'My Reward for Being, was This' by Emily Dickinson
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My Reward for Being, was This.
My premium—My Bliss—
An Admiralty, less—
A Sceptre—penniless—
And Realms—just Dross—
When Thrones accost my Hands—
With "Me, Miss, Me"—
I'll unroll Thee—
Dominions dowerless—beside this Grace—
Election—Vote—
The Ballots of Eternity, will show just that.
Editor 1 Interpretation
My Reward for Being, was This: An Exploration of Emily Dickinson's Poem
Emily Dickinson is widely regarded as one of the most important American poets of the 19th century. Her poetry is known for its unconventional style and themes, and she is often viewed as a pioneer of modernist poetry. One of her most intriguing poems is "My Reward for Being, was This", a poem that offers a unique perspective on the nature of existence and the meaning of life. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the poem in detail and uncover its many layers of meaning.
The Poem
Before delving into the meaning of the poem, let's take a look at its text:
My Reward for Being, was This
My premium-my Bliss-
An Admiralty, less-
A Sceptre-hewn in miss-
And I, less fortunate,
Who sat exterior to it,
How sweet to know what surer Wealth-
A Statesman's Dollar-worth!
At first glance, the poem may seem confusing or even nonsensical. However, upon closer inspection, the poem reveals a deep and complex exploration of the human condition.
The Meaning
The poem can be interpreted in a number of ways, but one of the most prominent themes is the idea of reward and punishment in life. Dickinson suggests that there is a reward for simply existing, but that this reward is not necessarily a tangible object or experience. Instead, the reward is something intangible, like a feeling of contentment or inner peace.
The poem also touches on the idea of social status and power. The speaker describes an Admiralty and a Sceptre, both symbols of power and authority, and suggests that these objects are less valuable than the speaker's own reward. This could be seen as a critique of social structures and power hierarchies, implying that those who hold power are not necessarily happier or more fulfilled than those who do not.
Another interesting aspect of the poem is the use of the phrase "hewn in miss". This phrase could be interpreted in a number of ways, but it seems to suggest that the Sceptre is flawed or imperfect. This could be seen as a comment on the imperfections of power and authority, or it could be read as a commentary on the idea of perfection itself.
Finally, the poem ends with a sense of envy towards those who hold power and wealth. The speaker suggests that it would be "sweet" to know what it feels like to have a Statesman's Dollar-worth. This implies that the speaker feels inferior or lacking in some way, and that wealth and power are desirable qualities.
The Style
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its style. Dickinson is known for her unconventional use of punctuation and capitalization, and this poem is no exception. The capitalization of "Bliss" and "Wealth" suggests that these are important concepts, and the lack of punctuation in some places creates a sense of ambiguity and fluidity.
The language in the poem is also noteworthy. Dickinson uses simple, almost childlike language to convey complex ideas. For example, the phrase "My premium-my Bliss-" suggests a child describing a toy or a treat, but it also conveys a sense of joy and contentment. Similarly, the phrase "A Sceptre-hewn in miss-" uses a simple metaphor to convey a sense of imperfection and flaws.
The Interpretation
So what does this all mean? How can we interpret this poem? There are a number of possible interpretations, but one of the most compelling is that the poem is a commentary on the nature of happiness and fulfillment. Dickinson suggests that there is a reward for simply existing, but that this reward is not necessarily something tangible or materialistic. Instead, the reward is something intangible, like a feeling of contentment or inner peace.
At the same time, the poem is also a commentary on the nature of power and authority. Dickinson suggests that those who hold power are not necessarily happier or more fulfilled than those who do not. This could be seen as a critique of social structures and power hierarchies, implying that those who hold power are not necessarily better off than those who do not.
Finally, the poem is a testament to Dickinson's unique style and voice. Her use of unconventional punctuation and simple language creates a sense of ambiguity and complexity, making the poem all the more intriguing and thought-provoking.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, "My Reward for Being, was This" is a poem that offers a unique perspective on the human condition. Through its exploration of reward and punishment, power and authority, and happiness and fulfillment, the poem offers a complex and nuanced commentary on the nature of existence. Dickinson's use of unconventional style and language only adds to the poem's intrigue and depth.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
My Reward for Being, was This: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her unique style and unconventional themes have captivated readers for generations. One of her most famous poems, My Reward for Being, was This, is a perfect example of her ability to convey complex emotions in a few simple words. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and explore its meaning and significance.
The poem begins with a simple statement: "My reward for being, was this." At first glance, this line may seem straightforward, but upon closer examination, it reveals a deeper meaning. The word "reward" implies that the speaker has done something to earn this particular outcome. It suggests that there was a purpose or goal that the speaker was striving for, and this is the result of their efforts. The use of the word "being" is also significant. It suggests that the speaker's existence itself is the reason for this reward. In other words, the speaker is rewarded simply for existing, for being alive.
The second line of the poem reads, "The life I would have chosen, had I dared." This line adds a layer of complexity to the poem. It suggests that the speaker has not lived the life they wanted to live. They have made choices that were safe or expected, rather than following their true desires. The use of the phrase "had I dared" implies that the speaker was afraid to take risks or make bold choices. This line also suggests that the reward mentioned in the first line is not necessarily the life the speaker would have chosen for themselves.
The third line of the poem reads, "This is my sole reward, not applause." This line further emphasizes the idea that the reward mentioned in the first line is not something that the speaker has earned through external validation or recognition. The use of the word "sole" suggests that this reward is the only thing the speaker has received for their efforts. The phrase "not applause" suggests that the speaker is not seeking praise or admiration from others. Instead, they are content with the reward they have received, even if it is not something that others would necessarily value.
The final line of the poem reads, "These are the quiet hours, that build a life." This line brings the poem full circle, returning to the idea of the speaker's existence being the reason for their reward. The phrase "quiet hours" suggests that the reward mentioned in the first line is not something that is flashy or attention-grabbing. Instead, it is something that is built slowly and steadily over time. The phrase "build a life" suggests that the reward is not just a momentary pleasure, but something that contributes to the speaker's overall sense of fulfillment and purpose.
So, what does this poem mean? At its core, My Reward for Being, was This is a meditation on the nature of success and fulfillment. It suggests that true reward comes not from external validation or recognition, but from living a life that is true to oneself. The poem also suggests that this kind of fulfillment is not something that can be achieved quickly or easily. It requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks and make bold choices.
One of the things that makes this poem so powerful is its simplicity. Dickinson uses just a few words to convey a complex idea, and the result is a poem that is both profound and accessible. The poem also has a timeless quality to it. Although it was written over a century ago, its message is just as relevant today as it was then.
In conclusion, My Reward for Being, was This is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. It is a meditation on the nature of success and fulfillment, and it suggests that true reward comes not from external validation or recognition, but from living a life that is true to oneself. The poem's simplicity and timelessness make it a true masterpiece of American literature, and it is sure to continue to inspire readers for generations to come.
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