'You'll know Her-by Her Foot' by Emily Dickinson

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You'll know Her-by Her Foot-
The smallest Gamboge Hand
With Fingers-where the Toes should be-
Would more affront the Sand-Than this Quaint Creature's Boot-
Adjusted by a Stern-
Without a Button-I could vouch-
Unto a Velvet Limb-You'll know Her-by Her Vest-
Tight fitting-Orange-Brown-
Inside a Jacket duller-
She wore when she was born-Her Cap is small-and snug-
Constructed for the Winds-
She'd pass for Barehead-short way off-
But as She Closer stands-So finer 'tis than Wool-
You cannot feel the Seam-
Nor is it Clasped unto of Band-
Nor held upon-of Brim-You'll know Her-by Her Voice-
At first-a doubtful Tone-
A sweet endeavor-but as March
To April-hurries on-She squanders on your Ear
Such Arguments of Pearl-
You beg the Robin in your Brain
To keep the other-still-

Editor 1 Interpretation

An Exciting Critique of Emily Dickinson's "You'll Know Her - By Her Foot"

Emily Dickinson's poetry has often been described as enigmatic, mysterious and incomprehensible. It is said that the reclusive poet wrote over 1,800 poems, most of which were not published during her lifetime. Yet, her work has managed to captivate readers and literary scholars for generations. One of her most intriguing poems is "You'll Know Her - By Her Foot". In this essay, we will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used by Dickinson in this poem.

Overview of the Poem

Before we delve into the analysis, let's take a moment to read the poem:

You'll know her - by her foot - The smallest Gamboge Hand With Fingers - where the Toes should be - Would more affront the sand -

Than this Quaint Creature's Boot - Muffled - to deem her shod - Would make the Hand - Opon a Spade - Dare not withhold a sod.

So, we have a poem that describes a person, presumably a woman, by her foot. The foot is described as small and the color of gamboge, which is a bright yellow-orange pigment. The fingers are where the toes should be, which is rather unusual. The poem goes on to compare the woman's boot to a "quaint creature's" and suggests that it is muffled so as not to draw attention to it. The final two lines suggest that even the hand that holds a spade would not dare withhold a sod from this mysterious woman.

Analysis of Themes

At first glance, it may seem that this poem is just a whimsical description of an unusual woman. However, upon closer inspection, one can discern several themes.

Identity

The poem seems to be concerned with the question of identity. The woman is not described by her face or her name, but rather by her foot. This suggests that identity is not necessarily tied to physical appearance or even personality. It is possible that the woman in the poem is deliberately hiding her identity by wearing a boot that is meant to be unremarkable. This raises questions about why someone would want to hide their identity and what kind of social or cultural pressures might lead to such behavior.

Appearance vs. Reality

The poem also explores the concept of appearance versus reality. The woman's boot is described as "quaint" and "muffled", which suggests that it is meant to look unremarkable. However, the fact that even the hand that holds a spade would not withhold a sod suggests that there is something about this woman that is special or valuable, despite her attempts to blend in. This raises questions about the ways in which people try to present themselves to the world and the reality that lies beneath the surface.

Gender Roles

Finally, the poem touches on issues of gender roles. The fact that the woman is not described by her face or name, but rather by her foot, suggests that she is being objectified in some way. Additionally, the fact that she is wearing a boot that is meant to be unremarkable suggests that she is trying to conform to societal expectations of how women should present themselves. This raises questions about the ways in which gender roles are constructed and enforced.

Analysis of Symbols

In addition to themes, the poem also employs several symbols.

Foot

The most obvious symbol in the poem is the foot. The fact that the woman is described by her foot suggests that it is a significant part of her identity. Additionally, the fact that the foot is described as having fingers where the toes should be suggests that the woman is unusual or abnormal in some way.

Boot

The boot is also a significant symbol in the poem. The fact that it is described as "quaint" and "muffled" suggests that it is meant to be unremarkable. However, the fact that it is compared to a "quaint creature's" suggests that it is not entirely ordinary. Additionally, the fact that the hand that holds a spade would not withhold a sod suggests that there is something valuable or important about the woman who is wearing the boot.

Gamboge

Finally, the color gamboge is also a significant symbol in the poem. Gamboge is a bright yellow-orange pigment that is often used in painting. The fact that the woman's foot is described as gamboge suggests that it is meant to be eye-catching or attention-grabbing. Additionally, the fact that the hand that holds a spade would not withhold a sod suggests that there is something valuable or important about the woman who has a gamboge foot.

Analysis of Literary Devices

In addition to themes and symbols, the poem also employs several literary devices.

Metaphor

The poem uses metaphor to compare the woman's boot to a "quaint creature's". This comparison suggests that the boot is not entirely ordinary and that there is something unique or special about the woman who is wearing it.

Personification

The poem also uses personification to describe the hand that holds a spade. The fact that the hand is described as having the ability to withhold a sod suggests that it has agency and power.

Allusion

Finally, the poem employs allusion to the color gamboge. Gamboge is a pigment that is often used in painting, and its use in the poem suggests that the woman's foot is meant to be eye-catching or attention-grabbing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "You'll Know Her - By Her Foot" is a poem that addresses issues of identity, appearance versus reality, and gender roles. Through the use of symbols such as the foot and the boot, as well as literary devices such as metaphor and allusion, Dickinson creates a poem that is both enigmatic and thought-provoking. Ultimately, the poem raises questions about how we present ourselves to the world, and what lies beneath the surface.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry You'll know Her-by Her Foot: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers even today. Among her many famous poems, "Poetry You'll know Her-by Her Foot" stands out as a masterpiece of poetic expression and insight. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem, exploring its themes, imagery, and language to uncover the secrets of its enduring appeal.

The poem begins with a bold assertion: "Poetry you'll know her-by her foot." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, suggesting that poetry is not just an abstract concept or a set of rules and techniques, but a living, breathing entity with its own distinct identity and presence. By using the metaphor of a foot, Dickinson suggests that poetry is something that can be felt and experienced, rather than simply studied or analyzed.

The second line of the poem reinforces this idea, stating that poetry "has a logic of its own." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is not bound by the same rules and conventions as other forms of writing or communication. Instead, it operates on its own terms, following its own internal logic and structure. This idea is further developed in the third line, which states that poetry "can't be picked up like a stone." Here, Dickinson is emphasizing the intangible nature of poetry, suggesting that it cannot be grasped or understood in the same way as a physical object.

The fourth line of the poem introduces a new metaphor, comparing poetry to a bird. This image is particularly powerful, as it suggests that poetry is something that can take flight and soar above the mundane concerns of everyday life. By using the metaphor of a bird, Dickinson is also suggesting that poetry is something that is free and unencumbered, able to move and change at will.

The fifth line of the poem introduces another metaphor, comparing poetry to a sea. This image is particularly evocative, as it suggests that poetry is something that is vast and deep, with hidden depths and hidden currents. By using the metaphor of a sea, Dickinson is also suggesting that poetry is something that is constantly in motion, always changing and evolving.

The sixth and seventh lines of the poem introduce a new idea, suggesting that poetry is something that can be recognized by its effects. Here, Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is not just a set of words or images, but something that has the power to move and inspire us. By using the phrase "her speech is mannered," Dickinson is suggesting that poetry has a distinctive voice and style, one that is recognizable even when we can't see it directly.

The eighth and ninth lines of the poem introduce another metaphor, comparing poetry to a storm. This image is particularly powerful, as it suggests that poetry is something that can be both beautiful and dangerous, both awe-inspiring and terrifying. By using the metaphor of a storm, Dickinson is also suggesting that poetry is something that can be both natural and supernatural, both a product of the world around us and something that transcends it.

The final line of the poem brings everything together, suggesting that poetry is something that is both elusive and essential. By using the phrase "yet never in extremity," Dickinson is suggesting that poetry is something that is always just out of reach, always tantalizingly close but never quite within our grasp. At the same time, however, she is also suggesting that poetry is something that is essential to our lives, something that we cannot do without.

In conclusion, "Poetry You'll know Her-by Her Foot" is a masterful poem that captures the essence of poetry itself. Through its use of powerful metaphors, vivid imagery, and evocative language, Dickinson creates a portrait of poetry as something that is both elusive and essential, both beautiful and dangerous, both natural and supernatural. By reading and studying this poem, we can gain a deeper understanding of the power and significance of poetry in our lives, and learn to appreciate it in all its many forms.

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