'In rags mysterious as these' by Emily Dickinson
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In rags mysterious as these
The shining Courtiers go-
Veiling the purple, and the plumes-
Veiling the ermine so.Smiling, as they request an alms-
At some imposing door!
Smiling when we walk barefoot
Upon their golden floor!
Editor 1 Interpretation
"In Rags Mysterious as These" by Emily Dickinson: A Mysterious Poem Unraveled
As a literary critic, I am often drawn to the works of Emily Dickinson. Her enigmatic poetry never fails to intrigue me, making me question the hidden meanings behind her words. One of her poems that has always captured my attention is "In Rags Mysterious as These." This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's cryptic style, leaving readers with more questions than answers. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will attempt to unravel the mystery behind this powerful poem.
The Poem: "In Rags Mysterious as These"
Before delving into the interpretation of "In Rags Mysterious as These," let us first examine the poem itself. Here is its full text:
In rags mysterious as these
The shining Courtiers go—
Veiling the purple, and the plumes,
Veiling the ermine so.
Smiling as they request an alms—
At some imposing door—
But it is hard to give—to those
Who have nought before.
They try to shame us in a speech
As if they were the Muses,
And though I grant, they're eloquent,
They're wrong for all that pleases.
They have not read the simple clause
That imports that "Bread is Raiment"—
And lest I sh’d mistrust a Rag
They try to show the same.
And when I was a child I thought
Some’way, this poem would please—
But now I think I’d rather be
The Courrier—beggar, please—
Himself. It is so grand—a thing
To assist a Beggar—wise are we—
A toilsome business—but ourselves
Are better off—are we.
At first glance, this poem might seem straightforward. It speaks of beggars, or "Courtiers" as Dickinson calls them, who are dressed in rags and ask for alms at the doors of imposing buildings. However, upon closer examination, the poem reveals a much deeper meaning.
The Interpretation: Power and Inequality
The first thing that struck me about "In Rags Mysterious as These" is its theme of power and inequality. Dickinson paints a picture of beggars who are powerless and dependent on the generosity of others. They are dressed in rags, which serve as a metaphor for their lack of resources and social status. The "shining Courtiers" who pass them by, on the other hand, are dressed in purple, ermine, and plumes, symbols of their wealth and power.
The fact that the Courtiers are smiling as they request alms from the poor highlights their privilege and sense of entitlement. They do not feel ashamed to ask for money from those who have less than them, as they believe it is their right to receive assistance from those who are less fortunate.
Dickinson's use of the word "imposing" to describe the door at which the Courtiers ask for alms further emphasizes the power dynamic at play. The door is not just any door; it is a symbol of wealth and status, the entrance to a grand building that only the privileged have access to.
The line "But it is hard to give—to those/Who have nought before" is a poignant reminder of how difficult it can be to give to those who are in need. The poor are often seen as undeserving of help, as they are perceived as lazy or unwilling to work. However, Dickinson challenges this notion, suggesting that it is not the fault of the poor that they are in need, but rather a result of the systems and structures that uphold inequality.
The Misguided Muse
The second part of the poem takes a slightly different turn, as Dickinson criticizes the Courtiers for their misguided understanding of poetry and language. She suggests that they try to shame the poor into giving them money by using eloquent speeches that reference the Muses, the Greek goddesses of inspiration.
However, Dickinson is quick to dismiss their attempts, stating that "They're wrong for all that pleases." She suggests that the Courtiers are missing the point of poetry and language, which should be used to uplift and empower, not to shame and manipulate.
In fact, Dickinson goes so far as to suggest that the Courtiers are unaware of the true meaning behind a simple clause: "Bread is Raiment." This line is a reference to the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus tells his followers not to worry about their clothing, as God will provide for their basic needs. To Dickinson, this line is a reminder that those who are in need should not be judged or looked down upon, as they are just as deserving of basic necessities as those who are wealthy and privileged.
The Grand Thing
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as Dickinson reveals her own personal feelings towards the beggars and the Courtiers. She suggests that as a child, she thought the poem would please her, as it presented a clear power dynamic and a sense of justice for the poor. However, as she has grown older, she has come to realize that she would rather be the Courrier, or the beggar himself.
Dickinson suggests that it is a "grand" thing to assist a beggar, as it allows us to recognize our own privilege and to use it to help others. She acknowledges that it can be a "toilsome business," but emphasizes that ultimately, we are better off for it.
Conclusion
"In Rags Mysterious as These" is a powerful poem that speaks to the issues of power and inequality that still plague our society today. Dickinson's use of metaphor and language is masterful, as she weaves a story that is both poignant and thought-provoking. The poem reminds us that those who are in need are not undeserving of help, but rather victims of a system that values wealth and privilege above all else.
As a literary critic, I am excited by the depth and complexity of Dickinson's work. Her poetry challenges us to think critically about our own place in the world and to consider the ways in which we can use our privilege to make a difference. "In Rags Mysterious as These" is a true masterpiece, and one that will continue to inspire and challenge readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry In Rags: A Mysterious Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most enigmatic poets of all time, has left behind a legacy of poetry that continues to captivate and intrigue readers to this day. Her poem "Poetry In Rags" is a prime example of her unique style and ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful language.
The poem begins with the line "I like to see it lap the miles," which immediately draws the reader in with its vivid imagery. The "it" in question is a train, and Dickinson's use of personification gives it a sense of life and movement. The train is described as "licking" the valleys and "curling" around the hills, creating a sense of motion and energy that is both thrilling and slightly ominous.
As the poem progresses, Dickinson shifts her focus to the idea of poetry, which she compares to the train in its ability to move and inspire. She writes, "And then a quarry pare / To fit its sides, and crawl between, / Complaining all the while / In horrid, hooting stanza." Here, Dickinson is likening the process of writing poetry to the act of carving out a quarry, with each stanza being a piece of stone that must be carefully shaped and fitted together. The use of the word "horrid" to describe the stanza is interesting, as it suggests that the act of creating poetry is not always pleasant or easy.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most mysterious and enigmatic. Dickinson writes, "Nor any know / Its resting place, / For it doth not / Rest." Here, she seems to be suggesting that poetry is a force that is constantly in motion, never truly at rest. The idea of a poem's "resting place" is intriguing, as it implies that there is some sort of final destination or endpoint for a poem. However, Dickinson seems to be suggesting that this is not the case, and that poetry is a journey rather than a destination.
Overall, "Poetry In Rags" is a complex and thought-provoking poem that showcases Dickinson's unique style and ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful language. The use of personification and vivid imagery creates a sense of motion and energy that is both thrilling and slightly ominous, while the comparison of poetry to a quarry highlights the difficulty and struggle that goes into creating a work of art. The final stanza is perhaps the most mysterious and enigmatic, leaving the reader with a sense of wonder and intrigue that is characteristic of Dickinson's poetry as a whole.
In conclusion, "Poetry In Rags" is a masterpiece of poetry that continues to captivate and inspire readers to this day. Its themes of motion, struggle, and mystery are timeless and universal, and its unique style and language make it a true work of art. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply appreciate great literature, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.
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