'The Malay-took the Pearl' by Emily Dickinson
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The Malay-took the Pearl-
Not-I-the Earl-
I-feared the Sea-too much
Unsanctified-to touch-Praying that I might be
Worthy-the Destiny-
The Swarthy fellow swam-
And bore my Jewel-Home-Home to the Hut! What lot
Had I-the Jewel-got-
Borne on a Dusky Breasty-
I had not deemed a Vest
Of Amber-fit-The Negro never knew
I-wooed it-too-
To gain, or be undone-
Alike to Him-One-
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Malay-Took the Pearl: An Exploration of Emily Dickinson's Poetry
When it comes to the works of Emily Dickinson, it's difficult to know where to begin. The reclusive poet and her enigmatic verse have captured the imaginations of readers for generations, and continue to do so today. So, let's start with one of her most famous poems, "The Malay-Took the Pearl."
A Brief Introduction to Emily Dickinson
Before diving into the poem itself, it's important to understand a bit about the poet who wrote it. Emily Dickinson was born in Amherst, Massachusetts in 1830, and is now considered to be one of the most important figures in American literature. Despite living a relatively secluded life, Dickinson wrote over 1,700 poems in her lifetime, many of which were not published until after her death in 1886.
Her poetry is known for its brevity, unconventional use of punctuation, and emphasis on themes such as death, love, and nature. Dickinson's work has been studied extensively by literary scholars, and she is often cited as an influence on modernist writers such as T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound.
The Malay-Took the Pearl: An Interpretation
Now, let's turn our attention to "The Malay-Took the Pearl." At first glance, the poem seems simple enough. It tells the story of a Malay sailor who takes a pearl from the ocean, only to be killed by a shark on his way back to shore. However, as with much of Dickinson's poetry, there is much more going on beneath the surface.
The Symbolism of the Pearl
One of the most obvious symbols in the poem is the pearl itself. Pearls are often associated with purity and perfection, and are frequently used in literature and art as a symbol of something rare and valuable.
In "The Malay-Took the Pearl," the pearl represents not only something precious, but also something dangerous. The Malay sailor risks his life to retrieve the pearl from the ocean, and ultimately pays the price for his greed. This reflects Dickinson's larger themes of the dangers of desire and the inevitability of death.
The Role of Nature
Nature plays a central role in "The Malay-Took the Pearl," as it does in much of Dickinson's work. The shark that kills the Malay sailor is a reminder of the power of the natural world and the fragility of human life. Dickinson frequently uses the natural world as a metaphor for larger philosophical concepts, and "The Malay-Took the Pearl" is no exception.
The Importance of Form
One of the most notable aspects of Dickinson's poetry is her use of form. "The Malay-Took the Pearl" is written in ballad meter, a traditional form of poetry that was often used for storytelling. Dickinson's use of this form gives the poem a sense of familiarity and accessibility, while also allowing her to subvert the expectations of the form with her unconventional use of punctuation and syntax.
The Influence of Religion
Finally, it's worth noting the influence of Dickinson's religious beliefs on the poem. Dickinson was heavily influenced by the Calvinist beliefs of her family, which emphasized the concept of predestination and the idea that some people were destined for salvation while others were not.
"The Malay-Took the Pearl" can be read as a reflection of this belief system, with the Malay sailor's fate predetermined by his actions. The poem also touches on larger religious themes such as sin, redemption, and the inevitability of death.
Conclusion
In "The Malay-Took the Pearl," Emily Dickinson has created a deceptively simple poem that is full of complex symbolism, philosophical musings, and religious undertones. By using traditional forms and subverting them in unconventional ways, Dickinson invites readers to question their assumptions about poetry and the world around them.
As with much of her work, "The Malay-Took the Pearl" is a reminder of the power of language to explore the deepest mysteries of the human experience. Whether you're a longtime fan of Dickinson's poetry or encountering it for the first time, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Malay-took the Pearl: A Masterpiece of Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned poets of the 19th century, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of nature, death, and spirituality. Her poem, The Malay-took the Pearl, is a classic example of her work and is considered one of her most famous poems. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this masterpiece.
The poem begins with the line, "The Malay took the pearl," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "took" implies that the pearl was not given willingly, but rather taken by force. This sets up a theme of conflict and struggle that runs throughout the poem.
The second line, "Not-I, the toilers of the sea," introduces the idea that the pearl was not obtained by the speaker, but rather by someone else. This creates a sense of distance between the speaker and the pearl, as if they are observing the events from afar.
The third line, "The pearl-enlisted, in seamen's lore," introduces the idea that the pearl has a history and a story behind it. It is not just a simple object, but rather a symbol of something greater. This line also introduces the idea of "lore," which implies that the pearl has a cultural significance beyond its physical value.
The fourth line, "Lies dusky, in the seamen's bower," creates an image of the pearl being hidden away in a dark and mysterious place. This adds to the sense of intrigue and mystery surrounding the pearl.
The fifth line, "Below the ship, the seaweed's stir," introduces the idea of movement and activity beneath the surface of the sea. This creates a sense of tension and anticipation, as if something is about to happen.
The sixth line, "Below the ship, the pearl," brings the focus back to the pearl and its location. The repetition of the phrase "below the ship" emphasizes the idea that the pearl is hidden away and not easily accessible.
The seventh line, "The seamen's gnarled hands," introduces the idea of the people who are involved in the story of the pearl. The use of the word "gnarled" implies that these people are rough and weathered, adding to the sense of conflict and struggle.
The eighth line, "Drip rust upon the deck, and strands of sea-weed-strew," creates an image of the seamen working hard and leaving evidence of their labor behind. The use of the word "rust" implies that the work is difficult and dirty.
The ninth line, "The deck-hands, with the levers, lift," introduces the idea of physical labor and effort. This creates a sense of tension and anticipation, as if something important is about to happen.
The tenth line, "The broken oarsmen row, away," creates a sense of movement and action. The use of the word "broken" implies that the oarsmen are struggling, adding to the sense of conflict and struggle.
The eleventh line, "The Malay, in the stern," brings the focus back to the person who took the pearl. The use of the word "Malay" implies that this person is from a different culture or background than the seamen, adding to the sense of conflict and tension.
The twelfth line, "Smiles at the seaman's cheer," creates a sense of irony and tension. The fact that the Malay is smiling while the seamen are struggling adds to the sense of conflict and struggle.
The thirteenth line, "The seaman, with the gallant ship," introduces the idea of the ship itself. This creates a sense of scale and grandeur, as if the story is part of something larger and more significant.
The fourteenth line, "The emblem of a courage, hath gone down," creates a sense of loss and tragedy. The use of the word "emblem" implies that the ship was a symbol of something greater, and its loss is significant.
The fifteenth line, "And in the seaman's bower," brings the focus back to the pearl. The repetition of the phrase "seaman's bower" emphasizes the idea that the pearl is hidden away and not easily accessible.
The sixteenth line, "The tiny shell is laid," creates an image of the pearl being carefully placed in a small and delicate container. This adds to the sense of the pearl being valuable and precious.
The seventeenth line, "Snug at the seaman's feet," creates an image of the pearl being close to the seamen, but still out of reach. This adds to the sense of tension and conflict.
The final line, "Rests tranquil in the seaman's tomb," creates a sense of finality and closure. The use of the word "tomb" implies that the story has come to an end, and the pearl is now at rest.
Overall, The Malay-took the Pearl is a masterpiece of Emily Dickinson's work. It explores themes of conflict, struggle, and loss, while also creating a sense of mystery and intrigue. The use of imagery and repetition creates a powerful and memorable poem that continues to resonate with readers today.
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