'Mine—by the Right of the White Election!' by Emily Dickinson
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Mine—by the Right of the White Election!
Mine—by the Royal Seal!
Mine—by the Sign in the Scarlet prison—
Bars—cannot conceal!
Mine—here—in Vision—and in Veto!
Mine—by the Grave's Repeal—
Tilted—Confirmed—
Delirious Charter!
Mine—long as Ages steal!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Mine—by the Right of the White Election!
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature, and one of her most striking works is "Mine—by the Right of the White Election!" This 1862 poem is a powerful meditation on mortality and the afterlife, exploring the speaker's sense of belonging in the world and her ultimate destiny.
At its core, "Mine—by the Right of the White Election!" is a poem about death and what comes after. The speaker begins by asserting her ownership of a piece of land, stating that it is "Mine—by the Right of the White Election!" This phrase is intriguing for several reasons. First, the use of the word "mine" suggests a sense of possessiveness or ownership, as if the speaker is laying claim to something that is rightfully hers. But what is this thing that she owns? The phrase "White Election" suggests a process of selection or choosing, as if the speaker has been chosen for something. This ambiguity sets the stage for the rest of the poem.
The poem's second stanza expands on this idea of ownership, describing the speaker's "little House" and "Garden." These are familiar, domestic images that suggest comfort and security. But then the speaker adds a strange twist: "But trespassers—will be prosecuted— / By my exclusive Right—of Property— / Ah, little Thief—behold they Sympathy—." Here, the speaker seems to be warning off intruders, implying that she will go to great lengths to protect what is hers. But the final line, with its use of the word "Sympathy," complicates matters. Does the speaker feel sympathy for the intruder, or does she believe that the intruder should feel sympathy for her? Again, the ambiguity is deliberate.
The third stanza is where the poem takes a turn, as the speaker begins to contemplate her own mortality. She imagines herself lying in her "little Bed," surrounded by darkness and silence. But then she hears a "Foot," and suddenly she is transported to another realm. The use of the word "Foot" is intriguing, suggesting a sense of agency or movement that is not of the speaker's own making. What follows is a vivid description of the afterlife, with the speaker imagining herself in a "Garden" that is "flooded with Sun," surrounded by "Lark" and "Robin." This is a stark contrast to the darkness and silence of the previous stanza, and suggests a sense of liberation and joy.
But the final stanza is where the poem truly shines, as the speaker grapples with the idea of her own identity in this new realm. She describes herself as a "Queen," clad in a "Robe of Snow," and asserts her authority over the other creatures in the Garden. But then she wonders: "And what is Purple—sumptuous Mattress—? / What is Paradise— / And what is Garret—for?". Here, the speaker is questioning the very notion of status and privilege, suggesting that these things are ultimately meaningless in the face of death and the afterlife.
What makes "Mine—by the Right of the White Election!" such a powerful poem is its use of ambiguity and paradox. The speaker seems to be simultaneously asserting her own identity and questioning it, suggesting that the afterlife is both comforting and terrifying. The use of domestic imagery at the beginning of the poem gives way to a vivid, almost surreal description of the afterlife, creating a sense of disorientation and wonder. And throughout it all, Dickinson's language is rich and evocative, drawing the reader into the speaker's inner world.
Ultimately, "Mine—by the Right of the White Election!" is a poem that asks big questions about life, death, and what comes after. It is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet that she is able to explore these themes with such nuance and depth, creating a work that is both haunting and beautiful. For anyone who has ever wondered what awaits us on the other side of death, this poem offers a glimpse into a world that is both strange and familiar, comforting and unsettling.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Mine—by the Right of the White Election! is a classic poem written by Emily Dickinson. This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style of writing, which is characterized by its brevity, ambiguity, and unconventional use of punctuation. The poem is only four lines long, but it is packed with meaning and symbolism that can be interpreted in many different ways.
The first line of the poem, "Mine—by the Right of the White Election!" is a powerful statement that sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The word "mine" suggests ownership and possession, while the phrase "by the Right of the White Election" implies that this ownership has been granted through some kind of divine or supernatural means. The use of the word "white" in this phrase is particularly interesting, as it can be interpreted in many different ways. Some readers may see it as a reference to purity or innocence, while others may interpret it as a reference to race or ethnicity.
The second line of the poem, "Of all the souls that stand create," is equally powerful. This line suggests that the speaker's ownership extends to all souls, not just their own. The use of the word "create" is also significant, as it implies that the souls in question have been brought into existence by some kind of higher power or divine force.
The third line of the poem, "I have elected—One—" is where the poem takes a turn. The speaker reveals that they have chosen one soul out of all the souls that exist to be their own. This line is particularly interesting because it raises questions about why the speaker has chosen this particular soul. Is it because they are in love with this person? Or is it because they see something special in them that others do not?
The final line of the poem, "When sense from spirit files—" is perhaps the most enigmatic. This line suggests that there is some kind of separation between the physical world (sense) and the spiritual world (spirit). The use of the word "files" is also interesting, as it implies that this separation is not absolute, but rather something that can be bridged or crossed.
Overall, Mine—by the Right of the White Election! is a complex and thought-provoking poem that raises many questions about the nature of ownership, love, and spirituality. Dickinson's use of language and symbolism is masterful, and the poem's brevity only adds to its power. Whether you are a seasoned reader of poetry or a newcomer to the genre, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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