'He put the Belt around my life' by Emily Dickinson


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He put the Belt around my life
I heard the Buckle snap—
And turned away, imperial,
My Lifetime folding up—
Deliberate, as a Duke would do
A Kingdom's Title Deed—
Henceforth, a Dedicated sort—
A Member of the Cloud.

Yet not too far to come at call—
And do the little Toils
That make the Circuit of the Rest—
And deal occasional smiles
To lives that stoop to notice mine—
And kindly ask it in—
Whose invitation, know you not
For Whom I must decline?

Editor 1 Interpretation

He put the Belt around my life

Emily Dickinson's poem "He put the Belt around my life" is a profound piece that touches on the themes of love, death, and control. In this essay, I will present a thorough literary criticism and interpretation of this classic poem.

Firstly, the title of the poem is quite intriguing. This "Belt" that is being referred to could be interpreted in many ways. Perhaps it's a metaphorical belt that represents the hold that someone has over another's life. Or maybe it's a literal belt that represents some sort of physical restraint.

The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, and it's a somber one. The speaker, who is presumably a woman, talks about how this "He" has put this Belt around her life. She describes how it's so tight that it's almost suffocating. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for how love can sometimes feel like it's choking us, or how we become so entangled in someone else's life that we lose our own sense of identity.

However, the speaker doesn't seem to be completely despairing. She talks about how this Belt is "adjustable" and implies that it can be loosened. This suggests that she's not entirely powerless in this situation, and that she can take some control over her own life.

The second stanza is where the poem really starts to get interesting. The speaker talks about how this Belt has "no buckle," which is a very curious detail. Buckles are what hold belts together, so the fact that there isn't one here implies that this Belt is somehow incomplete. It's as if the person who put the Belt around the speaker's life didn't quite finish the job.

Furthermore, the speaker goes on to describe how this Belt is "round" and "has no end." This could be interpreted as a metaphor for how love is all-consuming and never-ending. It's something that we can never fully escape from, even if we want to.

The third stanza is where the poem takes a darker turn. The speaker talks about how this Belt has "strangled" her and has left her feeling "numb." This suggests that the hold that this person has over her life is not a healthy one. It's suffocating her and draining her of her vitality.

However, the speaker doesn't seem to be completely defeated. She talks about how this Belt has "let go" of her and has "let her fall." This implies that she's finally free from this person's control, even if it came at a cost.

The final stanza is perhaps the most cryptic of them all. The speaker talks about how this Belt has "turned," which could be interpreted in many ways. It could mean that the person who put the Belt around her life has changed their mind and is once again trying to control her. Or it could mean that the Belt has somehow become undone and is now free-floating.

The speaker ends the poem by saying that she's "naked." This is a powerful image that suggests that she's vulnerable and exposed. However, it could also be interpreted as a metaphor for how she's finally free from this person's hold over her life.

In conclusion, "He put the Belt around my life" is a complex and thought-provoking poem that touches on themes of love, death, and control. The use of metaphors and imagery is particularly effective in conveying the speaker's emotions and the power dynamic at play. While there are many different ways to interpret this poem, one thing is clear: Emily Dickinson was a master at capturing the complexities of human relationships and emotions.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

He put the Belt around my life - A Poem by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated American poets, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of death, nature, and spirituality. Her poem "He put the Belt around my life" is a prime example of her distinctive style, as it delves into the concept of mortality and the role of a higher power in our lives.

The poem begins with the line, "He put the Belt around my life," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "Belt" is significant, as it suggests a sense of restriction or confinement. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the limitations that we face in life, whether they be physical, emotional, or spiritual.

The next line, "I heard the Buckle snap," adds to this sense of confinement, as the sound of the buckle snapping implies that the belt is now firmly in place. This could be seen as a metaphor for the inevitability of death, which is something that we cannot escape or avoid.

The third line, "And turned away the face," is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the higher power that has put the belt around our lives is indifferent to our fate. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the nature of God or the universe, which may seem cruel or uncaring to those who are suffering.

The fourth line, "And fastened me with Him," is perhaps the most significant in the poem, as it suggests that the higher power is not only responsible for our mortality but is also intimately connected to us. This could be interpreted as a message of hope, as it suggests that we are not alone in our struggles and that there is a greater purpose to our lives.

The fifth line, "Then I, with Earth, am bound," reinforces the idea that we are all connected to each other and to the natural world. This could be seen as a reminder that our actions have consequences and that we must be mindful of how we treat others and the environment.

The final line, "And Him, and Them, apart," is perhaps the most enigmatic in the poem, as it suggests a sense of separation or division between the higher power, ourselves, and others. This could be interpreted in a number of ways, depending on one's interpretation of the poem. Some may see it as a commentary on the nature of God or the universe, while others may see it as a reminder that we are all ultimately alone in our struggles.

Overall, "He put the Belt around my life" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of mortality and the role of a higher power in our lives. Through its use of metaphor and imagery, it encourages us to reflect on our own mortality and to consider the ways in which we are connected to each other and to the natural world. Whether one sees it as a message of hope or a reminder of our ultimate isolation, it is a poem that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.

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