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I’m “wife”—I’ve finished that Poem Summary line by line

What is the poem I am wife about?, Stylistic Analysis of Dickinson’s Poem I’m Wife, I’m ‘wife’—I’ve finished that is a poem by Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned American poets of the 19th century. As with many of Dickinson’s works, this poem explores complex themes in a concise and enigmatic manner.I’m “wife”—I’ve finished that Poem Summary line by line

I’m “wife”—I’ve finished that Poem Summary

Lines 1-2: “I’m ‘wife’—I’ve finished that— That other state—”

The speaker begins by declaring, “I’m ‘wife'”—indicating that she has fulfilled the societal role of a wife. However, the abrupt en dash and the subsequent statement, “I’ve finished that,” suggest a sense of finality or completion. The speaker introduces the idea of transitioning from the role of a wife to an undefined “other state.”I’m “wife”—I’ve finished that Poem Summary line by line

Lines 3-4: “I’m Czar—I’m ‘Woman’ now— It’s safer so—”

The speaker announces a transformation, claiming to be both a “Czar” and “‘Woman’ now.” The use of “Czar” suggests a position of authority or power, while the term “Woman” may refer to a more universal and liberated state. The statement “It’s safer so—” implies that this new identity provides a sense of safety or security.

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Lines 5-8: “How odd the Girl’s life looks Behind this soft Eclipse— I think that Earth feels so To folks in Heaven—now—”

The speaker reflects on the peculiar view of a girl’s life from her new vantage point. The metaphor of a “soft Eclipse” suggests a partial or temporary concealment. The speaker imagines that the Earth might appear similarly obscured to those in Heaven, drawing a parallel between her changed perspective and an otherworldly perception.I’m “wife”—I’ve finished that Poem Summary line by line

Lines 9-12: “This being comfort—then That other kind—was pain— But why compare? I’m “Wife”! Stop there!”

The speaker contrasts the current state of comfort with the previous condition characterized as a different kind of pain. The rhetorical question, “But why compare?” dismisses the need for a detailed comparison. The speaker emphatically declares her role as “Wife” and urges the reader to stop contemplating any further distinctions.

Lines 13-16: “‘No Post has Power to sweep My Hands’— For I’ve an Ear That flings my Hands— Post cannot”

The speaker introduces the idea that no post (message or communication) has the power to control or influence her actions. The assertion that she has an “Ear” that flings her hands suggests an internal mechanism or intuition that guides her independently of external communications.

Lines 17-20: “For where I am Every Day Is Post— And every Day—”

The speaker explains that her current state is akin to a constant state of communication or posting. The repetition of “Every Day” emphasizes the continuity of this communication, suggesting an ongoing and internal dialogue or reflection.

Lines 21-24: “A letter— And a Post— And after that The Dark—”

The speaker describes the progression of communication from a letter to a post and then enigmatically concludes with “The Dark.” This darkness might symbolize an unknown or a future beyond the realm of communication.

Lines 25-28: “And may be read, When I am Dead— Afterward—”

The speaker acknowledges that her words may be read after her death. The use of “Afterward” reinforces the temporal dimension of the poem, suggesting a reflection on life beyond the present moment.I’m “wife”—I’ve finished that Poem Summary line by line

Lines 29-32: Men do presume— They judge— But we, Presuming more— (For each was he Judgment—)

The speaker comments on the presumptions and judgments made by men. She asserts that “we,” presumably women, presume even more. The parenthetical statement implies that each individual, man or woman, is a source of judgment.

Lines 33-36: “Obdurate to My—”Wish—” And instant—of me— But this—and more— I’m Failing—quite—”

The speaker reflects on the stubbornness or resistance to her “Wish” or desire. The word “instant” suggests immediacy, indicating a quick and decisive response to her. However, she confesses to failing in some undisclosed way.

Lines 37-40: “I’m ‘Wife’— I’ve finished that— And whether Bolts Are fastened— Or—iron Doors—”

The speaker reiterates her identity as “Wife” and reaffirms the completion of that role. She contemplates whether bolts or iron doors are secured, suggesting the notion of being protected or confined.

Lines 41-44: Need not be questioned— Nor the Latch— Raised to the Bark— That sent me out—

The speaker declares that the state of her security or confinement need not be questioned. The mention of the latch being raised to the bark introduces an image of a door being opened, potentially allowing her to venture outside.

Lines 45-48: Common—right— And were it incline to go ‘Tis not far— There—stands the Town—

The speaker characterizes her situation as “Common—right,” suggesting that it is ordinary and appropriate. The notion of inclination to go somewhere is introduced, and the speaker observes that the town is not far away, implying a proximity or accessibility.

Lines 49-52: ‘No Emperor be deem Where I abide— But I disdain Allot— And own myself a Tributary—

The speaker rejects the idea of being deemed an emperor where she resides. The word “disdain” indicates a strong disapproval or rejection of allotment or assignment. Instead, she asserts her status as a tributary, implying a willingness to contribute or pay tribute.I’m “wife”—I’ve finished that Poem Summary line by line

Lines 53-56: And right to Thee— Whoever thou be— And tell that “fight is o’er”— And I have won—

The speaker extends a message to an unnamed recipient, inviting them to declare that the fight is over and that she has emerged victorious.

Lines 57-60: And then— How frigid how The Dungeon of the Harem Could be— Were I a Queen!

The speaker envisions the potential frigidity of the dungeon in a harem, suggesting that even if she were a queen, such an environment would be cold and uninviting.

Lines 61-64: ‘Tis so—with houses— Everywhere— Except in Eden— Unsatisfi’d—I’m—

The speaker broadens the metaphor to include houses everywhere, asserting that dissatisfaction is inherent except in Eden. The poem concludes with the speaker expressing her ongoing sense of dissatisfaction.

I’m “wife”—I’ve finished that Poem

I’m “wife”—I’ve finished that—
That other state—
I’m Czar—I’m “Woman” now—
It’s safer so—
How odd the Girl’s life looks
Behind this soft Eclipse—
I think that Earth feels so
To folks in Heaven—now—
This being comfort—then
That other kind—was pain—
But why compare?
I’m “Wife”! Stop there!

Conclusion

I’m ‘wife’—I’ve finished that by Emily Dickinson encapsulates a profound exploration of identity, transformation, and the complex interplay of societal roles. The poem unfolds with a declaration of the completion of the role of a wife, leading to a mysterious transition into an undefined “other state.” Dickinson weaves together enigmatic metaphors, challenging societal expectations and offering insights into the speaker’s evolving sense of self. I’m “wife”—I’ve finished that Poem Summary line by line

The poem invites readers to contemplate the fluidity of identity, the impact of societal roles on individual perspectives, and the enigmatic nature of communication and transformation. Dickinson’s succinct yet potent language leaves room for interpretation, allowing readers to delve into the layers of meaning and discover the nuances within the poem’s verses.What is the poem I am wife about?, Stylistic Analysis of Dickinson’s Poem I’m Wife,

FAQ:

1. What is the central theme of “I’m ‘wife’—I’ve finished that”?

The central theme revolves around the complexities of identity and transformation. The poem explores the completion of the role of a wife, the enigmatic transition to another state, and the speaker’s reflections on societal roles and personal evolution.

2. How does Dickinson use metaphor in the poem?

Dickinson employs metaphor throughout the poem to convey complex ideas. For instance, the metaphor of a “soft Eclipse” symbolizes the partial concealment of the girl’s life, while being a “Czar” and “‘Woman'” represents a transformative shift in identity. These metaphors add layers of meaning and depth to the poem.

3. What is the significance of the speaker’s declaration, “I’m ‘Wife’! Stop there!”?

The speaker’s emphatic declaration of being a wife and the urging to “stop there” conveys a sense of finality and a desire to emphasize that the role of a wife has been completed. It serves as a poignant moment of self-assertion, prompting readers to pause and reflect on the implications of this declaration.

4. What does the poem suggest about communication and transformation?

The poem suggests that communication and transformation are intricate processes. The speaker reflects on the limitations of external communication, asserting an internal guiding force. The enigmatic progression from a letter to a post and then “The Dark” hints at the complexity and mystery inherent in transformation and communication.

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