'I keep my pledge' by Emily Dickinson

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I keep my pledge.
I was not called-
Death did not notice me.
I bring my Rose.
I plight again,
By every sainted Bee-
By Daisy called from hillside-
by Bobolink from lane.
Blossom and I-

Editor 1 Interpretation

"I Keep My Pledge" by Emily Dickinson: A Masterpiece of Poetic Complexity

"Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul" - Emily Dickinson's poetry is full of unconventional imagery and deep philosophical musings. Her work is a testament to the beauty and power of language, and "I Keep My Pledge" is no exception. This poem is a complex exploration of the themes of trust, love, and commitment, presented through a series of intricate metaphors and vivid descriptions. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the nuances of "I Keep My Pledge" and unpack the layers of meaning hidden within this deceptively simple poem.

Structure and Form

At first glance, "I Keep My Pledge" appears to be a simple six-line poem, with a regular ABABCC rhyme scheme. However, a closer examination reveals a more complex structure at play. The first two lines set the tone and establish the central metaphor of the poem - "I keep my pledge to thee/My love, I do not sleep." The repetition of the phrase "I keep my pledge" emphasizes the importance of the promise being made, while the declaration "I do not sleep" suggests the speaker's unwavering commitment.

The next two lines expand on the central metaphor, comparing the pledge to a "bridge of sighs" and a "bridge of love." The "bridge of sighs" is a reference to the famous bridge in Venice that prisoners would cross on their way to the executioner. This metaphor suggests that the promise being made is a serious and weighty one, perhaps even a matter of life and death. The "bridge of love" introduces a more positive and romantic tone, suggesting that the pledge is being made out of a deep and abiding love.

The final two lines bring the poem to a close, with the speaker declaring that "Dreams...wake and plead" and that "Angels...approve." The use of personification in these lines suggests that the speaker's commitment is not just to the person they are addressing, but also to a higher power - perhaps even to a divine being. The final line, with its emphatic repetition of the word "approve," serves to underline the importance of the promise being made, and reinforces the idea that it is a matter of great importance.

Metaphor and Imagery

One of the most striking features of "I Keep My Pledge" is the use of metaphor and imagery. The central metaphor of the poem - that of the pledge being a bridge - is expanded upon throughout the poem, with each line introducing a new layer of meaning.

The "bridge of sighs" metaphor is particularly powerful, evoking a sense of despair and hopelessness. By comparing the pledge to a bridge that prisoners must cross on their way to their execution, Dickinson suggests that the promise being made is a matter of life and death. The use of the word "sighs" emphasizes the emotional weight of the promise, suggesting that it is being made in the face of great hardship or suffering.

The "bridge of love" metaphor introduces a more romantic and positive tone, suggesting that the pledge is being made out of a deep and abiding love. The use of the word "love" here is important - it suggests that the promise being made is not just a matter of duty or obligation, but is motivated by a genuine emotional connection.

The final lines of the poem introduce a new set of metaphors, with dreams and angels personified as waking and approving, respectively. The use of personification here serves to reinforce the idea of the pledge being something that transcends the earthly realm - it is a promise made not just to another person, but to a higher power.

Themes and Interpretation

"I Keep My Pledge" is a poem that is rich in themes and meaning. At its core, the poem is an exploration of the themes of trust, love, and commitment. The central metaphor of the pledge being a bridge is a powerful one, suggesting that the promise being made is a matter of great importance and weight.

The use of the "bridge of sighs" metaphor underscores the idea that the promise being made is a serious one, perhaps even a matter of life and death. This suggests that the person being addressed is someone who is going through a difficult time, and that the speaker is promising to be there for them through thick and thin.

The use of the "bridge of love" metaphor introduces a more romantic and positive tone, suggesting that the promise is being made out of a deep and abiding love. This reinforces the idea that the pledge is not just a matter of duty or obligation, but is motivated by a genuine emotional connection.

The final lines of the poem introduce a new set of metaphors, with dreams and angels personified as waking and approving, respectively. This suggests that the pledge being made is not just to another person, but to a higher power. It also suggests that the promise being made is one that is approved of by the divine - perhaps even a sacred promise.

Overall, "I Keep My Pledge" is a complex and nuanced poem that rewards careful attention and interpretation. Its use of metaphor and imagery is powerful, and its exploration of themes such as trust, love, and commitment is both timeless and universal. As with much of Dickinson's work, the poem is a masterpiece of poetic complexity, and its meaning and significance will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has been used for centuries to express emotions, thoughts, and feelings. Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned poets of all time, is known for her unique style of writing that captures the essence of life in a way that is both profound and beautiful. One of her most famous poems, "I keep my pledge," is a testament to her mastery of the art of poetry.

The poem begins with the line, "I keep my pledge," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is making a promise to someone, and it is clear that this promise is important to them. The use of the word "pledge" suggests that this promise is not something that the speaker takes lightly, but rather something that they are committed to fulfilling.

As the poem continues, the speaker describes the promise that they have made. They have promised to "walk softly" and "do no harm" to the person they are speaking to. This promise is significant because it shows that the speaker is aware of the impact that their actions can have on others. They are making a conscious effort to be kind and considerate, which is a valuable trait in any relationship.

The next few lines of the poem are particularly powerful. The speaker says that they will "speak truth" and "hold fast the neutral flag." These lines suggest that the speaker is committed to honesty and fairness in their interactions with others. They will not take sides or play favorites, but rather will strive to be impartial and objective. This is an admirable quality, and one that is often lacking in today's society.

The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most poignant. The speaker says that they will "bear bravely" whatever comes their way, and that they will "smile on through the tear." These lines suggest that the speaker is prepared to face whatever challenges may come their way, and that they will do so with courage and grace. The image of smiling through tears is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the speaker is able to find joy and beauty even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

Overall, "I keep my pledge" is a beautiful and inspiring poem that speaks to the importance of honesty, kindness, and courage in our interactions with others. Emily Dickinson's mastery of language and imagery is on full display in this poem, and it is a testament to her status as one of the greatest poets of all time. Whether you are a fan of poetry or not, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.

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