English 48B
3/18/2009
"I taste a liquor never brewed-From Tankards scooped in Pearl-"
Emily Dickinson's poetry is completely subjective, which #207 surely proves. This poem, as discussed in class, could mean many different things, and Dickinson herself is probably the only person who will ever know the true meaning behind it. One subject that I feel is
a strong connection to this poem, is that it symbolizes sexuality. Dickinson herself was known for being a recluse, and while she never married, had several lovers. Among these speculated lovers, was her best friend, whom also was a woman. I Feel that #207 not only represents sexuality and desire, but homosexual sexuality, particularly that between two women. Dickinson uses various metaphors, including and obscure combination of nature (such as flowers and bees) and alcohol. I believe that Dickinson chose to use this combination to show that in society, alcohol and drugs had almost become nature. A sense of arrogance also accompanies the poem, such as when she says, "Inebriate of air-am I". She seems to be saying that she is better than other members of society, because she doesn't need alcohol to be "inebriated" or to be happy. She in fact, is more in touch with nature, which could be considered ironic, considering she spent most of her life locked inside her room. It was also mentioned that Dickinson was a possible alcoholic, and so while we try to make sense of her writing, it could also be a "drunken mess" of words, that really never made sense to her either. However, I believe that Dickinson, though different, was perhaps one of the most clear headed people in society, for the outside world she tried so hard to stay out of, was definitely a mess.
This quote, after reading it several times, seems to exude homosexuality, as does much of the rest of the poem. The "liquor never brewed", represents the relationship Dickinson desired, but could never really have. This seems to correlate with the idea that she was in love with her best friend, whom married her b
rother. The love was "never brewed", because her friends feelings were never reciprocated. She uses liquor to represent lust or desire, because alcohol use is considered "immoral" or something that her society did not really support, yet everybody still used it. Dickinson's feelings were something that were also frowned against in society, for homosexuality was rarely acceptable, yet Dickinson still wanted a taste. The tankard is also symbolic as well. Tankards are large drinking cups, similar to a mug. The "large" cup, shows that much liquor was need to fill it. This emphasizes Dickinson's feelings for her friend, and how heavy or intensely she felt them. It could also be seen that the cup represents the population and it's vastness, as if Dickinson knew that she had many people to fall in love with, yet she chose the most forbidden person. The tankard is also made of pearl, which shows society's expectations of women. Women in pearls is almost the archetype for high class, "well behaved" women of the time. While Dickinson did not fit this stereotype, the use of it in her poem does depict a woman. Pearl is definitely a feminine gem, which Dickinson chose to represent homosexuality, and the feelings that she could not control.
Emily Dickinson's poetry is completely subjective, which #207 surely proves. This poem, as discussed in class, could mean many different things, and Dickinson herself is probably the only person who will ever know the true meaning behind it. One subject that I feel is
a strong connection to this poem, is that it symbolizes sexuality. Dickinson herself was known for being a recluse, and while she never married, had several lovers. Among these speculated lovers, was her best friend, whom also was a woman. I Feel that #207 not only represents sexuality and desire, but homosexual sexuality, particularly that between two women. Dickinson uses various metaphors, including and obscure combination of nature (such as flowers and bees) and alcohol. I believe that Dickinson chose to use this combination to show that in society, alcohol and drugs had almost become nature. A sense of arrogance also accompanies the poem, such as when she says, "Inebriate of air-am I". She seems to be saying that she is better than other members of society, because she doesn't need alcohol to be "inebriated" or to be happy. She in fact, is more in touch with nature, which could be considered ironic, considering she spent most of her life locked inside her room. It was also mentioned that Dickinson was a possible alcoholic, and so while we try to make sense of her writing, it could also be a "drunken mess" of words, that really never made sense to her either. However, I believe that Dickinson, though different, was perhaps one of the most clear headed people in society, for the outside world she tried so hard to stay out of, was definitely a mess.This quote, after reading it several times, seems to exude homosexuality, as does much of the rest of the poem. The "liquor never brewed", represents the relationship Dickinson desired, but could never really have. This seems to correlate with the idea that she was in love with her best friend, whom married her b
rother. The love was "never brewed", because her friends feelings were never reciprocated. She uses liquor to represent lust or desire, because alcohol use is considered "immoral" or something that her society did not really support, yet everybody still used it. Dickinson's feelings were something that were also frowned against in society, for homosexuality was rarely acceptable, yet Dickinson still wanted a taste. The tankard is also symbolic as well. Tankards are large drinking cups, similar to a mug. The "large" cup, shows that much liquor was need to fill it. This emphasizes Dickinson's feelings for her friend, and how heavy or intensely she felt them. It could also be seen that the cup represents the population and it's vastness, as if Dickinson knew that she had many people to fall in love with, yet she chose the most forbidden person. The tankard is also made of pearl, which shows society's expectations of women. Women in pearls is almost the archetype for high class, "well behaved" women of the time. While Dickinson did not fit this stereotype, the use of it in her poem does depict a woman. Pearl is definitely a feminine gem, which Dickinson chose to represent homosexuality, and the feelings that she could not control.
20/20 I suppose it could also be heterosexuality -- which isn't any easier to "control" (so I've heard)!
ReplyDeleteI think this analysis is way off base, I think this is more of a love note to nature. She is drunk off the summer air and dancing under the summer blue sky. Transcendentalism was in full swing during this time and it makes more sense that this was written as a poem about nature. She was not a recluse either. her fater was a politician and she was a socialite.
ReplyDelete