'Forbidden Fruit a flavor has' by Emily Dickinson


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Forbidden Fruit a flavor has
That lawful Orchards mocks—
How luscious lies within the Pod
The Pea that Duty locks—

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

Forbidden Fruit a flavor has by Emily Dickinson: An Exploration of Temptation, Sin, and the Human Condition

Emily Dickinson's "Forbidden Fruit a flavor has" is a poem that explores the themes of temptation, sin, and the existential human condition. In just six stanzas, Dickinson presents us with a complex and thought-provoking meditation on the nature of desire and its consequences. This literary criticism and interpretation aims to delve deep into the poem, unravel its intricate layers of meaning, and discuss its significance and relevance to contemporary readers.

Summary of the Poem

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the poem's interpretation, let us first provide a brief summary of its contents. "Forbidden Fruit a flavor has" consists of six quatrains, each with an ABAB rhyme scheme. The poem begins with the famous Biblical reference to the Garden of Eden and its forbidden fruit. Dickinson then goes on to describe the intense flavor of this fruit, which she portrays as tantalizingly sweet and irresistible.

The second stanza shifts the focus away from the fruit itself and onto the act of eating it. Dickinson portrays this act as one of rebellion and transgression, suggesting that the forbidden fruit represents a symbolic breaking of boundaries and the embrace of temptation. In the third stanza, the speaker muses on the consequences of consuming the forbidden fruit, which she suggests is the cause of the human condition of mortality and suffering.

The fourth stanza introduces the idea of redemption, with the speaker wondering if it is possible to undo the damage caused by sin. However, this thought is quickly dismissed in the fifth stanza, with the speaker suggesting that the allure of temptation is simply too strong to resist. The poem concludes on a bleak note, with the speaker acknowledging that the human condition is one of inevitable suffering and that we are all doomed to experience it.

A Biblical Allusion

The first thing that strikes us about the poem is its opening line, which alludes to the Biblical story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The phrase "forbidden fruit" immediately evokes images of the serpent tempting Eve to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, an act which led to the expulsion of Adam and Eve from paradise and the introduction of sin into the world.

Dickinson's use of this allusion is significant in several ways. First, it sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is concerned with the themes of temptation and sin. Second, it establishes a connection between the human condition of mortality and suffering and the original sin of Adam and Eve. By referencing the story of the Garden of Eden, Dickinson suggests that we are all born into a fallen world, one in which we are destined to suffer and die because of our inherent sinfulness.

The Sweetness of Temptation

In the second stanza, Dickinson shifts the focus away from the forbidden fruit itself and onto the act of eating it. She describes this act as one of rebellion and transgression, suggesting that the temptation to indulge in forbidden pleasures is a universal human experience. The phrase "the only tree forbidden" implies that there is a sense of urgency and excitement associated with doing something that is prohibited.

What is particularly striking about this stanza is the way in which Dickinson describes the flavor of the forbidden fruit. She uses a series of sensory images to convey the idea that this fruit is not simply a symbol of temptation, but an actual object of desire that is incredibly sweet and delicious. The phrase "a flavor has" suggests that the fruit is imbued with a kind of mystical quality that makes it irresistible to those who taste it.

It is this combination of temptation and indulgence that makes the forbidden fruit so appealing. Dickinson suggests that there is something deeply human about the desire to break boundaries and cross lines, even when we know that doing so will have negative consequences.

The Consequences of Sin

The third stanza of the poem marks a shift in tone, as Dickinson begins to explore the consequences of consuming the forbidden fruit. She suggests that this act is the cause of the human condition of mortality and suffering, a theme that is echoed throughout the rest of the poem. The phrase "the taste of it first to be forfeited" implies that the act of indulging in temptation is a kind of irreversible step, one that leads to a loss of innocence and a descent into a world of pain and suffering.

What is particularly interesting about this stanza is the way in which Dickinson links the idea of sin with the human condition of mortality. She suggests that it is because of our inherent sinfulness that we are doomed to suffer and die, a bleak outlook that reflects the poet's deep pessimism about the nature of existence.

The Possibility of Redemption

In the fourth stanza, Dickinson introduces the idea of redemption, suggesting that it may be possible to undo the damage caused by sin. The phrase "could mortal lip divine" implies that there is a sense of mystery and wonder surrounding the idea of redemption, as if it were a kind of divine gift that is beyond the reach of mere mortals.

However, this thought is quickly dismissed in the fifth stanza, with the speaker suggesting that the allure of temptation is simply too strong to resist. The phrase "and so of ours" suggests that the human condition of mortality and suffering is an inevitable consequence of our inherent sinfulness, one that cannot be overcome through any kind of redemption or divine intervention.

The Inevitability of Suffering

The poem concludes on a bleak note, with the speaker acknowledging that the human condition is one of inevitable suffering and that we are all doomed to experience it. The phrase "not probable, the rose" implies that there is no hope for a life free from pain and suffering, that even the most beautiful and perfect things in the world are tinged with the knowledge of their own impermanence and mortality.

What is particularly interesting about this final stanza is the way in which Dickinson incorporates a sense of resignation and acceptance into her depiction of the human condition. She suggests that, while we may strive for perfection and seek to overcome our inherent sinfulness, in the end, we are all subject to the same fate: that of suffering and death.

Conclusion

"Forbidden Fruit a flavor has" is a poem that explores the themes of temptation, sin, and the human condition in a profound and thought-provoking way. Through her use of vivid imagery and Biblical allusion, Dickinson suggests that the desire to indulge in forbidden pleasures is a universal human experience, one that is inseparable from the notion of sin and the human condition of mortality and suffering.

What makes this poem so powerful is its ability to convey a sense of both hope and despair. While Dickinson acknowledges the possibility of redemption and the hope for a life free from pain and suffering, she ultimately suggests that such a life is impossible, that the inevitability of suffering is an inescapable part of the human experience. In doing so, she invites us to confront the difficult questions of existence and to ponder our place in the world in a way that is both challenging and deeply rewarding.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Forbidden Fruit a flavor has is a classic poem written by the renowned American poet, Emily Dickinson. This poem is a beautiful representation of the human desire for the forbidden and the consequences that come with it. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this poem, exploring the themes and literary devices used by Dickinson to convey her message.

The poem begins with the line, "Forbidden Fruit a flavor has." This line immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it alludes to the biblical story of Adam and Eve and their temptation by the forbidden fruit. Dickinson uses this reference to create a sense of familiarity and to draw the reader in, as the story of Adam and Eve is one that is well-known and often referenced in literature.

The second line of the poem, "That lawful orchards mocks," is a direct reference to the Garden of Eden, where the forbidden fruit was located. The use of the word "mocks" suggests that the orchard is taunting those who are not allowed to partake in its fruit, further emphasizing the idea of desire for the forbidden.

The third line, "How luscious lies the pea within," is a metaphor for the forbidden fruit. The use of the word "pea" is interesting, as it is a small and seemingly insignificant fruit, yet it holds great significance in this poem. The word "luscious" suggests that the fruit is tempting and desirable, despite its forbidden nature.

The fourth line, "The pod enfolds a secret - true," is a continuation of the metaphor, as the "pod" represents the forbidden nature of the fruit. The word "secret" suggests that there is something hidden or unknown about the fruit, which adds to its allure.

The fifth line, "That perhaps no other fairies know," is a reference to the idea of secrecy and exclusivity. The use of the word "fairies" suggests that only a select few are allowed to partake in the forbidden fruit, further emphasizing the idea of desire for the forbidden.

The sixth and seventh lines, "Or ampler Eden - discerned not - / Misleading joy - it may be so," suggest that there may be a greater reward for those who partake in the forbidden fruit, but that this reward may be misleading and ultimately lead to disappointment. The use of the word "misleading" suggests that the desire for the forbidden may be based on false promises or illusions.

The eighth and final line of the poem, "The dream persists - but disappears," is a powerful conclusion to the poem. The use of the word "dream" suggests that the desire for the forbidden is not based in reality, but rather in a fantasy or illusion. The word "persists" suggests that this desire is strong and enduring, but the word "disappears" suggests that it is ultimately fleeting and will not last.

Overall, Forbidden Fruit a flavor has is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the human desire for the forbidden. Dickinson uses biblical references and metaphors to convey her message, and the poem is filled with literary devices such as alliteration and repetition. The poem is a reminder that while the desire for the forbidden may be strong, it is ultimately fleeting and may lead to disappointment.

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