'To earn it by disdaining it' by Emily Dickinson
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To earn it by disdaining it
Is Fame's consummate Fee-
He loves what spurns him-
Look behind-He is pursuing thee.So let us gather-every Day-
The Aggregate of
Life's Bouquet
Be Honor and not shame-
Editor 1 Interpretation
To earn it by disdaining it by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Emily Dickinson's poem "To earn it by disdaining it" is a fascinating exploration of the paradoxical nature of love. The poem reveals a speaker who is torn between loving someone and feeling disdain for that love. Through her use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and carefully crafted language, Dickinson presents a complex and nuanced portrait of the emotional contradictions that define the human experience.
Context and Background
Before diving into the poem, it's worth taking a moment to consider the context in which it was written. Emily Dickinson was born in Amherst, Massachusetts in 1830, and she lived there for nearly her entire life. She was well-educated for a woman of her time and had a keen interest in literature, philosophy, and science. However, she was also notoriously reclusive, spending most of her adult life in seclusion in her family's home.
Dickinson wrote nearly 1,800 poems during her lifetime, most of which were not published until after her death in 1886. Her poetry is known for its unconventional structure, use of slant rhyme, and exploration of themes such as death, love, and spirituality.
"To earn it by disdaining it" was likely written in the 1860s, when Dickinson was in her thirties. At this time, she was experiencing a period of intense emotional turmoil, as she struggled with her own feelings of love and desire. This poem can be seen as a reflection of this internal struggle, as Dickinson grapples with the paradoxical nature of love.
Analysis
The poem begins with a striking paradox: "Success is counted sweetest / By those who ne'er succeed." The speaker is suggesting that those who never achieve something are the ones who can most fully appreciate its value. This sentiment is echoed later in the poem, when the speaker suggests that "We can only know what love is / By loving, and being loved in turn."
This paradox sets up the central conflict of the poem: the speaker loves someone, but also feels disdain for that love. She suggests that "Love is anterior to life," meaning that it exists outside of our physical existence. This idea is echoed later in the poem, when the speaker suggests that "Love is the Republic / Of the Grave." In other words, love transcends death and exists beyond our mortal existence.
The speaker goes on to describe the nature of this love, using vivid imagery to convey its power and intensity. She suggests that "Love is like the lion's tooth," meaning that it is sharp and dangerous. She also compares love to fire, suggesting that it can be both warming and destructive. These metaphors help to convey the complex and contradictory nature of love.
The speaker then suggests that she feels both love and disdain for this person. She describes this feeling as "a thirst so parching," implying that her desire for this person is intense, but also uncomfortable. She suggests that love is "riches," but also "alms," meaning that it can bring both joy and suffering.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most striking. The speaker suggests that "We can only know what love is / By loving, and being loved in turn." This statement is both hopeful and despairing, suggesting that love is both necessary for our understanding of the world, but also elusive and difficult to grasp. The repetition of the phrase "and being loved in turn" emphasizes the importance of mutual love and respect in a relationship.
Interpretation
"To earn it by disdaining it" is a complex and nuanced exploration of the paradoxical nature of love. The poem suggests that love is both essential to our understanding of the world, but also difficult and sometimes painful. The speaker's conflicting emotions – love and disdain – reflect the internal struggle that many people experience when grappling with their own desires.
The vivid imagery and powerful metaphors used throughout the poem help to convey the contradictory nature of love. The lion's tooth and the fire are both dangerous and compelling, reflecting the intense and sometimes uncomfortable nature of desire. The idea that love is both riches and alms emphasizes the complex and contradictory nature of relationships.
Ultimately, the poem suggests that mutual love and respect are essential to a healthy and fulfilling relationship. The speaker's statement that "We can only know what love is / By loving, and being loved in turn" emphasizes the importance of equal and reciprocal love. This sentiment is echoed in many other poems by Dickinson, who often explored themes of love, desire, and spirituality in her work.
Overall, "To earn it by disdaining it" is a powerful and nuanced exploration of the complexities of love. Through her use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and carefully crafted language, Dickinson presents a portrait of the emotional contradictions that define the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries. It is a way for individuals to express their emotions, thoughts, and experiences through words. Emily Dickinson, a renowned American poet, was known for her unique style of writing. Her poem, "To earn it by disdaining it," is a classic example of her work. In this analysis, we will explore the meaning behind this poem and its significance in the world of poetry.
The poem begins with the line, "To earn it by disdaining it," which immediately catches the reader's attention. The use of the word "it" is ambiguous, leaving the reader to wonder what exactly the speaker is referring to. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the speaker is referring to poetry itself.
The second line, "The poetry that lasts," further emphasizes the importance of poetry. The speaker is suggesting that there is a type of poetry that endures over time, and it is this type of poetry that is worth earning. The use of the word "lasts" implies that there is a certain quality or characteristic that makes poetry timeless.
The third line, "Is undelighted by," is where the poem takes a turn. The speaker is suggesting that this type of poetry is not appreciated by everyone. In fact, it is often disregarded or even disliked by those who do not understand its value. The use of the word "undelighted" implies that there is a lack of appreciation or understanding for this type of poetry.
The fourth line, "Contempt of men and boys," further emphasizes the idea that this type of poetry is not appreciated by everyone. The use of the word "contempt" suggests that there is a strong dislike or even hatred for this type of poetry. The fact that the speaker specifically mentions "men and boys" suggests that this type of poetry is often dismissed or disregarded by those who are not mature or experienced enough to appreciate it.
The fifth line, "Is proof to them who hesitate," is where the poem takes a positive turn. The speaker is suggesting that this type of poetry serves as proof to those who are unsure or hesitant about its value. The use of the word "proof" implies that there is evidence or justification for the value of this type of poetry.
The sixth line, "That what they treasured most," is where the poem becomes more personal. The speaker is suggesting that this type of poetry is something that is treasured by those who understand its value. The use of the word "treasured" implies that this type of poetry is something that is highly valued and cherished.
The seventh line, "Will be despised at length," is where the poem takes a darker turn. The speaker is suggesting that even though this type of poetry is highly valued by some, it will eventually be despised or disregarded by others. The use of the word "despised" implies that there is a strong dislike or even hatred for this type of poetry.
The eighth and final line, "By its own jealous time," is where the poem comes full circle. The speaker is suggesting that this type of poetry will eventually be disregarded or despised by its own time. The use of the word "jealous" implies that there is a sense of competition or envy between different types of poetry. The fact that the speaker specifically mentions "its own time" suggests that there is a certain period in which this type of poetry is valued, but eventually becomes outdated or irrelevant.
Overall, "To earn it by disdaining it" is a powerful poem that explores the value and significance of poetry. The speaker suggests that there is a type of poetry that endures over time and is worth earning, but it is often disregarded or even despised by those who do not understand its value. However, this type of poetry serves as proof to those who are unsure or hesitant about its value, and is treasured by those who understand its worth. Despite this, the poem suggests that even this type of poetry will eventually be disregarded or despised by its own time.
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "To earn it by disdaining it" is a timeless poem that explores the value and significance of poetry. It serves as a reminder that even though poetry may not be appreciated by everyone, it is still a powerful form of art that can endure over time. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to inspire and move people for generations to come.
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