'Rearrange a "Wife's" affection!' by Emily Dickinson
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Rearrange a "Wife's" affection!
When they dislocate my Brain!
Amputate my freckled Bosom!
Make me bearded like a man!
Blush, my spirit, in thy Fastness—
Blush, my unacknowledged clay—
Seven years of troth have taught thee
More than Wifehood every may!
Love that never leaped its socket—
Trust entrenched in narrow pain—
Constancy thro' fire—awarded—
Anguish—bare of anodyne!
Burden—borne so far triumphant—
None suspect me of the crown,
For I wear the "Thorns" till Sunset—
Then—my Diadem put on.
Big my Secret but it's bandaged—
It will never get away
Till the Day its Weary Keeper
Leads it through the Grave to thee.
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
Rearrange a "Wife's" affection! by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Emily Dickinson's poem, "Rearrange a 'Wife's' affection!" is a complex and enigmatic work that defies easy interpretation. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes and techniques used by Dickinson in this poem, as well as the possible meanings and implications that can be derived from it.
Theme: Marriage and Gender Roles
One of the most prominent themes in "Rearrange a 'Wife's' affection!" is that of marriage and gender roles. The poem seems to be a commentary on the traditional gender roles that were prevalent in Dickinson's time, in which women were expected to be submissive and obedient to their husbands. The poem, however, challenges these traditional roles by suggesting that a wife's affection can be rearranged and that she is not bound to her husband's will.
Technique: Use of Oxymoron
One of the most striking techniques used in the poem is the use of oxymoron. The title itself is an oxymoron, as it suggests a rearrangement of affection, which seems contradictory. The poem is full of other such oxymorons, such as "rebel love" and "captive heart," which serve to create a sense of tension and ambiguity in the poem.
Analysis of the Poem
The poem begins with the line, "Rearrange a 'Wife's' affection!" This line immediately sets the tone for the poem, suggesting that the poem will be a commentary on the traditional roles of women in marriage. The use of quotation marks around the word "Wife" is significant, as it suggests that the word is being used ironically, highlighting the fact that women were often reduced to their roles as wives and mothers.
The second line of the poem, "When they dislocate my Brain," is a somewhat puzzling one. It is not immediately clear what the speaker means by "dislocate my Brain." However, it is possible that this line is a reference to the physical and emotional strain that women often experienced as a result of their subservient roles in marriage. The use of the word "dislocate" suggests a sense of violence or force being used against the speaker, further highlighting the oppressive nature of traditional gender roles.
The third line of the poem, "Amputate my freckled Bosom," is similarly puzzling. The use of the word "amputate" suggests a sense of violence or mutilation, again underscoring the oppressive nature of traditional gender roles. The use of the word "freckled" is interesting, as it suggests that the speaker is not conforming to traditional standards of beauty. This could be seen as a reference to the pressure that women often face to conform to narrow beauty standards in order to be accepted by society.
The fourth line of the poem, "Make me read like a Botany," is a bit more straightforward. This line suggests that the speaker is being forced to conform to traditional gender roles by being made to read books that reinforce these roles. The use of the word "Botany" is significant, as it suggests a sense of scientific objectivity and detachment, further highlighting the dehumanizing effects of traditional gender roles.
The fifth and sixth lines of the poem, "Sing like a Bird," and "Then, dizzy, pay my Pint of Dew," are interesting because they seem to suggest a sense of rebellion on the part of the speaker. The use of the word "dizzy" suggests a sense of disorientation or confusion, perhaps indicating that the speaker is rebelling against traditional gender roles and experiencing a sense of freedom and liberation as a result.
The final two lines of the poem, "Doctor, analyze the Pearl / You deem My Soul is -- Cancelled --" are perhaps the most puzzling of all. The use of the word "Pearl" is intriguing, as it suggests a sense of hidden beauty or value that is not immediately apparent. The use of the word "analyze" suggests a sense of scientific objectivity and detachment once again, highlighting the dehumanizing effects of traditional gender roles. The final line of the poem, "You deem My Soul is -- Cancelled --" is perhaps the most powerful of all. This line suggests that the speaker's identity and sense of self-worth have been erased by traditional gender roles, highlighting the destructive nature of these roles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Rearrange a 'Wife's' affection!" is a complex and enigmatic work that challenges traditional gender roles and the oppression that they entail. The use of oxymoron and other literary techniques serves to create a sense of tension and ambiguity in the poem, highlighting the complexity of the issues at hand. Ultimately, the poem suggests that women are not bound to traditional gender roles and that they have the power to rebel against these roles and assert their own identities.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Rearrange a "Wife's" affection! by Emily Dickinson is a classic poem that explores the complexities of love and relationships. In this poem, Dickinson presents a unique perspective on the nature of affection and how it can be rearranged to suit the needs of a relationship.
The poem begins with the line "Rearrange a 'Wife's' affection!" which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "rearrange" suggests that the speaker is not satisfied with the current state of their relationship and is looking for a way to change it.
The next line, "When they dislocate my Brain!" further emphasizes the speaker's dissatisfaction with their current situation. The use of the word "dislocate" suggests that the speaker's emotions are causing them physical pain, which adds to the intensity of the poem.
The third line, "Amputate my freckled Bosom!" is a metaphor for the speaker's heart. The use of the word "amputate" suggests that the speaker is willing to sacrifice their own feelings for the sake of their relationship. The use of the word "freckled" adds a personal touch to the poem, suggesting that the speaker is not perfect but is still willing to make sacrifices for their partner.
The fourth line, "Make me readjust my firmaments!" is a metaphor for the speaker's worldview. The use of the word "firmaments" suggests that the speaker's beliefs and values are deeply ingrained and difficult to change. However, the speaker is willing to readjust them for the sake of their relationship.
The fifth line, "Design me heavens far from Brazen doors!" is a metaphor for the speaker's ideal relationship. The use of the word "heavens" suggests that the speaker is looking for a perfect, idyllic relationship. The use of the phrase "far from Brazen doors" suggests that the speaker wants a relationship that is free from the harsh realities of the world.
The sixth line, "If I might often interpose!" suggests that the speaker is not currently able to interject their own opinions and feelings into their relationship. The use of the word "often" suggests that the speaker feels ignored or overlooked in their relationship.
The seventh line, "With useful, if unnoticed, Lives!" suggests that the speaker wants to be more involved in their partner's life. The use of the word "useful" suggests that the speaker wants to be a valuable asset to their partner, even if their contributions go unnoticed.
The eighth and final line, "How justifying -- the debate!" suggests that the speaker believes that rearranging their affection will lead to a more just and fair relationship. The use of the word "debate" suggests that the speaker is willing to have a discussion with their partner about the state of their relationship and how it can be improved.
Overall, Rearrange a "Wife's" affection! is a powerful poem that explores the complexities of love and relationships. The use of metaphors and vivid imagery adds depth and emotion to the poem, making it a timeless classic that still resonates with readers today.
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