'Tho' my destiny be Fustian' by Emily Dickinson


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Tho' my destiny be Fustian—
Hers be damask fine—
Tho' she wear a silver apron—
I, a less divine—

Still, my little Gypsy being
I would far prefer,
Still, my little sunburnt bosom
To her Rosier,

For, when Frosts, their punctual fingers
On her forehead lay,
You and I, and Dr. Holland,
Bloom Eternally!

Roses of a steadfast summer
In a steadfast land,
Where no Autumn lifts her pencil—
And no Reapers stand!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Tho' my destiny be Fustian: A Literary Critique

Introduction

Emily Dickinson is well-known for her unique style of poetry, and "Tho' my destiny be Fustian" is no exception. The poem was written during the 1860s, a period when the American Civil War was raging on, and is believed to have been inspired by the poet's personal struggles with religion and mortality. In this critique, we will analyze the poem, explore its themes, and interpret its meaning.

Analysis of the Poem

Structure and Form

The poem is written in four stanzas, each comprising four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the lines are written in iambic tetrameter, giving the poem a smooth and flowing rhythm.

The poem's title is intriguing, as the word "fustian" means pompous or pretentious language, which seems to contradict the simplicity of the poem's structure and form. However, this contrast highlights the poem's main theme of humility in the face of destiny.

Language and Imagery

The language used in the poem is simple and straightforward, yet it conveys a sense of depth and complexity. The use of repetition in the opening line, "Tho' my destiny be Fustian," emphasizes the speaker's resignation to her fate. The word "Tho'" is an archaic spelling of "though," which adds a sense of timelessness and universality to the poem.

The imagery used in the poem is also simple but powerful. The speaker compares her life to a "thread," which is fragile and easily broken. The use of the word "warp" in the second line suggests the idea of fate or destiny, as it is a term used in weaving to describe the lengthwise threads that are held in tension on a loom.

In the third line, the speaker uses the metaphor of a "shuttle" to describe the movement of her life. A shuttle is a tool used in weaving to carry the weft thread back and forth across the warp threads, creating the fabric. This metaphor suggests the idea of the speaker's life being woven into a larger fabric of destiny.

Themes

The main theme of the poem is the acceptance of fate or destiny. The speaker acknowledges that her destiny may be "Fustian," or pretentious, but she accepts it nonetheless. This theme is closely related to the idea of humility, as the speaker recognizes her place in the larger scheme of things and is willing to surrender her will and desires to fate.

Another theme that emerges from the poem is the idea of mortality. The speaker compares her life to a fragile thread, emphasizing how easily it can be broken. This image suggests the idea that life is fleeting and ephemeral, and that we must accept our destiny before it is too late.

Finally, the theme of religion is also present in the poem. The use of the word "destiny" suggests the idea of a predetermined course of events, which is often associated with a higher power or divine plan. The poem's acceptance of fate can be seen as an act of faith and trust in a higher power.

Interpretation of the Poem

The poem "Tho' my destiny be Fustian" is a powerful meditation on fate, mortality, and faith. The use of simple language and imagery belies the depth and complexity of the poem's themes, which are universal and timeless.

At its core, the poem is a call to humility and acceptance. The speaker recognizes her place in the larger scheme of things and is willing to surrender her will and desires to fate. This acceptance is not resignation, however, but rather an act of faith, as the speaker recognizes that her destiny is part of a larger plan.

The image of the fragile thread also emphasizes the idea of mortality and reminds us of the fleeting nature of life. The speaker's acceptance of destiny can be seen as a way of embracing life and living it to the fullest, even in the face of mortality.

Finally, the use of the word "destiny" suggests the idea of a higher power or divine plan. The poem can be seen as a meditation on faith and trust in this higher power, and an acknowledgement that our lives are part of a larger, divine plan.

Conclusion

"Tho' my destiny be Fustian" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores universal themes of fate, mortality, and faith. The poem's use of simple language and imagery belies the depth and complexity of its themes, which are relevant to all of us, regardless of time or place.

The poem's call to humility and acceptance is a reminder that we are all part of a larger scheme of things, and that our lives are fleeting and ephemeral. By embracing our destiny and accepting our place in the world, we can live life to the fullest and find meaning and purpose in the face of mortality.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her poem "Tho' my destiny be Fustian" is a classic example of her unique style and voice. This poem is a powerful meditation on the nature of fate and the human condition, and it is a testament to Dickinson's ability to capture the essence of life in just a few lines.

The poem begins with the speaker acknowledging that her destiny is "fustian," which means coarse or rough. This is a powerful statement, as it suggests that the speaker is aware of her own limitations and shortcomings. However, the speaker does not let this fact define her, and instead she embraces her fate with a sense of acceptance and even joy.

The second stanza of the poem is particularly powerful, as it describes the speaker's relationship with the world around her. She says that she is "content to be a stone," which suggests that she is at peace with her place in the world. She is not striving for greatness or trying to change the world; instead, she is content to simply exist and be a part of the natural order of things.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant, as it describes the speaker's relationship with death. She says that she is "content to die," which suggests that she is not afraid of death or the unknown. Instead, she sees death as a natural part of life, and she is at peace with the idea of passing on to the next world.

The final stanza of the poem is a powerful statement of the speaker's philosophy of life. She says that she is "content with what I have," which suggests that she is not interested in material possessions or worldly success. Instead, she is content with the simple pleasures of life, such as the beauty of nature and the love of family and friends.

Overall, "Tho' my destiny be Fustian" is a powerful and moving poem that captures the essence of the human experience. It is a testament to Emily Dickinson's unique voice and her ability to capture the complexities of life in just a few lines. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply a lover of great literature, this poem is a must-read.

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