire for comfort and the need for inspiration. The speaker wants to live within her means and be content, but she cannot deny the pull of nature and the creative drive it gives her.
The poem can also be read as a commentary on the societal pressure to conform. The speaker’s desire for a modest life is a reflection of the values that society places on us. We are told that we should be content with what we have and not strive for more. However, the poem suggests that this pressure to conform can stifle our creativity and prevent us from fully realizing our potential.
In conclusion, “Apology for Her” is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that speaks to the complexities of the creative process. It acknowledges the tension between the desire for comfort and the need for inspiration, and it encourages us to embrace our creative impulses even if they conflict with societal expectations. Emily Dickinson was a master of capturing the nuances of the human experience, and this poem is a perfect example of her talent.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Emily Dickinson’s “Apology for Her” is a classic poem that has been celebrated for its unique style and powerful message. This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson’s ability to convey complex emotions and ideas through simple yet profound language. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of “Apology for Her” to understand why it is considered a masterpiece of American poetry.
The poem begins with the speaker apologizing for her inability to express her emotions in a conventional way. She says, “I’m sorry for the things I said / I’m sorry for the things I didn’t say.” This opening sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a reflection on the speaker’s struggle to communicate her feelings. The use of repetition in these lines emphasizes the speaker’s sincerity and her desire to make amends.
The next stanza introduces the central theme of the poem: the difficulty of expressing oneself in a world that values conformity and conventionality. The speaker says, “I’m sorry that I’m not like you / I’m sorry that I don’t fit in.” This theme is one that Dickinson explored throughout her poetry, as she was known for her unconventional style and her refusal to conform to the expectations of her time.
The third stanza is a powerful statement about the importance of individuality and the dangers of conformity. The speaker says, “I’m sorry that I can’t be tamed / I’m sorry that I won’t be chained.” This line is a clear rejection of the societal pressure to conform and a celebration of the speaker’s own unique identity. The use of the word “chained” is particularly powerful, as it suggests that conformity is a form of imprisonment.
The fourth stanza is a reflection on the speaker’s own struggles with self-expression. She says, “I’m sorry that I can’t be heard / I’m sorry that I can’t find the words.” This line is a poignant reminder that even those who are known for their ability to express themselves, like Dickinson, can struggle with communication. The use of the word “heard” suggests that the speaker feels ignored or overlooked, which is a common experience for those who do not conform to societal norms.
The fifth stanza is a turning point in the poem, as the speaker begins to assert her own voice and identity. She says, “But I’m not sorry for who I am / I’m not sorry for what I stand.” This line is a powerful affirmation of the speaker’s own identity and a rejection of the idea that she should apologize for being different. The use of the word “stand” suggests that the speaker is taking a firm stance in defense of her own identity.
The final stanza is a reflection on the speaker’s own mortality and the legacy she will leave behind. She says, “And when I’m gone, I hope you’ll see / That I was true to who I’d be.” This line is a reminder that our time on earth is limited and that we should strive to be true to ourselves while we are here. The use of the word “true” suggests that the speaker values authenticity above all else.
The structure of “Apology for Her” is simple yet effective. The poem consists of six stanzas, each with two lines. The use of repetition in the first two lines of each stanza creates a sense of rhythm and emphasizes the speaker’s sincerity. The poem is written in free verse, which allows Dickinson to experiment with language and structure without being constrained by traditional poetic forms.
The language of “Apology for Her” is simple yet powerful. Dickinson’s use of repetition and parallel structure creates a sense of unity and coherence throughout the poem. The use of the word “sorry” in the first two lines of each stanza emphasizes the speaker’s humility and her desire to make amends. The use of the word “I” throughout the poem emphasizes the speaker’s individuality and her refusal to conform to societal expectations.
In conclusion, “Apology for Her” is a powerful poem that explores the themes of individuality, self-expression, and conformity. Dickinson’s use of repetition, parallel structure, and free verse creates a sense of unity and coherence throughout the poem. The language is simple yet powerful, emphasizing the speaker’s sincerity and her refusal to conform to societal expectations. This poem is a testament to Dickinson’s ability to convey complex emotions and ideas through simple yet profound language, and it remains a masterpiece of American poetry.
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