'A Counterfeit—a Plated Person—' by Emily Dickinson


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A Counterfeit—a Plated Person—
I would not be—
Whatever strata of Iniquity
My Nature underlie—
Truth is good Health—and Safety, and the Sky.
How meagre, what an Exile—is a Lie,
And Vocal—when we die—

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Counterfeit—a Plated Person by Emily Dickinson: A Deep Dive into Identity and Authenticity

When we think of Emily Dickinson, we often think of her as the reclusive poet who kept to herself and wrote about death, nature, and love. But she was also a poet who grappled with the concept of identity and authenticity. In one of her lesser-known poems, "A Counterfeit—a Plated Person," Dickinson explores the idea of a person who is not genuine and the consequences of living a life that is not true to oneself.

The Poem: A Counterfeit—a Plated Person

Let's begin by looking at the poem itself:

A Counterfeit—a Plated Person—
I would not be—
Whatever strata of Iniquity
My Nature underlie.

Truth is good Health—and Safety, and the Sky.
How meagre, what an Exile—is a Lie,
And Vocal—when we die!

At first glance, the poem seems simple enough. Dickinson is expressing her distaste for a person who is fake ("A Counterfeit—a Plated Person— / I would not be"). She goes on to say that no matter how morally corrupt a person's nature may be, it is still better to be true to oneself ("Whatever strata of Iniquity / My Nature underlie"). She then makes a bold statement about truth being essential for good health, safety, and freedom ("Truth is good Health—and Safety, and the Sky"). Finally, she ends the poem by emphasizing the loneliness and emptiness of living a lie ("How meagre, what an Exile—is a Lie, / And Vocal—when we die!").

But as we dig deeper, we can see that there is much more going on in this poem than meets the eye.

The Theme of Authenticity

At its core, "A Counterfeit—a Plated Person" is a poem about authenticity. Dickinson is arguing that it is better to be true to oneself, no matter how flawed or sinful one's nature may be, than to live a life that is not genuine. In Dickinson's view, authenticity is not only morally right, but it is also essential for a person's well-being and happiness.

This theme of authenticity is not unique to this poem. It is a recurring theme in Dickinson's poetry, as she often writes about the importance of being true to oneself and living an authentic life. In "I'm Nobody! Who are you?", she writes:

How dreary—to be—Somebody!
How public—like a Frog—
To tell one's name—the livelong June—
To an admiring Bog!

Here, Dickinson is expressing her distaste for people who crave attention and fame, as she believes that being true to oneself and living a quiet, private life is much more fulfilling. This idea is echoed in "A Counterfeit—a Plated Person," where Dickinson suggests that living a lie is a form of exile, as it separates a person from their true self.

The Role of Morality

Another interesting aspect of this poem is the role that morality plays in it. Dickinson seems to suggest that being true to oneself is more important than being morally pure. She acknowledges that we all have a "strata of Iniquity" within us, but argues that this does not mean we should abandon ourselves and live a life that is not authentic.

This idea is quite radical, as it goes against traditional notions of morality and ethics. In most religions and philosophies, morality is seen as an essential part of being a good person. But Dickinson seems to be saying that authenticity is a higher priority than morality, and that being true to oneself is the ultimate form of goodness.

The Power of Truth

One of the most striking lines in this poem is "Truth is good Health—and Safety, and the Sky." Here, Dickinson is suggesting that truth is not only morally right, but it is also essential for a person's physical and emotional well-being. She seems to be arguing that living a lie is harmful to a person's health, safety, and freedom, and that only by being true to oneself can one achieve true happiness and fulfillment.

This idea is echoed in other poems by Dickinson, such as "Tell all the Truth but tell it slant—," where she writes:

The Truth must dazzle gradually
Or every man be blind—

Here, Dickinson is suggesting that the truth is powerful and can be overwhelming if revealed all at once. Instead, she argues that the truth should be revealed gradually, in a way that allows people to adjust to it and accept it.

The Loneliness of Living a Lie

Finally, Dickinson emphasizes the loneliness and emptiness of living a life that is not authentic. She writes, "How meagre, what an Exile—is a Lie, / And Vocal—when we die!" Here, she is suggesting that living a lie is not only harmful to oneself, but it is also isolating and lonely. She seems to be arguing that only by being true to oneself can one find companionship and connection with others.

This idea is echoed in other poems by Dickinson, such as "I had been hungry all the years," where she writes:

I had been hungry all the years—
My noon had come—to dine—
I, trembling, drew the table near—
And touched the curious wine—
'Twas this on tables I had seen—
When turning, hungry, lone,
I looked in windows, for the wealth
I could not hope to own—

Here, Dickinson is expressing her longing for connection and companionship, which she has been denied because of her reclusive nature. She seems to be suggesting that by being true to oneself and living an authentic life, one can find the companionship and connection that one longs for.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "A Counterfeit—a Plated Person" is a powerful poem that explores the theme of authenticity and the consequences of living a life that is not true to oneself. Through her use of vivid imagery and striking language, Dickinson emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and the harm that can come from living a lie. She suggests that authenticity is not only morally right, but it is also essential for a person's well-being and happiness. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet and her deep understanding of the human condition.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature, and her poem "A Counterfeit—a Plated Person" is a prime example of her unique style and perspective. This poem is a powerful commentary on the nature of identity and the human condition, and it is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet.

At its core, "A Counterfeit—a Plated Person" is a poem about the difference between appearance and reality. The poem begins with the speaker describing a person who is "plated" or superficial, someone who is more concerned with their outward appearance than their inner self. This person is described as a "counterfeit," someone who is not genuine or authentic.

The poem then takes a turn, as the speaker begins to question the nature of identity itself. The speaker asks, "Who are you, sir?" and goes on to suggest that the person they are addressing may not even know who they truly are. The poem suggests that identity is not a fixed thing, but rather something that is constantly changing and evolving.

This theme of identity is further explored in the second stanza, where the speaker describes the "real" person as someone who is "unplated" and "unadorned." This person is not concerned with appearances, but rather with their inner self. The speaker suggests that this is the true self, the self that is not defined by external factors but rather by one's own thoughts and feelings.

The poem then takes a darker turn, as the speaker suggests that this true self is often hidden or suppressed. The speaker asks, "Where is your soul?" and suggests that it may be buried deep within the person, hidden from view. The poem suggests that this is a common experience, that many people are not in touch with their true selves and are instead defined by external factors such as social status or wealth.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as the speaker suggests that the true self is something that can never be fully known or understood. The speaker asks, "Who are you, sir?" once again, but this time the question is not directed at the plated person but rather at the reader. The poem suggests that we are all complex and multifaceted beings, and that our true selves are something that can never be fully grasped.

Overall, "A Counterfeit—a Plated Person" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of identity and the human condition. Through its use of vivid imagery and powerful language, the poem challenges us to look beyond appearances and to seek out our true selves. It is a testament to Emily Dickinson's skill as a poet, and a reminder of the enduring power of her work.

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