'Who is it seeks my Pillow Nights—' by Emily Dickinson
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Who is it seeks my Pillow Nights—
With plain inspecting face—
"Did you" or "Did you not," to ask—
'Tis "Conscience"—Childhood's Nurse—
With Martial Hand she strokes the Hair
Upon my wincing Head—
"All" Rogues "shall have their part in" what—
The Phosphorous of God—
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
Who is it seeks my Pillow Nights
Who is it seeks my Pillow Nights?
With plain mechanic skill
That never touched a Thot nor bliss
Nor any finer will—
Emily Dickinson's poem "Who is it seeks my Pillow Nights" is one that poses several questions to the reader. Who is this person seeking her pillow nights? What kind of person are they, and what is their intention? These questions are not easily answered, but it is clear that Dickinson is exploring the idea of intimacy and connection with another person. The poem is short and to the point, with only four lines, but it is dense with meaning and imagery.
The poem begins with the question, "Who is it seeks my Pillow Nights?" This opening line immediately draws the reader in, creating a sense of intrigue and mystery. The use of the word "seeks" implies that someone is actively searching for the speaker, and the phrase "Pillow Nights" suggests an intimate connection between the two. The speaker is being sought out specifically during the night, when they are most vulnerable and exposed.
The next line, "With plain mechanic skill," contrasts sharply with the previous line. The phrase "plain mechanic skill" suggests someone who is lacking in imagination or creativity. This person is simply going through the motions, without any deeper understanding or appreciation of the speaker's feelings or desires. They are not looking for anything beyond the physical act of being with the speaker.
The third line, "That never touched a Thot nor bliss," adds to this contrast. The phrase "never touched a Thot nor bliss" suggests that this person is inexperienced and possibly even ignorant when it comes to matters of the heart. They have not experienced the intense emotions that come with true intimacy, and therefore do not understand the significance of their actions.
The final line, "Nor any finer will," brings the poem to a close with a sense of resignation. The speaker seems to accept that this person is not capable of the kind of connection she desires. They lack the emotional depth and understanding necessary to truly connect with her on a deeper level.
Overall, "Who is it seeks my Pillow Nights" is a poem that explores the complexities of intimacy and connection. Dickinson uses vivid imagery and carefully chosen words to convey a sense of mystery and intrigue, while also highlighting the limitations of physical intimacy without emotional depth. The poem is short, but its impact is powerful, leaving the reader with a sense of longing and a desire for deeper connection.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Who is it seeks my Pillow Nights? A classic poem by Emily Dickinson that has captivated readers for generations. This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style of writing, which is characterized by its brevity, ambiguity, and depth. In this article, we will analyze and explain this poem in detail, exploring its themes, literary devices, and historical context.
First, let's take a look at the poem itself:
Who is it seeks my Pillow Nights— With plain inspecting face— "Did you" or "Did you not," to ask— 'Tis "Conscience"–Peeping–lace—
And first–"Himself"–is termed a Man– And "You"–a Woman–now– So, do you care to meet the "Him"? And don't be "frigid"–now!
At first glance, this poem may seem simple and straightforward. However, upon closer examination, we can see that it is a complex and multi-layered work. Let's break it down stanza by stanza.
The first stanza sets the scene. The speaker is lying in bed at night, and someone is seeking their pillow. The use of the word "seeks" implies that this is not a welcome visitor. The visitor is described as having a "plain inspecting face," which suggests that they are there to judge or scrutinize the speaker. The visitor then asks a question, "Did you" or "Did you not," which is left unfinished. This creates a sense of tension and uncertainty.
In the second stanza, we learn that the visitor is actually the speaker's conscience. The use of the word "Conscience" with a capital "C" suggests that it is a powerful force. The "Peeping-lace" is a metaphor for the way in which the conscience peeks into the speaker's thoughts and actions. The use of the word "lace" is interesting because it suggests something delicate and intricate, but also something that can be used to bind or constrain.
The third stanza is where things get really interesting. The conscience is described as "Himself," which suggests that it is a male figure. The speaker is then addressed as "You," which implies that they are female. This gendered language is significant because it reflects the patriarchal society in which Dickinson lived. Women were often seen as morally inferior to men and were expected to be submissive to them. The use of the word "now" twice in this stanza suggests that there has been a shift in the power dynamic between the speaker and the conscience. The speaker is now being asked if they want to "meet" the conscience, which implies that they have some agency in the situation. The final line, "And don't be 'frigid'–now!" is particularly interesting. The word "frigid" has connotations of sexual coldness or lack of desire. By using this word, Dickinson is suggesting that the conscience is not just a moral force, but also a sexual one.
So, what does all of this mean? At its core, this poem is about the struggle between the individual and society. The conscience represents the societal norms and expectations that the speaker is expected to conform to. The use of gendered language reflects the way in which these norms are often gendered. The speaker is being asked to meet the conscience, which implies that they are being asked to confront these norms and expectations. The use of the word "frigid" suggests that there is a sexual component to this confrontation. The speaker is being asked to confront not just societal norms, but also their own desires and impulses.
In terms of literary devices, this poem is full of them. The use of metaphor, particularly the "Peeping-lace," is particularly effective. The use of gendered language is also significant, as it reflects the societal norms that the poem is exploring. The use of enjambment, where the lines run on without punctuation, creates a sense of tension and uncertainty. The unfinished question in the first stanza is a perfect example of this.
Finally, it is worth exploring the historical context in which this poem was written. Emily Dickinson lived in a time when women were expected to be submissive to men and conform to strict societal norms. Dickinson herself was a recluse who rarely left her home, and her poetry often explores themes of isolation and alienation. This poem can be seen as a reflection of the societal pressures that Dickinson herself was facing. The use of gendered language and the sexual connotations of the word "frigid" suggest that Dickinson was aware of the way in which societal norms were used to control women's bodies and desires.
In conclusion, Who is it seeks my Pillow Nights? is a complex and multi-layered poem that explores the struggle between the individual and society. The use of metaphor, gendered language, and enjambment create a sense of tension and uncertainty that reflects the societal pressures that Dickinson herself was facing. This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style of writing, which is characterized by its brevity, ambiguity, and depth. It is a timeless work that continues to captivate readers to this day.
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