The meaning of one poem by Emily Dickinson.

Sample Solution

  The poem is a meditation on the nature of identity and self-expression. Dickinson begins by declaring that she is "Nobody," a statement that could be interpreted in a number of ways. On one level, it could be seen as a simple statement of fact: Dickinson was a woman who lived in a time when women were not expected to have a public identity. She was also a poet who chose to publish her work anonymously, so in a sense, she was literally "Nobody."

Full Answer Section

  However, the poem can also be interpreted on a more symbolic level. Dickinson's declaration that she is "Nobody" could be seen as a rejection of the traditional expectations of womanhood. In a society that valued women for their domesticity and silence, Dickinson was asserting her right to be an individual with her own unique voice. The poem's second stanza further explores the theme of self-expression. Dickinson compares herself to a bird who "builds its nest in the tempests," a metaphor for the challenges of being a woman who dares to speak her mind. However, the bird is not deterred by the storm; it continues to sing, even in the midst of the chaos. This image of the bird is a powerful one, and it suggests that Dickinson was not afraid to challenge the status quo. She was willing to speak her mind, even if it meant going against the expectations of her society. The poem's final stanza offers a glimpse of hope. Dickinson imagines a future where she will be "known," but not in the traditional sense. She will be known for her "wild nest" and her "stormy songs," for her unique voice and her unconventional way of life. This is a hopeful ending, and it suggests that Dickinson believed that it was possible to be an individual and still be accepted by society. She did not have to conform to the traditional expectations of womanhood in order to be happy and fulfilled. Supporting quote: "I'm Nobody! Who are you?" How dreary - to be somebody! How public - like a frog To tell your name the livelong day To an admiring bog! How glad - to be a Nobody! To hide - and never tell How deep - the rivers run By which your heart is swelled! How still - to be a Nobody! To be a little pool Unruffled - by the summer's heat Unmoved - by winter's snow! How calm - to be a Nobody! To have no splendid doom, But simply to be able to Be - and not to seem!