'Who abdicated Ambush' by Emily Dickinson
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Who abdicated Ambush
And went the way of Dusk,
And now against his subtle Name
There stands an Asterisk
As confident of him as we—
Impregnable we are—
The whole of Immortality
Secreted in a Star.
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
Who Abdicated Ambush by Emily Dickinson
Did you ever read a poem that made you feel like you were walking through a dense forest, unsure of what was lurking behind the next tree? That's the feeling that Who Abdicated Ambush, a classic poem by Emily Dickinson, evokes.
This haunting piece of literature is only six lines long, but it packs a powerful punch. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll explore the themes, imagery, and meaning behind this enigmatic work.
The Poem
First, let's take a look at the poem itself:
Who abdicated Ambush
And went the way of Dusk,
Was no one from our common stock
That evermore was risked—
Who gave his goods to unapproved
Superiority.
At first glance, this poem may seem confusing. What does it mean to "abdicate Ambush"? Who is the "our" in "our common stock"? And who is this mysterious figure who "went the way of Dusk"?
But, as with many of Dickinson's poems, the complexity lies in the simplicity. Let's break down each line and explore the meaning behind it.
Line 1: Who abdicated Ambush
To abdicate means to renounce or give up. Ambush, of course, refers to a surprise attack or trap. So, who is the person who gave up or renounced ambush?
One possible interpretation is that this line refers to someone who has relinquished their aggressive or predatory nature. Perhaps this person has become more peaceful or passive, choosing to live without the need to pounce on others.
Line 2: And went the way of Dusk
The phrase "went the way of" typically refers to death. In this context, "Dusk" could be interpreted as a metaphorical representation of the end of life.
So, the person who gave up ambush has now died and gone into the unknown territory of the afterlife.
Line 3: Was no one from our common stock
Here, "our common stock" could refer to a shared heritage or background. Dickinson's use of "our" suggests that this person is not from an exclusive or elitist group, but rather from a common or ordinary background.
Line 4: That evermore was risked
This line could be interpreted in a few different ways. One possibility is that Dickinson is saying that this person never took risks. They lived a safe and comfortable life, avoiding danger and adventure.
Alternatively, this line could be interpreted as saying that this person was not at risk of being ambushed or attacked. They were not a threat to others, nor were they likely to be harmed by others.
Line 5: Who gave his goods to unapproved
This line is a bit more difficult to decipher. "Goods" could refer to physical possessions, but it could also refer to intangible things like ideas or values.
"Unapproved" suggests that this person gave their possessions or ideas to someone or something that was not endorsed or accepted by the larger group. Perhaps this person was a nonconformist or rebel, choosing to go against the norms of their society.
Line 6: Superiority
The final word of the poem, "Superiority," is a bit of a puzzle. It's unclear whether this word is referring to the unapproved recipient of the person's goods or to the person themselves.
One interpretation is that this person gave their possessions or ideas to someone who they believed was superior to themselves. This could be a mentor or role model, or it could be a group or organization that they admired.
Alternatively, "Superiority" could refer to the person themselves. Perhaps they saw themselves as superior to others, and gave their possessions or ideas to those who they believed were worthy of their greatness.
Imagery and Themes
While this poem may seem short and simple, there is a lot going on beneath the surface. Let's explore some of the themes and imagery that Dickinson uses to create this eerie and thought-provoking work.
Ambush
The word "ambush" is a powerful one, and it creates a sense of danger and unpredictability. When we think of an ambush, we picture a hidden enemy waiting to strike at any moment.
By using this word in the first line, Dickinson sets the tone for the rest of the poem. We know that we're in for something unexpected and potentially dangerous.
Dusk
The metaphorical use of "Dusk" in line two is also significant. Dusk is the time of day when light fades away and darkness begins to encroach. It's a time of transition between day and night, life and death.
By using this word, Dickinson creates a sense of uncertainty and unease. We don't know what lies beyond the veil of Dusk, and that makes us uncomfortable.
Common stock
The phrase "our common stock" in line three is interesting because it suggests that this person is not special or unique. They are just like everyone else, and yet they have given up something significant.
This could be interpreted as a commentary on the human condition. We all have something to give, whether it's our possessions, our time, or our ideas. And yet, when we die, we all end up in the same place.
Unapproved superiority
The concept of "unapproved superiority" is a fascinating one. It suggests that there are people or ideas that are deemed superior by some, but not by others.
This could be interpreted as a commentary on societal norms and expectations. Perhaps this person went against the grain and gave their possessions or ideas to a group that was not accepted by the larger society. Or perhaps they simply had a different idea of what was superior than everyone else.
Renunciation and Death
Overall, this poem seems to be exploring the themes of renunciation and death. The person who has given up ambush is no longer a threat to others, but they have also relinquished something significant.
By using the metaphor of Dusk and the uncertainty it represents, Dickinson highlights the inevitability of death. We all must face the unknown at some point, and we all leave something behind when we die.
Conclusion
Who Abdicated Ambush is a haunting and thought-provoking poem that explores some of life's biggest themes. Through imagery, metaphor, and careful word choice, Dickinson creates a sense of unease and uncertainty that lingers long after the poem is over.
While the meaning of this poem may never be fully clear, its ability to provoke deep thought and reflection is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Who abdicated Ambush: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems is "Who abdicated Ambush," a powerful and enigmatic work that has puzzled scholars and readers alike for decades. In this article, we will explore the meaning and significance of this classic poem, and attempt to unravel its many mysteries.
The poem begins with a simple question: "Who abdicated Ambush?" At first glance, this may seem like a nonsensical phrase, but upon closer inspection, it reveals a deeper meaning. The word "abdicated" suggests a relinquishing of power or authority, while "ambush" implies a hidden danger or threat. Taken together, these words suggest a renunciation of violence or aggression, a turning away from the use of force to achieve one's goals.
The poem goes on to describe the aftermath of this abdication, as "The populace of praise / Is only of degrees." Here, Dickinson seems to be suggesting that without the threat of violence or coercion, people are free to express their opinions and beliefs more openly and honestly. The "populace of praise" refers to those who are willing to speak out in support of a particular cause or idea, while the "degrees" suggest that there are varying levels of commitment and enthusiasm among these supporters.
The next stanza of the poem introduces a new character: "The kinsmen of the shelf / Wearied with this new leisure." The "kinsmen of the shelf" are likely a reference to books or other written works, which have been freed from the threat of censorship or suppression. Without the fear of retribution, these works can be more daring and provocative, challenging the status quo and pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable.
The final stanza of the poem brings everything full circle, as Dickinson asks, "Who has not found the heaven below / Will fail of it above." Here, she seems to be suggesting that those who do not embrace this new era of openness and honesty will be doomed to failure in the afterlife. By rejecting violence and aggression, and embracing a more peaceful and cooperative way of life, we can achieve a kind of heaven on earth, and ensure our place in the afterlife.
So what does all of this mean? At its core, "Who abdicated Ambush" is a poem about the power of nonviolence and the importance of free expression. By renouncing violence and aggression, we create a more open and honest society, where people are free to express their opinions and beliefs without fear of retribution. This, in turn, leads to a more vibrant and dynamic culture, where new ideas can flourish and old ways of thinking can be challenged.
But the poem is also about the dangers of complacency and the need to constantly strive for a better world. Without the threat of violence or coercion, it can be easy to become lazy or apathetic, to take our freedoms for granted and fail to push for further progress. Dickinson reminds us that we must always be vigilant, always be striving for something better, if we are to truly achieve the heaven on earth that she describes.
In conclusion, "Who abdicated Ambush" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that speaks to the timeless themes of nonviolence, free expression, and the need for constant progress. Through its enigmatic language and vivid imagery, it challenges us to think deeply about the world we live in, and to strive for a better future for ourselves and for generations to come. As we continue to grapple with the challenges of our time, let us remember the lessons of this classic poem, and work to build a more peaceful, just, and equitable world for all.
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