'If Blame be my side—forfeit Me' by Emily Dickinson
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If Blame be my side—forfeit Me—
But doom me not to forfeit Thee—
To forfeit Thee? The very name
Is sentence from Belief—and House—
Editor 1 Interpretation
If Blame be my side—forfeit Me: A Literary Criticism
If Blame be my side—forfeit Me is a poem written by Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned and enigmatic poets of the 19th century. This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style of writing, which is characterized by profound insights, unconventional punctuation, and a penchant for using dashes instead of commas or periods. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the meaning of this poem and analyze its themes, imagery, and symbolism.
The Poem
If Blame be my side—forfeit Me—
But doom me not to forfeit Thee!
To forfeit One—approving Monarch—
The Applause, and the Century—
Emily Dickinson's use of dashes in this poem is particularly striking. The first line, for instance, is divided into two parts, with the dash serving as a pause or a break. This creates a sense of hesitation or uncertainty, as if the speaker is not sure what to say or how to say it. The second line, on the other hand, is shorter and more straightforward, with the dash serving as a way to connect two contrasting ideas: the speaker's own blame and the person or entity they are addressing, whom they do not want to forfeit.
The third and fourth lines are more complex, as they introduce the idea of an "approving Monarch" who represents both "the Applause" and "the Century." This monarch could be seen as a symbol of power or authority, someone who has the ability to judge and reward the speaker. However, the use of the word "approving" suggests that this monarch is benevolent and kind, rather than cruel or tyrannical. The fact that they represent both "the Applause" and "the Century" also suggests that they are a figure of great importance and influence, someone who has the ability to shape history and culture.
Themes
One of the main themes of this poem is the idea of personal responsibility and accountability. The speaker acknowledges that they may be to blame for something and are willing to accept the consequences of their actions. However, they do not want to lose the approval or support of the person or entity they are addressing. This suggests that the speaker values external validation and recognition, but also recognizes the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with others.
Another theme that emerges in this poem is the idea of power and authority. The "approving Monarch" represents a figure of great influence and control, someone who has the ability to judge and reward the speaker. This suggests that the speaker is aware of the power dynamics at play and is trying to navigate them in a way that will benefit them.
Imagery
Although this poem is relatively short, it contains several striking images that help to convey its meaning. The use of the word "doom" in the second line, for instance, suggests a sense of impending doom or punishment. This creates a sense of tension or anxiety, as if the speaker is afraid of what might happen if they lose the approval of the person or entity they are addressing.
The image of the "approving Monarch" is also particularly powerful. This figure represents a symbol of power and authority, someone who has the ability to shape history and culture. The fact that they are described as "approving" suggests that they are benevolent and kind, rather than cruel or tyrannical. This creates a sense of empathy or connection between the speaker and the Monarch, as if they share a common goal or purpose.
Symbolism
One of the main symbols in this poem is the "approving Monarch." This figure represents a symbol of power and authority, someone who has the ability to judge and reward the speaker. The fact that they are described as "approving" suggests that they are benevolent and kind, rather than cruel or tyrannical. This creates a sense of empathy or connection between the speaker and the Monarch, as if they share a common goal or purpose.
Another symbol that emerges in this poem is the idea of "forfeiting." This word suggests a sense of loss or sacrifice, as if the speaker is willing to give up something valuable in order to maintain their relationship with the Monarch. This creates a sense of tension or conflict, as if the speaker is struggling to balance their own needs and desires with those of the Monarch.
Conclusion
If Blame be my side—forfeit Me is a complex and thought-provoking poem that explores themes of personal responsibility, power, and authority. Through its use of striking imagery and powerful symbols, it conveys a sense of tension and conflict, as if the speaker is struggling to navigate the complex power dynamics at play. Overall, this poem is a testament to Emily Dickinson's unique style of writing and her ability to capture the complexity of human emotions and experiences.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
If Blame be my side—forfeit Me: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson’s Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, known for her unique style and profound insights into the human condition. Her poem, “If Blame be my side—forfeit Me,” is a classic example of her work, exploring themes of guilt, responsibility, and redemption. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this poem, examining its structure, language, and imagery.
The poem begins with a simple statement: “If Blame be my side—forfeit Me.” This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, establishing a sense of accountability and self-awareness. The speaker acknowledges that they may be at fault for something, and they are willing to accept the consequences of their actions. This is a powerful statement, as it shows a willingness to take responsibility for one’s mistakes, rather than trying to shift the blame onto others.
The second line of the poem, “But Sentence—need not be—,” is equally important. Here, the speaker suggests that while they are willing to accept blame, they do not necessarily deserve punishment. This is an interesting contrast, as it suggests that the speaker is not necessarily seeking forgiveness or absolution, but simply wants to be held accountable for their actions. This is a subtle but important distinction, as it suggests that the speaker is not looking for a way out of their guilt, but rather wants to confront it head-on.
The third and fourth lines of the poem, “And—say if Me it be—/What for it—Who can say—,” are more ambiguous. Here, the speaker seems to be questioning the nature of blame and responsibility. They ask who can truly say what someone deserves to be blamed for, and what the consequences of that blame should be. This is a complex question, as it touches on issues of morality, justice, and personal responsibility. It suggests that the speaker is grappling with these issues themselves, and is not necessarily seeking a clear answer.
The fifth and sixth lines of the poem, “Of its extremity/Remanded of the Sky—,” are more abstract. Here, the speaker seems to be suggesting that blame and responsibility are not necessarily earthly concepts, but are instead tied to the heavens. This is an interesting idea, as it suggests that our sense of guilt and responsibility may be tied to something larger than ourselves. It also suggests that the consequences of our actions may extend beyond our own lives, and into the realm of the divine.
The seventh and eighth lines of the poem, “To Swear by the—forgotten Oath—/And in the Orchard—lie—,” are more concrete. Here, the speaker suggests that they have made a promise or oath in the past, but have since forgotten it. This is a powerful image, as it suggests that the speaker has lost touch with their own sense of morality and responsibility. The image of lying in an orchard is also significant, as it suggests a sense of peace and tranquility, but also a sense of isolation and loneliness.
The ninth and tenth lines of the poem, “Till the Cherries—pick themselves—/And the Bees—forgive the Sky—,” are more whimsical. Here, the speaker suggests that they will remain in this state of forgetfulness and guilt until the natural world intervenes. The image of cherries picking themselves and bees forgiving the sky is both playful and profound, suggesting that the speaker is waiting for something miraculous to happen before they can move on from their guilt.
The eleventh and twelfth lines of the poem, “And then—perhaps—a Vagabond—/Approach—and ask the Why—,” are more hopeful. Here, the speaker suggests that they may one day be approached by someone who will ask them why they are lying in the orchard. This is a powerful image, as it suggests that the speaker may one day be able to confront their guilt and take responsibility for their actions. It also suggests that the speaker is not alone in their struggle, and that there may be others who are willing to help them.
The thirteenth and fourteenth lines of the poem, “And just the warmth of answer—/And they—perhaps—will die—,” are more melancholy. Here, the speaker suggests that even if they are able to confront their guilt and take responsibility for their actions, it may be too late. The image of someone dying after receiving a warm answer is both tragic and beautiful, suggesting that even in the face of death, there is still hope for redemption.
Overall, “If Blame be my side—forfeit Me” is a powerful and complex poem that explores themes of guilt, responsibility, and redemption. Through its use of language, imagery, and structure, it offers a nuanced and thought-provoking meditation on these issues, challenging readers to confront their own sense of morality and accountability. Whether read as a personal confession or a broader meditation on the human condition, this poem remains a timeless and powerful work of art.
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