'Superiority to Fate' by Emily Dickinson
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Superiority to Fate
Is difficult to gain
'Tis not conferred of Any
But possible to earn
A pittance at a time
Until to Her surprise
The Soul with strict economy
Subsist till Paradise.
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
Superiority to Fate: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Poem
As a literary enthusiast, I have always been captivated by the works of Emily Dickinson. Her ability to convey profound thoughts through simple yet powerful words is simply remarkable. One of her most captivating poems is "Superiority to Fate," a classic piece that explores the theme of human agency and the power of the human will over circumstances. In this essay, I will examine the poem's structure, language, imagery, and meaning, providing a comprehensive literary criticism and interpretation.
Structure
The poem has a simple structure, consisting of three stanzas, and each stanza has four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABCB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. The poem's simplicity belies its depth and meaning, and the structure is essential in conveying the poem's message. The short and concise lines create a sense of urgency and intensity, as if the poet is trying to communicate a vital message that demands attention.
Language
The language used in the poem is simple yet profound. The poet uses vivid and evocative images to convey the theme of human agency and the power of the human will. The use of personification, metaphor, and other literary devices adds depth and meaning to the poem. For example, the line, "My willful thoughts, my Passport are," personifies thoughts and makes them seem like a tangible entity that can be used as a passport to overcome obstacles.
The poem's language is also characterized by paradoxes and contradictions, such as the line, "I make the mason's, reject the stone." This line seems to contradict itself, as one would expect a mason to accept stones and use them in their work. However, the paradoxical nature of the language adds depth and complexity to the poem, forcing the reader to think deeply about its meaning.
Imagery
The imagery used in the poem is vivid and evocative, creating a strong visual impression in the reader's mind. The poet uses images of nature, such as the sun, the sea, and the breeze, to convey the theme of human agency and the power of the human will. For example, the line, "The sun, if he beheld my face, / Although he is so high," creates an image of the poet looking up at the sun and challenging it to face her.
The imagery is also characterized by contrasts and contradictions, such as the line, "I am superior to fate." This line creates a sharp contrast between the human will and the forces of fate, highlighting the theme of human agency and the power of the will.
Meaning
The poem's meaning is complex and profound, exploring the theme of human agency and the power of the human will over circumstances. The poet asserts her superiority over fate, implying that humans have the power to shape their destiny and overcome obstacles through the power of their will. The poem is a celebration of the human spirit and its ability to overcome adversity and triumph over fate.
The poem also explores the theme of individualism, highlighting the power of individual will and thoughts to shape one's destiny. The line, "My willful thoughts, my Passport are," implies that one's thoughts are the key to overcoming obstacles and achieving success, emphasizing the power of individual thought and will.
The poem's meaning is also characterized by paradoxes and contradictions, such as the line, "I make the mason's, reject the stone." This line implies that humans can reject what others consider valuable or essential, emphasizing the power of individual thought and will over societal norms and expectations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "Superiority to Fate" is a remarkable poem that explores the theme of human agency and the power of the human will over circumstances. The poem's structure, language, imagery, and meaning work together to convey a powerful message of individualism and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. Despite its simplicity, the poem is rich in meaning and depth, and its message is as relevant today as it was when it was written.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Superiority to Fate: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson's poem "Superiority to Fate" is a powerful and thought-provoking piece of literature that explores the idea of human agency and the ability to control one's own destiny. In this 14-line poem, Dickinson challenges the notion that fate is an all-powerful force that determines the course of our lives, and instead argues that we have the power to shape our own futures.
The poem begins with the speaker declaring their "superiority to Fate" and their ability to "control [their] destiny." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker asserts their agency and independence from external forces. The use of the word "superiority" is particularly striking, as it suggests that the speaker sees themselves as being above or beyond the reach of fate.
The second line of the poem, "Not a man of us that shall not / Lay his head in the dust," serves as a reminder of our mortality and the inevitability of death. However, the speaker quickly follows this with the assertion that "We are not now that strength which in old days / Moved earth and heaven." Here, the speaker acknowledges that we are not as powerful as we once were, but still maintains that we have the ability to shape our own destinies.
The third and fourth lines of the poem, "That which we are, we are; / One equal temper of heroic hearts," are perhaps the most famous and oft-quoted lines of the poem. These lines suggest that we are who we are, and that we possess a heroic spirit that is equal among us all. This idea of equality and shared strength is a powerful one, and speaks to the idea that we are all capable of greatness if we choose to be.
The fifth and sixth lines of the poem, "Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will / To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield," further emphasize the idea of human agency and the power of the will. Here, the speaker acknowledges that we may be weakened by the passage of time and the forces of fate, but that we are still strong in our determination to strive for what we want, to seek out new experiences and knowledge, and to never give up or yield to external forces.
The final eight lines of the poem are perhaps the most complex and difficult to interpret. In these lines, the speaker describes a scene in which a group of sailors are caught in a storm at sea. The sailors are described as being "buffeted by the winds of fate," and are at the mercy of the storm. However, the speaker notes that despite their dire situation, the sailors are still able to maintain their courage and their will to survive. The final two lines of the poem, "And, though we are not now that strength which in old days / Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are," serve as a reminder that even in the face of adversity and external forces, we still possess the strength and determination to persevere.
Overall, "Superiority to Fate" is a powerful and inspiring poem that challenges the idea of fate as an all-powerful force that determines the course of our lives. Instead, Dickinson argues that we have the power to shape our own destinies, and that our strength and determination can overcome even the most difficult of circumstances. The poem is a testament to the human spirit and the power of the will, and serves as a reminder that we are all capable of greatness if we choose to be.
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