'Fame of Myself, to justify' by Emily Dickinson

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Fame of Myself, to justify,
All other Plaudit be
Superfluous-An Incense
Beyond Necessity-Fame of Myself to lack-Although
My Name be else Supreme-
This were an Honor honorless-
A futile Diadem-

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Fame of Myself: An Interpretation of Emily Dickinson’s Poetry

Emily Dickinson is one of the most fascinating and enigmatic literary figures in American history. Her poetry, written mostly in the mid-nineteenth century, was largely overlooked by her contemporaries but gained critical acclaim decades later. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore Dickinson's famous poem, "The Fame of Myself to justify," and analyze its themes, language, and structure.

The Poem

Before we dive into the analysis, let's read "The Fame of Myself to justify" in its entirety:

The fame of myself to justify, All vouchsafe to pronounce it true, That I the manliest love pursue Boldly to bear me in the fight, And still the poet of the heart, Lover of things that cannot die, And who myself have made the rhyme Of what I shall be till I die.

We will begin by examining the poem's structure and language, and then move on to an interpretation of its themes.

Structure and Language

"The Fame of Myself to justify" is a sonnet, a fourteen-line poem that originated in fourteenth-century Italy. Dickinson's sonnet follows the traditional structure of three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final couplet (two lines). The rhyme scheme is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.

The poem's language is straightforward and simple, but its meaning is complex. Dickinson uses the word "fame" in the title, suggesting that the poem is about her desire for recognition and acclaim. However, the poem's language is not boastful or self-aggrandizing. Instead, Dickinson uses the pronoun "myself" to refer to her own fame, and asks others to "vouchsafe to pronounce it true." This suggests that Dickinson is seeking validation from others, rather than simply boasting about her own accomplishments.

The poem's language is also paradoxical. Dickinson describes herself as pursuing "the manliest love," which seems to contradict traditional gender roles. However, this line can be read as a statement of defiance, as Dickinson challenges societal expectations of women. She also describes herself as "still the poet of the heart," which suggests that she is not only concerned with the external trappings of fame, but also with the inner workings of the human experience.

Interpretation

"The Fame of Myself to justify" is a meditation on the nature of fame and the artist's role in society. Dickinson was a prolific writer, but during her lifetime, only a few of her poems were published. This lack of recognition and acclaim may have contributed to her fascination with fame and its meaning.

The poem's first quatrain sets up the idea of fame as a justification for the self. Dickinson asks her readers to "pronounce [her fame] true," suggesting that she needs others to validate her sense of self-worth. This desire for external validation is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry, as she often writes about the conflict between the inner self and the outer world.

In the second quatrain, Dickinson describes herself as pursuing "the manliest love." This line can be read as a rejection of traditional gender roles, as Dickinson asserts her right to pursue what she loves, regardless of societal expectations. The line "Boldly to bear me in the fight" suggests that Dickinson sees herself as a fighter, someone who is willing to take risks and stand up for what she believes in.

The third quatrain is perhaps the most enigmatic, as Dickinson describes herself as "the poet of the heart" and a "lover of things that cannot die." This line can be read as a meditation on the nature of art and its ability to transcend time and mortality. Dickinson sees herself as a vessel for immortal truths, someone who can capture the essence of the human experience in her poetry.

The final couplet brings the poem full circle, as Dickinson declares that she has "made the rhyme of what I shall be till I die." This final line suggests that Dickinson's sense of self is tied up with her sense of mortality. She sees her poetry as a way to transcend death and achieve a kind of immortality.

Conclusion

"The Fame of Myself to justify" is a complex and fascinating poem that explores the nature of fame, self-worth, and artistic expression. Dickinson's use of paradoxical language and her focus on the inner self make this poem a quintessential example of her work. By analyzing its structure, language, and themes, we can begin to understand Dickinson's unique perspective on the world and her place in it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Fame of Myself: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poetry

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her works are known for their unique style, unconventional punctuation, and profound themes. Among her many poems, "Fame of Myself" stands out as a classic that captures the essence of Dickinson's poetic vision. In this analysis, we will explore the meaning and significance of this poem, and how it reflects the poet's views on fame, identity, and creativity.

The poem begins with a bold declaration: "I'm nobody! Who are you?" This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Dickinson challenges the reader to question their own identity and status in society. The use of the word "nobody" is significant, as it suggests that the speaker is not interested in conforming to the norms of society, or seeking recognition or validation from others. Instead, she values her own individuality and autonomy, and invites the reader to do the same.

The second stanza continues this theme of individuality, as the speaker declares that "there's a certain slant of light" that makes her feel unique and special. This slant of light is a metaphor for the speaker's own creativity and imagination, which she sees as a source of inspiration and joy. The use of the word "certain" suggests that this feeling is not universal, but rather something that is personal and subjective. This reinforces the idea that the speaker values her own perspective and experiences, and is not interested in conforming to the expectations of others.

The third stanza introduces the theme of fame, as the speaker asks the reader if they too "wear a 'public' like a coat." This metaphor suggests that fame is something that can be put on and taken off, like a piece of clothing. It also implies that fame is a burden, something that can weigh a person down and restrict their freedom. The use of the word "public" is significant, as it suggests that fame is something that is imposed on a person by others, rather than something that is earned or deserved.

The fourth stanza continues this theme of fame, as the speaker declares that she would rather be "a little proud nobody" than a famous somebody. This is a powerful statement, as it suggests that the speaker values her own sense of self-worth and integrity more than the approval of others. It also implies that fame is not a guarantee of happiness or fulfillment, but rather something that can be a source of stress and anxiety.

The fifth stanza introduces the theme of death, as the speaker declares that "to die - takes just a little while." This line is significant, as it suggests that death is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather something that is natural and inevitable. It also implies that life is fleeting and precious, and that we should make the most of the time we have.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, as the speaker asks the reader if they too are "nobody." This question is significant, as it suggests that the speaker sees herself as part of a larger community of individuals who value their own individuality and autonomy. It also implies that the reader is invited to join this community, and to embrace their own sense of self-worth and creativity.

In conclusion, "Fame of Myself" is a classic poem that captures the essence of Emily Dickinson's poetic vision. It celebrates individuality, creativity, and autonomy, while challenging the reader to question their own identity and status in society. It also critiques the notion of fame, suggesting that it is a burden rather than a reward, and that true happiness and fulfillment come from within. Ultimately, this poem is a powerful reminder that we are all "nobodies" in the eyes of society, but that we can find meaning and purpose in our own unique perspectives and experiences.

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