'Risk is the Hair that holds the Tun' by Emily Dickinson


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Risk is the Hair that holds the Tun
Seductive in the Air—
That Tun is hollow—but the Tun—
With Hundred Weights—to spare—

Too ponderous to suspect the snare
Espies that fickle chair
And seats itself to be let go
By that perfidious Hair—

The "foolish Tun" the Critics say—
While that delusive Hair
Persuasive as Perdition,
Decoys its Traveller.

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

Risk is the Hair that holds the Tun by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, a renowned American poet, created some of the most thought-provoking and cryptic poetry of the 19th century. Her poem, Risk is the Hair that holds the Tun, is an excellent example of her style and poetic sensibility. This poem has been analyzed and interpreted by many scholars, but it still leaves room for further exploration and discussion.

The Poem

Risk is the Hair that holds the Tun

Sedition- does it matter- What is Segregation? They know- Earth- Appraisers- May pass- us by- as soon We die-

Analysis

The poem is short and consists of four stanzas, each containing a single line. Dickinson uses a metaphor of hair and a barrel of beer (tun) to describe the concept of risk. The hair holds the tun in place, and risk holds us back from our potential. The first line of the poem, Risk is the Hair that holds the Tun, sets up the metaphor and introduces the topic of the poem.

The second line, Sedition- does it matter-, is a rhetorical question that challenges the reader to consider the importance of rebellion or dissent in society. The word "sedition" refers to actions that incite rebellion against a government or authority. By asking whether it matters, Dickinson suggests that rebellion may be necessary for change, but it also carries risk.

The third line, What is Segregation?, is another rhetorical question that asks the reader to consider the concept of segregation, which was a significant social issue in the United States during Dickinson's time. By posing this question, Dickinson invites the reader to think about the implications of segregation and how it relates to risk.

The fourth and fifth lines, They know- Earth- Appraisers-, suggest that society judges and evaluates individuals based on their actions and risks. The phrase "Earth- Appraisers" implies that society is the ultimate judge of individuals' worth and that risk-taking may impact how we are perceived after we die.

The final line of the poem, May pass- us by- as soon/We die-, suggests that the consequences of risk are fleeting and will not ultimately matter after we die. This line reinforces the idea that risk is necessary for personal growth and change, but it also highlights the ephemeral nature of risk-taking.

Interpretation

Dickinson's poem is a commentary on the human need for risk-taking and the fear of consequences. The metaphor of the hair and tun suggests that risk is necessary to hold us in place and keep us from stagnating. The rhetorical questions in the poem challenge the reader to consider the importance of rebellion, segregation, and risk-taking in society.

The poem's final lines suggest that the consequences of risk-taking are temporary and fleeting, but they are still essential for personal growth and change. Dickinson's poem is a reminder that taking risks is necessary for personal growth and change, and that fear of consequences should not hold us back.

Conclusion

Emily Dickinson's poem, Risk is the Hair that holds the Tun, is a complex and thought-provoking work that challenges the reader to consider the importance of risk-taking in society. Through the use of metaphor, rhetorical questions, and vivid imagery, Dickinson explores the human need for risk and the fear of consequences. Her poem is a reminder that taking risks is necessary for personal growth and change and that fear of consequences should not hold us back.

As a reader, I was struck by the poem's simplicity and depth. Dickinson's ability to convey complex ideas in a few short lines is a testament to her poetic talent. Although the poem was written over 100 years ago, its message is still relevant today, and it serves as a timeless reminder that risk-taking is necessary for personal growth and change.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Risk is the Hair that holds the Tun: A Poem Analysis

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated American poets of the 19th century, wrote a poem titled "Risk is the Hair that holds the Tun." The poem is a short but powerful piece that explores the concept of risk-taking and its importance in life. In this article, we will delve into the meaning of the poem and analyze its various literary devices.

The poem begins with the line "Risk is the Hair that holds the Tun," which immediately captures the reader's attention. The word "risk" is a powerful one, and Dickinson uses it to convey the idea that taking risks is essential for success. The word "hair" is an interesting choice, as it is a delicate and fragile part of the body. However, in this context, it represents the strength and resilience required to take risks.

The word "tun" is also significant in the poem. A tun is a large barrel used for storing wine or beer. In this context, it represents the potential rewards that come with taking risks. The image of the hair holding the tun is a metaphor for the idea that taking risks is what holds the potential for success.

The second line of the poem reads, "Sorrow's the sediments within." This line is a stark contrast to the first line, which is positive and hopeful. The word "sorrow" is a powerful one, and it immediately creates a sense of sadness and despair. The word "sediments" is also significant, as it represents the negative consequences that can come with taking risks. The line suggests that while taking risks can lead to success, it can also lead to failure and disappointment.

The third line of the poem reads, "Anguish - reminiscence - of him." This line is particularly interesting, as it introduces the idea of a person who is associated with the risks being taken. The word "anguish" suggests that the person is experiencing pain or suffering, which could be a result of the risks they have taken. The word "reminiscence" suggests that the person is looking back on their past and reflecting on the risks they have taken.

The final line of the poem reads, "Who is to blame?" This line is a powerful one, as it raises the question of responsibility. The word "blame" suggests that someone is at fault for the negative consequences that have occurred. However, the poem does not provide an answer to this question, leaving it up to the reader to decide.

The poem is written in Dickinson's signature style, which is characterized by short lines and unconventional punctuation. The use of dashes throughout the poem creates a sense of fragmentation and uncertainty, which adds to the overall theme of risk-taking. The poem is also written in the first person, which creates a sense of intimacy and personal connection with the reader.

In conclusion, "Risk is the Hair that holds the Tun" is a powerful poem that explores the concept of risk-taking and its importance in life. The poem uses metaphors and literary devices to convey the idea that taking risks is essential for success, but it can also lead to failure and disappointment. The poem raises important questions about responsibility and leaves the reader to decide who is to blame for the negative consequences that can come with taking risks. Overall, the poem is a thought-provoking piece that encourages the reader to reflect on their own approach to risk-taking.

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