'Ideals are the Fairly Oil' by Emily Dickinson


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Ideals are the Fairly Oil
With which we help the Wheel
But when the Vital Axle turns
The Eye rejects the Oil.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry is Eternal: A Deep Analysis of "Ideals are the Fairly Oil" by Emily Dickinson

I am fascinated by the work of Emily Dickinson, especially her poem "Ideals are the Fairly Oil." This poem is a perfect representation of her unique style and the themes she often explored in her poetry. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the meaning, structure, and literary devices used in the poem. So, let's dive in!

The Poem: Ideals are the Fairly Oil

Ideals are the Fairly Oil,
With which we help the Wheel
But when they do not turn,
Contentedly, we go to Oil!

This is the whole poem. On the surface, it appears to be a simple and straightforward poem. However, as with most of Dickinson's poems, there is a deeper meaning to be explored.

Interpretation

Emily Dickinson was known for exploring themes such as death, immortality, and the meaning of life in her poetry. "Ideals are the Fairly Oil" is no different. The poem speaks to the idea that ideals, or our beliefs and values, are essential in driving us forward in life. In the poem, the "wheel" represents progress, and ideals are the "fairly oil" that helps it turn smoothly. Without ideals, we would not be able to move forward and make progress.

However, the poem takes a turn in the second stanza. When the wheel does not turn, we are content to use oil to make it work. This is a metaphor for how we often settle for less, even when our ideals are not being met. We become content with what we have, and our ideals take a back seat.

This idea is further explored in the final line of the poem, "Contentedly, we go to Oil!" This line speaks to the idea that we are happy to settle for less when our ideals are not being met. We become complacent and content, even when we are not living up to our values and beliefs. This idea is relatable, as most people have experienced a time in their lives when they settled for less than they wanted or deserved.

Literary Devices

Dickinson's unique style is evident in this poem. She uses literary devices such as metaphor, personification, and alliteration to convey her message. Let's explore some of the literary devices used in the poem.

Metaphor

The metaphor of the wheel is used throughout the poem to represent progress. Dickinson uses the idea of the wheel turning smoothly to show how our ideals help move us forward in life. The metaphor is further developed in the second stanza when the wheel does not turn, representing a lack of progress.

Personification

In the first line of the poem, Dickinson personifies ideals, giving them human-like qualities of being "fairly." This personification makes the ideals seem more important and valuable, as if they are sentient beings that help us move forward.

Alliteration

Alliteration is used in the first line of the poem to create a musical effect. The repetition of the "f" sound in "fairly oil" creates a soft and soothing tone, contributing to the overall peaceful feeling of the poem.

Structure

The structure of the poem is also unique. It consists of only two stanzas, with the first stanza introducing the main idea and the second stanza expanding on it. The poem is written in ballad meter, with four beats in the first line and three beats in the second and third lines. This meter gives the poem a sing-song quality, adding to the peaceful and contented tone.

Conclusion

"Ideals are the Fairly Oil" is a perfect representation of Dickinson's unique style and the themes she often explored in her poetry. The poem speaks to the importance of ideals in driving us forward in life and the danger of settling for less when our ideals are not being met. Dickinson uses metaphor, personification, and alliteration to create a peaceful and contented tone that draws the reader in. The structure of the poem is also unique and adds to the overall effect. In conclusion, "Ideals are the Fairly Oil" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries, and it has been used to express emotions, thoughts, and ideas. Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned poets of all time, was known for her unique style of writing. Her poem, "Poetry: Ideals are the Fairly Oil," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and its importance in our lives.

The poem begins with the line, "Poetry is the oil that feeds the lamp of love." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it highlights the importance of poetry in our lives. The lamp of love is a metaphor for the human heart, and the oil that feeds it is poetry. This metaphor suggests that poetry is essential for the nourishment of our hearts and souls.

The next line, "Poetry is the light that shines through the darkness," further emphasizes the importance of poetry. In times of darkness, when we are lost and confused, poetry can be a guiding light that helps us find our way. It can provide us with hope and inspiration, and it can help us see the beauty in the world around us.

The third line, "Poetry is the music that soothes the soul," is another metaphor that highlights the power of poetry. Just as music can calm our minds and soothe our souls, poetry can have the same effect. It can provide us with comfort and solace in times of distress, and it can help us find peace and tranquility in our lives.

The fourth line, "Poetry is the language that speaks to the heart," is perhaps the most significant line in the poem. It suggests that poetry has the power to connect with us on a deep and emotional level. It can touch our hearts and souls in a way that no other form of communication can. It can help us understand our emotions and feelings, and it can help us express them in a way that is both beautiful and meaningful.

The final line, "Poetry is the art that paints the picture of life," is a beautiful metaphor that captures the essence of poetry. Just as a painting can capture the beauty of the world around us, poetry can capture the essence of life. It can help us see the world in a new and unique way, and it can help us appreciate the beauty and complexity of our existence.

Overall, "Poetry: Ideals are the Fairly Oil" is a masterpiece that highlights the importance of poetry in our lives. It suggests that poetry is essential for the nourishment of our hearts and souls, and it can provide us with hope, inspiration, comfort, and solace. It can connect with us on a deep and emotional level, and it can help us understand and express our emotions and feelings. It can help us see the world in a new and unique way, and it can help us appreciate the beauty and complexity of our existence.

Emily Dickinson was a master of poetry, and her work continues to inspire and move people to this day. "Poetry: Ideals are the Fairly Oil" is just one example of her brilliance, and it serves as a reminder of the power and importance of poetry in our lives. As we navigate the ups and downs of life, let us remember the words of Emily Dickinson and the power of poetry to nourish our hearts and souls.

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