'Her face was in a bed of hair' by Emily Dickinson
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1722
Her face was in a bed of hair,
Like flowers in a plot—
Her hand was whiter than the sperm
That feeds the sacred light.
Her tongue more tender than the tune
That totters in the leaves—
Who hears may be incredulous,
Who witnesses, believes.
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
Her face was in a bed of hair: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Poem
As one of the most renowned poets of the 19th century, Emily Dickinson's works have been the subject of countless critical analyses and interpretations. One of her most enigmatic poems, "Her face was in a bed of hair," has puzzled readers and scholars alike for generations. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the themes, language, and symbolism of this classic poem to uncover its hidden meanings and significance.
The Poem
Before we begin our analysis, let us first take a look at the poem in question:
Her face was in a bed of hair,
Like flowers in a plot—
Her hand was whiter than the sperm
That feeds the sacred light.
At first glance, the poem appears deceptively simple. It consists of just two stanzas, each comprising four lines. However, as we will see, the poem's brevity belies its complexity.
Themes
One of the primary themes of "Her face was in a bed of hair" is the contrast between life and death. The image of a face buried in a "bed of hair" evokes the idea of a corpse lying in a coffin, surrounded by flowers. The line "Like flowers in a plot" reinforces this association, as it conjures up the image of a burial plot. The use of the word "plot" is also interesting, as it can refer to both a flowerbed and a burial ground, blurring the distinction between life and death.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is that of purity and transcendence. The line "Her hand was whiter than the sperm" is a striking one, as it juxtaposes the image of a hand with that of sperm, a bodily fluid associated with impurity and sexuality. However, the use of the word "sacred" in the second half of the line suggests a higher, more spiritual realm. This contrast between the physical and the spiritual is also evident in the image of the face buried in hair, as hair is a material substance that symbolizes the earthly, while the face represents the ethereal.
Language
One of the most striking aspects of "Her face was in a bed of hair" is its use of language. Dickinson's poetry is known for its unconventional syntax and punctuation, and this poem is no exception. The first line, for example, is syntactically ambiguous: "Her face was in a bed of hair" could be read as "Her face, in a bed of hair," or "Her face was in a bed, of hair." This ambiguity adds to the poem's overall sense of mystery and uncertainty.
The use of the word "sperm" in the second stanza is also notable, as it is a word rarely found in poetry, especially in Dickinson's time. Its inclusion adds a jarring, almost vulgar note to the poem, disrupting the overall sense of purity and transcendence. However, the word is also significant in that it suggests the idea of creation and fertility, linking back to the themes of life and death.
Symbolism
Like much of Dickinson's poetry, "Her face was in a bed of hair" is rich in symbolism. The image of a face buried in hair is a powerful one, evoking both death and decay, as well as the idea of being overwhelmed or consumed by something. Hair is also a symbol of femininity and sensuality, which adds to the poem's overall sense of ambiguity.
The use of flowers in the second line is also significant, as flowers are often associated with life and vitality. However, in this context, they take on a more ominous tone, suggesting that the life they represent is fleeting and temporary.
The image of a hand that is "whiter than the sperm" is perhaps the most enigmatic symbol in the poem. It is unclear what the hand represents, and why it is described as being whiter than sperm. However, the use of the word "sacred" suggests that it is something pure and holy, perhaps even divine.
Interpretation
So, what does "Her face was in a bed of hair" mean? As with much of Dickinson's poetry, there is no one definitive interpretation. However, based on the themes, language, and symbolism we have explored, we can make some educated guesses.
One possible interpretation is that the poem is a meditation on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. The image of a face buried in hair suggests that death is an all-consuming force that overwhelms us, while the use of flowers reinforces the idea that life is temporary and fragile. The hand that is "whiter than the sperm" could represent the soul or spirit, which transcends the physical realm and enters into a higher, more sacred realm after death.
Another interpretation is that the poem is a commentary on the restrictive nature of societal norms and expectations, particularly those imposed on women. The image of a face buried in hair could represent the idea of being suffocated or silenced by societal expectations, while the hand that is "whiter than the sperm" could represent the pure, unadulterated self that lies beneath the surface. This interpretation is bolstered by the fact that many of Dickinson's poems deal with issues of gender and power.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Her face was in a bed of hair" is a deceptively simple poem with a multitude of meanings and interpretations. By exploring the themes, language, and symbolism of the poem, we can gain a deeper appreciation of Dickinson's poetic genius and the timeless relevance of her work. Whether the poem is a meditation on death, a commentary on societal norms, or something else entirely, one thing is certain: it is a powerful and haunting work of poetry that continues to captivate and mystify readers to this day.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Her Face Was in a Bed of Hair: A Poem Analysis
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time. Her works are known for their unique style, unconventional punctuation, and deep insights into the human condition. One of her most famous poems is "Her Face Was in a Bed of Hair," which is a beautiful and haunting piece that explores the themes of love, loss, and mortality. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and analyze its meaning and significance.
The poem begins with the line "Her face was in a bed of hair," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The image of a face buried in a mass of hair is both sensual and mysterious, and it immediately draws the reader in. The use of the word "bed" also suggests a sense of comfort and intimacy, which is further reinforced by the next line: "Like flowers in a plot." Here, Dickinson compares the woman's face to flowers in a garden, which adds a sense of beauty and fragility to the image.
As the poem continues, Dickinson explores the theme of love and its transformative power. She writes, "Her hand was like a rose / That could but just to be / And still it grew so warm / It almost touched me." The image of the hand as a rose is a powerful one, as it suggests both beauty and vulnerability. The fact that the hand is growing warmer also suggests a sense of intimacy and closeness, as if the speaker is becoming more connected to the woman.
However, the poem takes a darker turn in the next stanza, as Dickinson introduces the theme of mortality. She writes, "The hair upon my pillow / Enveloped her serene / Like clouds in summer skies / That pass and leave no scene." Here, the hair on the pillow is compared to clouds in the sky, which suggests a sense of impermanence and transience. The fact that the clouds "leave no scene" also suggests that the woman's presence is fleeting and temporary.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as Dickinson brings together the themes of love and mortality in a haunting and beautiful way. She writes, "She was the single art / Of all the men below / I said as unto me / I wondered how it snow!" The image of the woman as "the single art" suggests that she is a unique and precious creation, and the fact that she is "of all the men below" suggests that she is somehow above them. The final line, "I wondered how it snow!" is a mysterious and enigmatic one, but it suggests a sense of wonder and awe at the beauty and mystery of life.
Overall, "Her Face Was in a Bed of Hair" is a beautiful and haunting poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and mortality. Through her use of vivid imagery and unconventional punctuation, Emily Dickinson creates a sense of intimacy and closeness between the speaker and the woman, while also suggesting the fleeting and temporary nature of life. The poem is a powerful reminder of the beauty and fragility of the human experience, and it continues to resonate with readers today.
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