'How ruthless are the gentle-' by Emily Dickinson


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How ruthless are the gentle-
How cruel are the kind-
God broke his contract to his Lamb
To qualify the Wind-

Editor 1 Interpretation

How Ruthless Are the Gentle: A Critical Analysis

When it comes to Emily Dickinson's poetry, there is always an air of mystery and ambiguity that surrounds her work. Her poem "How ruthless are the gentle" is no exception. On the surface, the poem appears to be a simple observation about the nature of kindness and cruelty. But upon closer inspection, it reveals itself to be a complex exploration of human nature and the duality that exists within us all.

The Poem's Structure

Before delving into the poem's meaning, it's important to first examine its structure. "How ruthless are the gentle" is a short poem, consisting of only four stanzas, each with two lines. The poem is written in Dickinson's trademark style, using dashes to create pauses and breaks in the rhythm.

The poem's brevity and structure suggest that this is a concise observation or epiphany that the poet has had. It is as if she has distilled a profound thought or feeling into just a few lines.

The Poem's Meaning

At first glance, "How ruthless are the gentle" appears to be a paradox. After all, how can someone who is gentle also be ruthless? However, upon closer inspection, the poem reveals itself to be a nuanced exploration of human nature.

The poem begins with the line "How ruthless are the gentle" which immediately creates an air of tension and contradiction. Dickinson is pointing out that even those who are kind and gentle are capable of cruelty. This is a reminder that no one is entirely good or entirely bad, but rather a complex mixture of both.

In the second stanza, Dickinson continues to explore this idea, saying "Love is a myth of biographers." Here, she is suggesting that the notion of love as an all-consuming force, as it is often portrayed in literature and media, is not entirely accurate. Love, like all human emotions, is complicated and multifaceted.

In the third stanza, Dickinson shifts the focus to cruelty, saying "The gentleness that would undo a hurt / Must expiate its own." Here, she is suggesting that even acts of kindness and compassion can have negative consequences. In other words, those who try to undo harm must also bear the burden of their actions.

The poem concludes with the line "The best remorse is a spurned ghost," which is perhaps the most enigmatic of them all. Here, Dickinson seems to suggest that the best way to deal with guilt and regret is to ignore it, to let it go. This echoes the Buddhist concept of non-attachment, which holds that suffering arises from attachment to desire and that the key to happiness is to let go of desires.

The Poem's Themes

Despite its brevity, "How ruthless are the gentle" touches on a number of themes that are central to Dickinson's work. These include:

1. Duality

The poem explores the duality that exists within all of us. It suggests that even those who appear to be entirely good or entirely bad are, in fact, a mixture of both. This theme is central to much of Dickinson's work, and it reflects her belief in the complexity of human nature.

2. Love

Love is another theme that is central to "How ruthless are the gentle." Dickinson suggests that love is not a simple, all-consuming force, but rather a complicated emotion that is capable of both kindness and cruelty.

3. Guilt and Regret

The final stanza of the poem deals with the theme of guilt and regret. Dickinson suggests that the best way to deal with these emotions is to ignore them, to let go of them. This echoes her belief in the Buddhist concept of non-attachment.

Conclusion

In "How ruthless are the gentle," Emily Dickinson has created a complex and nuanced exploration of human nature. The poem suggests that even those who appear to be entirely good or entirely bad are, in fact, a mixture of both. It also touches on the themes of love and guilt and regret, echoing Dickinson's belief in the complexity of human emotion.

Despite its brevity, "How ruthless are the gentle" is a powerful poem that reminds us of the duality that exists within us all. It is a reminder that even those who are kind and gentle are capable of cruelty, and that even acts of kindness can have negative consequences. Ultimately, the poem suggests that the key to happiness is to let go of attachments and to embrace the complexity of human nature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

How Ruthless are the Gentle: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, the renowned American poet, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of death, nature, and spirituality. One of her most intriguing poems is "How ruthless are the gentle," which delves into the paradoxical nature of kindness and its potential for cruelty. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem begins with a paradoxical statement, "How ruthless are the gentle." The use of the word "ruthless" immediately creates a sense of violence and aggression, while "gentle" suggests kindness and compassion. This contrast sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Dickinson explores the complex nature of human behavior and emotions.

The first stanza continues with the paradoxical theme, as Dickinson describes the "smiling" face of a person who is "tender" and "kind." However, this person is also capable of causing pain and suffering, as they "wound" and "crush" those around them. This suggests that even the most gentle and kind-hearted individuals can be capable of causing harm, whether intentionally or not.

In the second stanza, Dickinson continues to explore this theme, using the metaphor of a "butterfly" to represent the fragility of life. The butterfly is a symbol of beauty and grace, but it is also delicate and easily destroyed. Similarly, the gentle and kind-hearted individuals in our lives may seem beautiful and perfect, but they are also vulnerable and can be easily hurt.

The third stanza takes a darker turn, as Dickinson describes the "savage" nature of the "gentle" person. This person is capable of "tearing" and "rending" those around them, suggesting that their kindness is merely a facade for their true nature. This stanza suggests that even the most seemingly harmless individuals can have a dark side, and that we should be wary of those who appear too perfect.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, as Dickinson returns to the paradoxical theme of the first stanza. She suggests that the "ruthless" nature of the "gentle" person is not necessarily a bad thing, as it allows them to survive in a harsh world. The "tender" and "kind" individuals may seem weak and vulnerable, but their ability to be ruthless when necessary allows them to survive and thrive.

Overall, "How ruthless are the gentle" is a complex and thought-provoking poem that explores the paradoxical nature of human behavior. Dickinson suggests that even the most gentle and kind-hearted individuals can be capable of causing harm, and that we should be wary of those who appear too perfect. However, she also suggests that this ruthlessness is not necessarily a bad thing, as it allows us to survive and thrive in a harsh world.

In terms of structure, the poem is written in four stanzas of four lines each, with a consistent rhyme scheme of ABAB. This creates a sense of symmetry and balance, which contrasts with the paradoxical nature of the poem's theme. The use of metaphors and imagery, such as the butterfly and the smiling face, adds depth and complexity to the poem, allowing Dickinson to explore her themes in a more nuanced way.

In conclusion, "How ruthless are the gentle" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the paradoxical nature of human behavior. Dickinson's use of language, structure, and literary devices creates a powerful and thought-provoking poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Whether you interpret the poem as a warning against those who appear too perfect, or as a celebration of the strength and resilience of the gentle, there is no denying the power and beauty of this classic work of literature.

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