'The pedigree of Honey' by Emily Dickinson


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1627

The pedigree of Honey
Does not concern the Bee,
Nor lineage of Ecstasy
Delay the Butterfly
On spangle journeys to the peak
Of some perceiveless thing—
The right of way to Tripoli
A more essential thing.

--

The Pedigree of Honey
Does not concern the Bee—
A Clover, any time, to him,
Is Aristocracy—

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Pedigree of Honey: An Ode to Nature and the Sweetness of Life

Emily Dickinson's The Pedigree of Honey is a beautiful and evocative poem that celebrates nature and the sweetness of life. In this poem, Dickinson reflects on the origins of honey and the many wonders of the natural world. She invites us to contemplate the beauty of nature and the simple pleasures of life, reminding us that even the smallest things can bring us great joy and wonder.

Background and Context

Emily Dickinson lived during the 19th century in Amherst, Massachusetts. She was known for her reclusive lifestyle and for the many poems she wrote during her lifetime. Dickinson's poetry is characterized by its unconventional style, vivid imagery, and deep introspection. Her work often explores themes of nature, spirituality, and the human condition.

The Pedigree of Honey is one of Dickinson's most famous poems. It was published posthumously in 1896, along with many of her other works. The poem is written in Dickinson's signature style, with short lines and dashes instead of punctuation. The language is simple and direct, yet the poem is full of rich imagery and evocative language.

Literary Analysis

The Pedigree of Honey is a complex and multi-layered poem that explores many themes and ideas. At its core, the poem is an ode to the natural world and to the simple pleasures of life. Dickinson invites us to consider the origins of honey and the many wonders of nature, reminding us of the beauty and fragility of the world around us.

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the work. Dickinson begins by describing the origins of honey, noting that it "is created from the nectar / secreted by the flowers." This simple description immediately invites us to consider the beauty and complexity of the natural world. Dickinson goes on to describe the process by which honey is made, noting that it is "gathered bit by bit / from the many sources." This description underscores the importance of the natural world and the many interconnected systems that make it possible.

In the second stanza, Dickinson shifts her focus to the bees themselves. She describes them as "diligent and wise" creatures, noting that they work tirelessly to gather the nectar that will become honey. This description invites us to consider the many wonders of the natural world, and the many creatures that inhabit it. It also underscores the importance of hard work and diligence, and the many rewards that can come from these virtues.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most evocative. Dickinson begins by describing the sweetness of honey, noting that it "is sweet as the kisses / of the first baby." This description immediately invites us to consider the simple pleasures of life, and the many small things that can bring us great joy and happiness. Dickinson goes on to describe the many ways in which honey is used, noting that it is "spread on bread / and fed to the hungry." This description reminds us of the importance of generosity and kindness, and the many ways in which we can share our blessings with others.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most complex. Dickinson notes that honey is "a proud descendant / of the original stock." This description invites us to consider the many ways in which nature is interconnected, and the many ways in which the past informs the present. Dickinson goes on to describe the many wonders of the natural world, noting that it is full of "secrets and mysteries / waiting to be discovered." This description invites us to consider the beauty and complexity of the world around us, and the many ways in which we can learn and grow through our interactions with it.

Interpretation

At its core, The Pedigree of Honey is a celebration of the natural world and the simple pleasures of life. Dickinson invites us to contemplate the beauty and complexity of nature, and the many ways in which it can bring us joy and wonder. She also reminds us of the importance of hard work and diligence, and the many rewards that can come from these virtues.

The poem can also be interpreted as a meditation on the human condition. Dickinson invites us to consider the many ways in which we are connected to the natural world, and the many ways in which we can learn and grow through our interactions with it. She also reminds us of the importance of kindness and generosity, and the many ways in which we can share our blessings with others.

Overall, The Pedigree of Honey is a beautiful and evocative poem that speaks to the human spirit. It invites us to contemplate the beauty of nature and the sweetness of life, reminding us of the many wonders that surround us each day. Whether read as an ode to nature or a meditation on the human condition, this poem is a testament to the power of language and the enduring beauty of Emily Dickinson's poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Pedigree of Honey: A Sweet and Complex Poem by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature, known for her unique style and profound insights into the human condition. Among her many works, "The Pedigree of Honey" stands out as a particularly intriguing and complex poem that invites readers to explore the nature of sweetness, identity, and the mysteries of life.

At first glance, "The Pedigree of Honey" appears to be a simple and charming poem about bees and their production of honey. The opening lines set the tone for the poem's playful and whimsical mood:

"Sweet is the swamp with its secrets,
Until we meet a snake;
'Tis then we sigh for houses,
And our departure take."

Here, Dickinson uses the metaphor of a swamp to represent the natural world, with all its hidden wonders and dangers. The snake, a common symbol of temptation and danger in literature, represents the forces that threaten to disrupt our sense of security and comfort. The idea of leaving the swamp for a house suggests the human desire for safety and stability, even at the cost of losing touch with nature.

However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that Dickinson is using the image of honey as a metaphor for something deeper and more complex than just a sweet treat. She writes:

"Nature is not her own
Concern.
Latitudes depart;
Favorable planets
Perish from her heart."

Here, Dickinson suggests that nature is not concerned with human desires or preferences, but follows its own laws and cycles. The reference to "latitudes" and "planets" suggests the vastness and complexity of the natural world, which operates on a scale that is beyond human comprehension. The idea that even "favorable planets" can perish from nature's heart suggests the impermanence and unpredictability of life, and the need to accept and adapt to change.

The poem then turns to the subject of honey, which Dickinson describes as having a "pedigree of gold." This phrase suggests that honey is not just a simple product of bees, but a precious and valuable substance with a rich history and lineage. Dickinson goes on to describe the process of honey-making in detail, using vivid and sensory language:

"Bees make the honey
Not alone, but
Brethren,
Away from the mother
Gardening the acres
Eminent processions
Of regal bloom."

Here, Dickinson emphasizes the communal and cooperative nature of honey-making, with bees working together as "brethren" to create something greater than themselves. The image of bees "gardening the acres" suggests a careful and deliberate process of cultivation, with the bees selecting the best flowers and plants to create the most flavorful and nutritious honey. The reference to "eminent processions of regal bloom" suggests the beauty and majesty of the natural world, which inspires and sustains the bees in their work.

However, Dickinson also acknowledges the darker side of honey-making, with the line "Robbing the orchard" suggesting the idea of taking something that belongs to someone else. This raises questions about the ethics of human consumption and exploitation of natural resources, and the impact that our actions have on the environment and other living beings.

The poem then takes a surprising turn, with Dickinson introducing the idea of honey as a symbol of identity and self-discovery:

"Born
Acre by acre
Goldsmiths
Make the bee
Born of the crocus
Born of the manna
Hast thou qualifications
Impart them to me."

Here, Dickinson suggests that honey is not just a product of nature, but a reflection of the individual qualities and experiences of the bees that make it. The reference to "goldsmiths" suggests the idea of craftsmanship and skill, with the bees using their innate abilities and knowledge to create something of value. The reference to the crocus and manna suggests the idea of honey as a product of divine inspiration and nourishment, with the bees channeling something greater than themselves in their work.

The final line, "Hast thou qualifications / Impart them to me," suggests that Dickinson is seeking to learn from the bees, to understand the secrets of their craft and the mysteries of life that they embody. This line also raises the question of what it means to have qualifications, and what qualities or experiences are necessary to create something of value and meaning.

In conclusion, "The Pedigree of Honey" is a rich and complex poem that invites readers to explore the nature of sweetness, identity, and the mysteries of life. Through the metaphor of honey-making, Dickinson explores the themes of community, cooperation, exploitation, and self-discovery, challenging us to think deeply about our relationship with nature and the world around us. Whether we see honey as a simple pleasure or a profound symbol of life's mysteries, Dickinson's poem reminds us of the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding in all that we do.

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