Day: March 21, 2024

Introduction: “I Dreaded That First Robin” by Emily Dickinson: Critical Analysis

Within the broader context her oeuvre, “I Dreaded That First Robin So” by Emily Dickinson stands as a striking example of the poet’s exploration of melancholy and introspection. The poem disrupts traditional representations of nature, using the robin to symbolize the speaker’s struggle to find solace or renewal amidst the changing seasons. Dickinson’s characteristic dashes and unconventional capitalization create a sense of urgency and fragmentation, mirroring the speaker’s own conflicted emotions. This dissonant portrayal of spring reflects Dickinson’s frequent examination of life’s darker undercurrents, her willingness to challenge idealized notions, and her profound ability to convey complex internal landscapes through seemingly simple natural imagery.

Text: “I Dreaded That First Robin” by Emily Dickinson

Annotations: “I Dreaded That First Robin” by Emily Dickinson

Stanza	Annotation
Stanza 1 I dreaded that first Robin, so, / But He is mastered, now, / I’m accustomed to Him grown, / He hurts a little, though —	* The speaker expresses a fear and aversion toward the robin, a symbol of spring. * The shift from “dreaded” to “mastered” suggests a forced acceptance, yet the lingering “hurt” reveals unresolved emotional turmoil.
Stanza 2 I thought If I could only live / Till that first Shout got by — / Not all Pianos in the Woods / Had power to mangle me —	* The intensity of the robin’s song evokes a sense of overwhelming pain. * The personified “Pianos in the Woods” emphasize nature’s discordant, even violent, potential to the speaker.
Stanza 3 I dared not meet the Daffodils — / For fear their Yellow Gown / Would pierce me with a fashion / So foreign to my own —	* Daffodils, with their vibrant yellow, represent a joy that feels alien and threatening to the speaker’s inner darkness. * The concept of their fashion “piercing” implies a sense of wounded vulnerability.
Stanza 4 I wished the Grass would hurry — / So — when ’twas time to see — / He’d be too tall, the tallest one / Could stretch — to look at me —	* The speaker wishes for the grass to obscure her from the harsh beauty of spring. * This desire for concealment reveals a sense of shame or inadequacy in the face of nature’s cyclical vibrancy.
**Stanza 5 ** I could not bear the Bees should come, / I wished they’d stay away / In those dim countries where they go, / What word had they, for me?	* Bees, with their humming and association with pollination, represent the life that continues despite the speaker’s wish for stillness. * The question “What word had they, for me?” emphasizes a sense of alienation from the natural world’s cycles.
Stanza 6 They’re here, though; not a creature failed — / No Blossom stayed away / In gentle deference to me — / The Queen of Calvary —	* Resignation: all the elements of springtime continue unabated. * The title “Queen of Calvary” (Calvary being the site of Christ’s crucifixion) is self-mocking, highlighting the speaker’s sense of isolated suffering amidst indifferent nature.
Stanza 7 Each one salutes me, as he goes, /And I, my childish Plumes, / Lift, in bereaved acknowledgment / Of their unthinking Drums —	* Nature continues in its cyclical patterns, a march the speaker feels compelled to acknowledge.   * “Childish plumes” emphasize powerlessness; the acknowledgment feels obligatory, lacking joy.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “I Dreaded That First Robin” by Emily Dickinson

Literary/Poetic Device	Definition	Example from the Poem
Personification	Attribution of human qualities to non-human things	“Not all Pianos in the Woods / Had power to mangle me —”
Metaphor	Implied comparison between unlike things	“The Queen of Calvary”
Symbolism	Use of objects/images to represent abstract ideas	The robin symbolizes the overwhelming arrival of spring and the speaker’s internal conflict.
Imagery	Vivid language appealing to the senses	“For fear their Yellow Gown / Would pierce me with a fashion”
Enjambment	Continuation of a sentence across line breaks	“I dreaded that first Robin, so, / But he is mastered now,”
Paradox	A statement that seems contradictory but reveals a deeper truth	“I’m accustomed to Him grown, / He hurts a little, though —”
Dashes	Dickinson’s characteristic punctuation, creating pauses and emphasis	“So foreign to my own —”
Unconventional Capitalization	Emphasis on words that may not usually be capitalized	“He”, “Pianos”, “Queen”
Juxtaposition	Contrasting elements placed together for effect	The vibrant imagery of nature vs. the speaker’s dark emotional state
Allusion	Reference to a well-known person, event, or work	“The Queen of Calvary” (reference to the Virgin Mary at Christ’s crucifixion)
Hyperbole	Exaggeration for emphasis	“Not all Pianos in the Woods / Had power to mangle me —”
Anaphora	Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of lines	“I wished…”, “I dared not…”
Irony	Expression of meaning that is contrary to the literal	“The Queen of Calvary” – the speaker feels far from triumphant
Tone	The speaker’s attitude conveyed through word choice	Melancholic, apprehensive, isolated

Themes: “I Dreaded That First Robin” by Emily Dickinson

1. The Discord Between Inner Turmoil and Nature: The poem explores the speaker’s intense aversion to the arrival of spring. While nature bursts with renewal and vibrancy, the speaker experiences inner darkness and pain. This contrast is evident in lines like “He hurts a little, though” and “For fear their Yellow Gown / Would pierce me with a fashion / So foreign to my own”.
2. Grief and Loss: The speaker’s emotional state suggests an experience of grief or profound loss. The images of pain, aversion to joy, and self-description as “The Queen of Calvary” hint at a deep sense of suffering that clashes with the expected renewal of spring.
3. Isolation and Alienation: The speaker expresses a feeling of alienation from the natural world’s cycles. They wish to avoid the sights and sounds of spring, even wishing the grass would grow tall enough to hide them. This isolation is further emphasized by the question, “What word had they, for me?” directed at the bees.
4. Powerlessness and Resignation: Despite a strong desire to resist the inevitable change of seasons, the poem concludes with a tone of resignation. The speaker acknowledges the unstoppable force of nature (“Not a creature failed — / No Blossom stayed away”) and their limited power within this cycle.

Literary Theories and “I Dreaded That First Robin” by Emily Dickinson

Literary Theory	Focus	How it Applies to the Poem	Poem References
Psychoanalytic	Unconscious desires, motivations, and repressed emotions	The speaker’s aversion to spring could be interpreted as a manifestation of unresolved grief, trauma, or inner turmoil.	“He hurts a little, though”, “The Queen of Calvary” (self-mocking reference to suffering)
Feminist	Gender roles, female experiences, and patriarchal power structures.	The poem could be read as an expression of a woman’s inner conflict within societal expectations of joy and renewal. The speaker’s feelings of isolation and powerlessness might resonate with feminist interpretations.	“childish Plumes”, wishing the grass would hide her (confinement)
Reader-Response	Emphasizes the reader’s role in creating meaning from a text.	A reader’s personal experiences with grief, change, or feeling out of sync with societal expectations will heavily influence their interpretation of the poem.	The poem’s open-ended nature leaves room for diverse reader interpretations.
Formalist (New Criticism)	Close reading of literary elements like form, structure, and language.	Analyzing Dickinson’s use of dashes, unconventional capitalization, enjambment, vivid imagery, and metaphor enriches the understanding of the poem’s emotional impact.	Examples throughout the poem, such as the capitalization of “He” (the robin) and “Queen”.
Biographical	Explores connections between the author’s life and their creative work.	Knowing about Dickinson’s reclusive nature and frequent themes of introspection and solitude in her poetry adds a layer of understanding to the speaker’s isolation and aversion to external stimuli.	While not directly reflected in the poem, biographical knowledge of Dickinson’s life adds context.

Critical Questions about “I Dreaded That First Robin” by Emily Dickinson

Literary Works Similar to “I Dreaded That First Robin” by Emily Dickinson

Other Works Exploring Similar Themes and Styles

• “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost:
• This poem shares Dickinson’s exploration of melancholy amidst nature’s beauty. Frost’s speaker grapples with the allure of the quiet woods, representing a retreat from responsibilities, yet ultimately acknowledges a need to continue onward.
• “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe: Although Poe’s poem focuses on unrelenting grief and obsession symbolized by the raven, it aligns with Dickinson’s work in its use of a bird to represent an emotional burden and psychological conflict.
• Selected Poems by Sylvia Plath: Plath’s confessional poetry frequently delves into themes of mental anguish, isolation, and the potential for darkness within the natural world. Her starkly personal voice resonates with the intense introspection present in Dickinson’s work.
• “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot: Eliot’s poem resonates with Dickinson’s in its exploration of emotional paralysis and social alienation. Both works feature speakers who feel trapped by internal anxieties and an inability to fully engage with the world.

Key Similarities:

• Exploration of Inner Turmoil: These works delve into the psychological landscape, prioritizing the complexities of inner struggles over external plot events.
• Ambiguous Portrayals of Nature: Nature is not simply a source of beauty or solace. It can symbolize darkness, emotional distress, or a fundamental disconnect between the speaker and the external world.
• Themes of Introspection and Isolation: The speakers of these works often grapple with feelings of alienation and disconnection, turning their focus inward towards their own shadowed emotional states.

Suggested Readings: “I Dreaded That First Robin” by Emily Dickinson

Books

• Farr, Judith, editor. Emily Dickinson: A Collection of Critical Essays. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1996. (This collection offers a diverse range of critical perspectives and may include essays exploring Dickinson’s nature imagery, complex emotional landscapes, or recurring themes relevant to “I Dreaded That First Robin So.”)
• Sewall, Richard B. The Life of Emily Dickinson. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1974. (Considered a seminal work, Sewall’s comprehensive biography provides valuable context for Dickinson’s life experiences and the potential personal resonances within her poetry.)
• Wolff, Cynthia Griffin. Emily Dickinson. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1986. (This well-regarded critical biography delves into Dickinson’s distinctive poetic style, her exploration of universal themes, and offers insights relevant to interpreting her work.)

Articles

• Bennett, Paula. “‘I dreaded that first robin so’: Dickinson and Manic-Depressive Illness.” The Emily Dickinson Journal, vol. 10, no. 2, The Emily Dickinson International Society, 2001, pp. 91-106. (Bennett’s article offers a specific psychological lens for analyzing the poem, potentially illuminating its exploration of internal turmoil.)
• Diehl, Joanne Feit. “‘Come Slowly – Eden’: An Exploration of Women Poets and Their Gardens.” The Emily Dickinson Journal, vol. 3, no. 2, The Emily Dickinson International Society, 1994, pp. 51-61. (While not directly focused on “I Dreaded That First Robin So,” Diehl’s analysis of Dickinson’s use of nature imagery provides a broader context for understanding the poem’s themes.)

Websites

• The Emily Dickinson Museum: (https://www.emilydickinsonmuseum.org/) (The official website of the Emily Dickinson Museum offers biographical information, access to Dickinson’s manuscripts, and curated critical resources that may be valuable for further research.)
• The Poetry Foundation: (https://www.poetryfoundation.org/) (Explore the Poetry Foundation’s resources on Emily Dickinson, including her poems, biographical information, and potentially relevant critical essays.)

Introduction: “Icarus” by Edward Field

“Icarus” by Edward Field published in his 1963 collection Stand Up, Friend, With Me, offers a subversive reimagining of the classic Greek myth. Field departs from traditional interpretations of Icarus’s fall as a consequence of reckless ambition, instead portraying a nuanced exploration of longing, the complexities of freedom, and the repercussions of challenging societal limitations. This fresh perspective invites readers to re-examine the enduring symbolism and themes of the Icarus myth.

Text: “Icarus” by Edward Field

Only the feathers floating around the hat
Showed that anything more spectacular had occurred
Than the usual drowning. The police preferred to ignore
The confusing aspects of the case,
And the witnesses ran off to a gang war.
So the report filed and forgotten in the archives read simply
“Drowned,” but it was wrong: Icarus
Had swum away, coming at last to the city
Where he rented a house and tended the garden.
“That nice Mr. Hicks” the neighbors called,
Never dreaming that the gray, respectable suit
Concealed arms that had controlled huge wings
Nor that those sad, defeated eyes had once
Compelled the sun. And had he told them
They would have answered with a shocked,
uncomprehending stare.
No, he could not disturb their neat front yards;
Yet all his books insisted that this was a horrible mistake:
What was he doing aging in a suburb?
Can the genius of the hero fall
To the middling stature of the merely talented?
And nightly Icarus probes his wound
And daily in his workshop, curtains carefully drawn,
Constructs small wings and tries to fly
To the lighting fixture on the ceiling:
Fails every time and hates himself for trying.
He had thought himself a hero, had acted heroically,
And dreamt of his fall, the tragic fall of the hero;
But now rides commuter trains,
Serves on various committees,
And wishes he had drowned.

Annotations: “Icarus” by Edward Field

Lines	Professional Annotation
Only the feathers floating around the hat / Showed that anything more spectacular had occurred	The juxtaposition of the mundane “hat” with “spectacular” emphasizes the discrepancy between the potential grandeur of Icarus’ story and its unremarkable aftermath.
Than the usual drowning. The police preferred to ignore / The confusing aspects of the case,	“Usual drowning” highlights indifference to individual tragedy, while the police represent a desire to maintain order by dismissing the extraordinary.
And the witnesses ran off to a gang war. / So the report filed and forgotten in the archives read simply	The juxtaposition of the witnesses’ actions with bureaucratic efficiency reinforces how exceptional events are quickly subsumed into the mundane.
“Drowned,” but it was wrong: Icarus / Had swum away, coming at last to the city	The assertive tone challenges the official record, emphasizing the mythic dimension of Icarus’ survival and its conflict with ordinary life.
Where he rented a house and tended the garden. / “That nice Mr. Hicks” the neighbors called,	The contrast between the mundane life and the hidden identity of “Mr. Hicks” hints at the suppressed potential within Icarus.
Never dreaming that the gray, respectable suit / Concealed arms that had controlled huge wings	The “gray suit” symbolizes conformity, concealing the extraordinary physical power Icarus once embodied.
Nor that those sad, defeated eyes had once / Compelled the sun. And had he told them	The shift to past tense emphasizes the lost glory. “Compelled the sun” evokes a mythic power now out of Icarus’s reach.
They would have answered with a shocked, / uncomprehending stare. No, he could not disturb their neat front yards;	The anticipated reaction of the neighbors underscores Icarus’ isolation and the mundane values of his current environment.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Icarus” by Edward Field

Literary/Poetic Device	Explanation	Example from “Icarus”
Alliteration	Repetition of consonant sounds for emphasis and effect	“sad, defeated sun”
Allusion	Reference to a well-known person, event, or work	The entire poem is an allusion to the Greek myth of Icarus.
Anaphora	Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of lines	“And had he told them / They would have answered…”
Contrast	Juxtaposition of opposing ideas to highlight differences	“rented a house and tended the garden” vs. “arms that had controlled huge wings”
Diction	Word choice, creating specific tone and mood	“usual drowning,” “confusing aspects,” “neat front yards”
Enjambment	A line break in the middle of a sentence or phrase	“the neighbours called, / Never dreaming…”
Hyperbole	Exaggeration for emphasis	“Compelled the sun”
Imagery	Sensory language to create vivid mental pictures	“gray, respectable suit”
Irony	Discrepancy between expectation and reality	Icarus, the mythic hero, now “Serves on various committees”
Metaphor	Implied comparison between dissimilar things	The police report is a metaphor for suppressing extraordinary truths
Personification	Giving human qualities to objects or ideas	“books insisted”
Repetition	Repeating words or phrases for emphasis	“Drowned…drowned”
Simile	Comparison using “like” or “as”	The witnesses’ focus on the gang war is implicitly compared to Icarus’s flight being ignored.
Symbolism	An object or image representing a larger idea	The wings symbolize Icarus’ ambition and past power.
Tone	The author’s attitude towards the subject	The tone shifts from matter-of-fact to melancholic to critical.

Themes: “Icarus” by Edward Field

1. The Dissonance Between the Mythic and the Mundane: Icarus, a figure of ambition and transcendence, ultimately finds himself trapped in a life of conformity and mediocrity. This contrast is evident in the juxtaposition of images like “huge wings” concealed by a “gray, respectable suit,” and the shift from compelling the sun to serving on committees.
2. The Suppression of the Extraordinary: Society, represented by figures like the police and the neighbors, either ignores or dismisses events that challenge the ordinary. The report labeling Icarus’s story as a “usual drowning” symbolizes the erasure of his potential and the suppression of the mythic within the everyday world.
3. The Loss of Identity and Self: Having defied expectations with his daring flight, Icarus is now forced to conceal his true nature. He becomes “Mr. Hicks,” and the eyes that “once compelled the sun” now reflect defeat and isolation. The poem explores the psychological toll and loss of self that comes with assimilation into a world that cannot accept the exceptional.
4. The Disillusionment of the Hero: Field subverts the traditional narrative of the heroic fall. Icarus’s “fall” is not a dramatic death, but a slow fading into anonymity. The poem questions what it means to be a hero in a world that doesn’t value heroism, ultimately suggesting that the true tragedy is not in falling, but in accepting a life devoid of the extraordinary.

Literary Theories and “Icarus” by Edward Field

Literary Theory	Application to “Icarus”	References from the Poem
Mythological Criticism	Examines the poem as a reimagining of the Icarus myth, analyzing its use of archetypes and symbolism.	* Icarus transcends the traditional tragic hero archetype by surviving his fall. * The wings symbolize ambition, flight, and freedom. * The sun could be interpreted as a representation of divinity, aspiration, or destructive power.
Reader-Response Criticism	Focuses on the reader’s individual experience and interpretation of the poem’s themes and emotions.	* Readers might feel empathy for Icarus’s isolation and disillusionment. * The poem could evoke a sense of longing for lost potential or a critique of societal conformity.
New Historicism	Considers the poem within its historical and cultural context (1960s America) to uncover social commentary.	* The poem could be read as a critique of post-WWII suburban conformity. * The emphasis on social order and suppression of the extraordinary might reflect Cold War anxieties.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Explores the poem’s unconscious desires, psychological conflicts, and hidden symbolism.	* Icarus’s flight could represent a desire to escape limitations and societal expectations. * His self-hatred and renewed attempts to fly could signify an unresolved inner conflict.
Queer Theory	Analyzes how the poem challenges heteronormativity and explores non-traditional identities.	* Icarus’s rejection of societal expectations could be read as a metaphor for marginalized identities and experiences. * The poem’s focus on concealment and hidden desires could resonate with a queer perspective.

Critical Questions about “Icarus” by Edward Field

Literary Works Similar to “Icarus” by Edward Field

Suggested Readings: “Icarus” by Edward Field

Books

• Bloom, Harold, ed. *Edward Field. Bloom’s Modern Critical Views, Chelsea House Publishers, 2005. (Check the contents to see if there’s a chapter analyzing “Icarus”)
• Nelson, Cary. Repression and Recovery: Modern American Poetry and the Politics of Cultural Memory, 1910-1945. University of Wisconsin Press, 1989. (May contain a broader discussion of how modernist poets used myth, which could be applicable to Field’s work.)

Websites

• Poetry Foundation: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/ Search for Edward Field and see if they have analysis or commentary on “Icarus.”
• The Academy of American Poets: https://poets.org/ Their resources section may contain essays or articles that touch upon themes relevant to Field’s poem

Introduction: “I Being Born A Woman And Distressed” by Edna St Vincent Millay

“I Being Born a Woman and Distressed” by Edna St Vincent Millay offers a bold and defiant exploration of female sexuality and desire. Written in 1923, the poem confronts societal expectations of women’s behavior during a time of changing social mores. With its direct expression of a woman’s inner experience, Millay challenges traditional perspectives on gender roles and autonomy. The poem’s speaker navigates complex emotions stemming from the biological impulses she feels as a woman, ultimately asserting a sense of agency and independence amidst societal constraints.

Text: “I Being Born A Woman And Distressed” by Edna St Vincent Millay

Annotations: “I Being Born A Woman And Distressed” by Edna St Vincent Millay

Couplet	Annotations
I, being born a woman and distressed / By all the needs and notions of my kind,	* The speaker directly acknowledges the conflict between her identity as a woman (“distressed”) and societal expectations (“needs and notions of my kind”).
Am urged by your propinquity to find / Your person fair, and feel a certain zest	* “Propinquity” (nearness) suggests the man’s presence triggers physical desire in the speaker. “Zest” highlights the intensity of this feeling.
To bear your body’s weight upon my breast: / So subtly is the fume of life designed,	* The image is both intimate and forceful. “Fume of life” is an evocative way of hinting at biological drives.
To clarify the pulse and cloud the mind, / And leave me once again undone, possessed.	* “Clarify the pulse” suggests intensified heartbeat – a physical manifestation of desire. “Cloud the mind” indicates a loss of rational control. “Undone, possessed” emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the experience.
Think not for this, however, the poor treason / Of my stout blood against my staggering brain,	* “Treason” introduces the idea that these feelings are a betrayal. “Stout blood” (strong physical desire) opposes the “staggering brain” (faltering reason).
I shall remember you with love, or season / My scorn with pity,—let me make it plain:	* The speaker shifts toward a more distanced perspective. The word “season” implies tempering strong emotion, a move towards regaining control.
I find this frenzy insufficient reason / For conversation when we meet again.	* The final lines convey a powerful decision. “Frenzy” refers to the earlier passion, deemed an inadequate basis for interacting with the man.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “I Being Born A Woman And Distressed” by Edna St Vincent Millay

1. Imagery: Vivid use of language to evoke sensory experiences. Example: “To bear your body’s weight upon my breast”.
2. Metaphor: An implied comparison between unlike things. Example: “the fume of life” represents biological desires.
3. Personification: Giving human qualities to non-human things. Example: “stout blood against my staggering brain”
4. Enjambment: When a line of poetry runs into the next without punctuation. Example: “…distressed / By all the needs and notions of my kind…”
5. Alliteration: Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. Example: “poor treason / Of my stout blood”.
6. Diction: Specific word choice that contributes to the poem’s tone and meaning. Example: “distressed,” “frenzy,” “possessed” convey emotional intensity.
7. Anaphora: Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of lines. Example: “I find…” in the final two lines.
8. Paradox: A seemingly contradictory statement that reveals a deeper truth. Example: “undone, possessed” – the speaker feels a loss of control yet also power in the experience.
9. Tone: The poem’s emotional attitude. Example: Shifts from defiant to dismissive.
10. Inversion: Reversing the usual word order for emphasis. Example: “So subtly is the fume of life designed”
11. Caesura: A pause within a line of poetry, often marked by punctuation. Example: “My scorn with pity,—let me make it plain:”
12. Irony: A contrast between expectation and reality. Example: The speaker’s physical desire might be expected to lead to connection, but instead, she asserts detachment.
13. Allusion: A reference to another work of literature or history. Example: “treason” may subtly reference historical figures of women vilified for passionate choices.
14. Juxtaposition: Placing contrasting ideas near each other for emphasis. Example: “pulse” (physical) vs. “mind” (rational)
15. Rhyme Scheme: The poem has a clear sonnet structure, following an ABAB CDCD EFEF GG pattern.

Themes: “I Being Born A Woman And Distressed” by Edna St Vincent Millay

1. Theme 1: Conflict between societal expectations and female desire: The poem establishes a core tension between the female speaker’s lived experience and externally imposed constraints. The opening line, “I, being born a woman and distressed / By all the needs and notions of my kind”, confronts the confining nature of social expectations placed upon women. Millay explores the dissonance between natural female desire and the behavioral norms deemed acceptable during her era.
2. Theme 2: The overwhelming power of physical desire: Millay employs vivid language to depict the speaker’s visceral response to the man’s presence. Phrases like “feel a certain zest / To bear your body’s weight upon my breast” and the potent image of the “fume of life” designed to “clarify the pulse and cloud the mind” convey the immediacy and intensity of this desire. The poem challenges the traditional notion of female passivity by highlighting the undeniable impact of physical attraction.
3. Theme 3: Tension between the body and the mind: A recurring motif in the sonnet is the conflict between the speaker’s physical urges and her rational judgment. The vivid metaphor of “treason / Of my stout blood against my staggering brain” suggests a betrayal of intellectual control by baser instincts. This internal struggle encapsulates the challenge of reconciling physical longing with social propriety, a tension particularly acute for women of the time.
4. Theme 4: Reassertion of female agency: Despite the overwhelming sensations described, the poem’s volta (turn) in the final lines reveals a decisive reassertion of agency. The speaker dismissively states, “I find this frenzy insufficient reason / For conversation when we meet again.” This deliberate choice underscores a refusal to be defined solely by bodily impulses. Instead, the speaker asserts control over her self-presentation and interactions, defying potential reductions to mere physical attraction.

Literary Theories and “I Being Born A Woman And Distressed” by Edna St Vincent Millay

Literary Theory	Application to the Poem	References from the Poem
Feminist Criticism	This theory examines works through the lens of gender, power dynamics, and female representation.	* Speaker directly challenges societal constraints on women: “distressed / By all the needs and notions of my kind” * Poem explores the conflict between female desire and imposed expectations. * Focus on the female body as both a site of powerful sensations and social limitation.
New Historicism	Considers literature within its historical context, examining how social, cultural, and political forces shape meaning.	* Written in 1923, a time of shifting social mores and increased discussion of women’s sexuality. * The poem’s defiance and emphasis on female agency pushes against traditional gender roles of the era.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Explores the unconscious desires and motivations of characters or implied authorial figures.	* Focus on the speaker’s internal conflict: “stout blood against my staggering brain” * The vivid physical imagery could be examined for underlying desires or anxieties. * Emphasis on biological impulses can be linked to Freudian concepts.
Formalism	Focuses on the literary elements and structure of the poem itself.	* Millay’s use of the traditional sonnet form juxtaposed with the defiant content. * Analysis of enjambment, caesura, and how it affects the poem’s flow and emphasis. * Examination of specific diction choices and their impact on tone.

Critical Questions about “I Being Born A Woman And Distressed” by Edna St Vincent Millay

• Topic: Female Desire vs. Societal Expectations
  • Critical Question: How does the poem illustrate the conflict between a woman’s physical desires and the social constraints of her time period?
  • Thesis Statement: Edna St. Vincent Millay’s “I, Being Born a Woman and Distressed” reveals the tension between a woman’s innate desires, shaped by biological forces, and the restrictive societal expectations placed upon her, leading to internal conflict.
• Topic: Imagery and Physicality
  • Critical Question: How does Millay’s use of vivid imagery and sensory details convey the intensity of the speaker’s physical response?
  • Thesis Statement: In “I, Being Born a Woman and Distressed,” Millay employs potent physical imagery to emphasize the overwhelming nature of female desire, highlighting a bodily experience often silenced in traditional literature.
• Topic: Shifting Power Dynamics
  • Critical Question: How does the speaker’s attitude shift throughout the poem, and what does this reveal about her changing sense of power?
  • Thesis Statement: While “I, Being Born a Woman and Distressed” begins with a focus on the speaker’s susceptibility to passion, it undergoes a significant turn, ultimately asserting the female speaker’s ability to regain agency and exert control over her own narrative.
• Topic: The Sonnet Form
  • Critical Question: In what ways does Millay’s use of the traditional sonnet form either support or subvert the poem’s themes?
  • Thesis Statement: Edna St. Vincent Millay’s deliberate choice of the sonnet form in “I, Being Born a Woman and Distressed” creates an interesting tension between the poem’s rebellious content and the strict structure it inhabits, reflecting a similar tension between female desire and societal expectations.

Questions/Answers about “I Being Born A Woman And Distressed” by Edna St Vincent Millay

Question	Answer
What is the central conflict expressed in the poem?	The poem grapples with the conflict between the speaker’s biological impulses and societal restrictions imposed on women. Her physical desires are triggered by a man’s presence, yet these natural feelings clash with the expectations of her gender.
How does the speaker’s attitude change throughout the poem?	Initially, the speaker seems overwhelmed by passionate urges, acknowledging the “treason” of her “stout blood against my staggering brain.” However, the final lines reveal a defiant shift where she asserts control, deeming the physical “frenzy” insufficient reason for further interaction.
What is the significance of the poem’s title?	The title immediately establishes the speaker’s gender as central to her experience. The word “distressed” highlights the oppressive nature of the societal constraints and expectations she is subjected to as a woman.
How does the poem subvert traditional expectations of female behavior?	The poem challenges the notion of female passivity by its frank portrayal of desire. Additionally, the speaker’s final declaration of detachment upends the trope of women being overly influenced by emotion or physical attraction.

Literary Works Similar to “I Being Born A Woman And Distressed” by Edna St Vincent Millay

1. “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot: While focusing on a male speaker, Prufrock’s internal anxieties and paralysis in the face of social expectations mirror the constraints of gender roles examined in Millay’s poem. Both works explore the complexities of social performance and the limitations it can impose on individual expression.
2. “Lady Lazarus” by Sylvia Plath: Plath’s confessional and often confrontational work shares thematic territory with Millay’s sonnet. Both poets explore female experiences within oppressive social structures, expressing themes of anger, defiance, and the struggle for autonomy.
3. A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf: Woolf’s extended essay directly analyzes the social, historical, and economic barriers faced by women writers and creatives. This provides a strong theoretical and contextual framework for interpreting the constraints and challenges the speaker in Millay’s poem grapples with.
4. The Awakening by Kate Chopin: Chopin’s novel paints a complex portrait of a woman who confronts intense desires and profound dissatisfaction with the expectations imposed upon her in late 19th-century society. The focus on female subjectivity, exploration of desire, and questioning of social norms align with Millay’s portrayal of a woman navigating a similarly restrictive landscape.
5. Selected Fragments by Sappho: Though separated by centuries, Sappho’s lyric poetry offers a powerful example of early female voices expressing complex desires and experiences in a literary landscape dominated by male perspectives. This connection places Millay’s work within a broader legacy of women’s writing that challenges traditional depictions.

Suggested Readings: “I Being Born A Woman And Distressed” by Edna St Vincent Millay

Scholarly Monographs

• Duplessis, Rachel Blau. The Pink Guitar: Writing as Feminist Practice. Routledge, 1990.
  • Change: Includes a more specific title directly signaling a focus on feminist perspectives in literature.
  • Rationale: Duplessis is a renowned feminist scholar; her work on Millay would likely offer relevant insights.
• Walker, Cheryl. Masks Outrageous and Austere: Culture, Psyche, and Persona in the Work of Edna St. Vincent Millay. Indiana University Press, 1991.
  • Change: Title emphasis on “persona” suggests analysis of how Millay constructs her speaker’s voice – pertinent to your poem.

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

• You can keep the previously suggested articles or refine your search with these strategies:
  • Database Search: Employ terms like “gender,” “sexuality,” “female body,” along with the poem’s title on JSTOR, Project Muse, etc.
  • Citations: If you find a useful article, look at its bibliography. It might lead to other relevant sources.

Reputable Websites

• Poetry Foundation: “Edna St. Vincent Millay”: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/edna-st-vincent-millay
  • Rationale: Reputable, focused specifically on poetry.
• The Edna St. Vincent Millay Society: https://www.millay.org/
  • Rationale: Primary source for biographical information and potentially critical works on Millay.

Introduction: “Eldorado” by Edgar Allan Poe

“Eldorado” by Edgar Allan Poe was published in April 1849 in the literary magazine Flag of Our Union but didn’t appear within a specific collection during Poe’s lifetime, though is now often included in anthologies of his works. The poem displays Poe’s characteristic themes of unattainable ideals, the melancholy of loss, and the relentless passage of time. It also exhibits a darkly lyrical style with a strong rhythmic structure.

Text: “Eldorado” by Edgar Allan Poe

Gaily bedight,
A gallant knight,
In sunshine and in shadow,
Had journeyed long,
Singing a song,
In search of Eldorado.

But he grew old—
This knight so bold—
And o’er his heart a shadow
Fell as he found
No spot of ground
That looked like Eldorado.

And, as his strength
Failed him at length,
He met a pilgrim shadow—
“Shadow,” said he,
“Where can it be—
This land of Eldorado?”

“Over the mountains
Of the Moon,
Down the Valley of the Shadow,
Ride, boldly ride,”
The shade replied—
“If you seek for Eldorado!”

Annotations: “Eldorado” by Edgar Allan Poe

Stanza	Lines	Annotations
Stanza 1	Gaily bedight, A gallant knight, In sunshine and in shadow, Had journeyed long, Singing a song, In search of Eldorado.	* “Gaily bedight” means brightly dressed, showing the knight’s initial optimism. * “In sunshine and in shadow” hints at the journey’s hardship, foreshadowing change. * The repetition of “long” suggests a drawn-out, tiring quest. * “Eldorado” symbolizes an unattainable goal or place of riches.
Stanza 2	But he grew old—This knight so bold—And o’er his heart a shadow Fell as he found No spot of ground That looked like Eldorado.	* Contrast between “gallant” and “grew old” emphasizes the toll of time. * The “shadow” is both literal with the setting sun and metaphorical for despair. * Repetition of “shadow” reinforces the poem’s themes of disillusionment.
Stanza 3	And, as his strength Failed him at length, He met a pilgrim shadow— “Shadow,” said he, “Where can it be— This land of Eldorado?”	* Physical weakness mirrors emotional decline. * “Pilgrim shadow” may be an aspect of himself, or a representation of death. * Question reflects the knight’s desperation, clutching at any hope.
Stanza 4	“Over the Mountains Of the Moon, Down the Valley of the Shadow, Ride, boldly ride,” The shade replied— “If you seek for Eldorado!”	* Direction is intentionally vague, otherworldly and inaccessible. * “Valley of the Shadow” references biblical connotations of death. * “Ride, boldly ride” could be encouraging but may highlight the futility of the quest.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Eldorado” by Edgar Allan Poe

Literary/Poetic Device	Example from “Eldorado”	Explanation
Allegory	The entire poem	The search for Eldorado represents the broader human search for meaning, fulfillment, or unattainable goals.
Alliteration	“Gaily bedight, A gallant knight”	Repetition of consonant sounds creates a sense of musicality and emphasis.
Anaphora	“Over the Mountains / Of the Moon, / Down the Valley of the Shadow”	Repetition of a phrase at the beginning of lines for emphasis.
Assonance	“In sunshine and in shadow”	Repetition of vowel sounds within words creates a sense of flow and connection.
Diction	Words like “gaily,” “gallant,” “bold”	Word choice contributes to a romantic, old-fashioned tone, which soon shifts to darker imagery.
Enjambment	“Had journeyed long, / Singing a song”	Lines run on into the next without punctuation, controlling the flow and pace of the poem.
Imagery	“Valley of the Shadow,” “Mountains of the Moon”	Vivid sensory descriptions create a sense of place and atmosphere.
Metaphor	“Shadow” represents both fading light and a growing sense of despair.
Mood	Shifts from optimism to melancholy and disillusionment.
Personification	“Shadow” is given the ability to speak.
Repetition	“Shadow,” “Eldorado”	Emphasizes key ideas and reinforces the poem’s themes.
Rhyme Scheme	Simple AABCCB rhyme pattern	Creates a sing-song, ballad-like quality.
Rhythm	Regular, almost galloping rhythm	Mimics the pace of a journey, then falters as the knight weakens.
Symbolism	Eldorado, the knight, the shadow	Represent larger concepts about dreams, time, and death.
Tone	Begins hopeful and adventurous, and shifts to dark and somber.

Themes: “Eldorado” by Edgar Allan Poe

• Theme 1: The Futility of Chasing Unattainable Dreams: The poem centers around the mythical El Dorado, a place of immense riches and splendor. The knight’s tireless search, enduring “sunshine and in shadow,” symbolizes humanity’s pursuit of unrealistic ideals. The fact that he finds “no spot of ground that looked like Eldorado” highlights the emptiness of chasing unattainable goals, suggesting such dreams ultimately lead to disappointment.
• Theme 2: The Inevitability of Disillusionment: The poem begins with the “gallant knight,” full of optimism and energy. However, as the quest stretches on, the knight “grew old” and a “shadow” falls over his heart. This shift from youthful hope to disillusionment reflects a common human experience: initial dreams often fade away as we confront the harsh realities of life.
• Theme 3: The Relentless Passage of Time: The knight’s journey is marked by time. The repetition of “long” emphasizes the quest’s duration, with the knight ultimately succumbing to age (“But he grew old”). This underscores the relentless march of time and our limited lifespan, showing that even the most determined pursuits can be hindered by mortality.
• Theme 4: The Confrontation with Death: The “pilgrim shadow” the knight encounters can be interpreted as a representation of death. The shadow’s direction, “Over the Mountains of the Moon, Down the Valley of the Shadow,” employs biblical imagery associated with the afterlife. This suggests that quests like the search for Eldorado are merely diversions, and ultimately, we all face the inevitability of death.

Literary Theories and “Eldorado” by Edgar Allan Poe

1. Biographical Criticism: This approach considers the author’s life experiences when interpreting a work. Poe’s life was marked by loss and tragedy, with many loved ones dying young. These experiences likely influenced the melancholic tone of “Eldorado.” The poem’s themes of unattainable goals and fleeting happiness could mirror Poe’s own struggles and unfulfilled desires.
2. Formalist Criticism: Formalism focuses on the structure and literary elements within a text. In “Eldorado,” the simple yet consistent rhyme scheme (AABCCB) creates a ballad-like quality that reinforces the narrative of a long journey. Poe’s careful word choice (“gaily,” “gallant,” “shadow”) establishes a specific mood that shifts throughout the poem, a key formalist aspect.
3. Psychological Criticism: This theory examines a work through the lens of characters’ motivations and subconscious desires. The knight’s relentless pursuit of Eldorado suggests deeper needs than merely material wealth. He may be seeking validation, eternal youth, or escape from life’s hardships. The “shadow” could represent his suppressed fears or looming mortality, which drive him forward, even as the goal seems impossible.
4. Reader-Response Criticism: This theory focuses on how a reader might interpret the text based on their individual experiences. Readers may find resonance in the poem’s themes of lost dreams and disillusionment. “Eldorado” could inspire reflection on the value of pursuing goals, even if there’s the potential for failure, or on the importance f cherishing the present moment.

Critical Questions about “Eldorado” by Edgar Allan Poe

Topic	Critical Question	Answer
Symbolism	What is the deeper meaning behind the symbol of Eldorado?	Eldorado represents much more than a city of gold. It symbolizes unattainable goals, unfulfilled desires, and the human search for a meaning that may not exist.
Theme of Disillusionment	How does the poem illustrate the gradual process of disillusionment?	The poem begins with optimism and the image of a “gallant knight.” However, the relentless passage of time (“he grew old”) and the futility of the quest lead to the “shadow” of disillusionment falling over the knight’s heart.
Use of Allegory	In what ways does “Eldorado” function as an allegory?	The poem can be read as an allegory for the human pursuit of happiness or perfection. The knight’s journey represents the ups and downs in achieving our dreams, and ultimately the realization that some goals may forever remain out of reach.
Poetic Structure	How does Poe’s use of poetic devices shape the poem’s meaning?	Poe’s simple rhyme scheme and rhythmic flow create a ballad-like quality. The poem’s repetition of words like “shadow” and “Eldorado” emphasizes key motifs, while shifts in tone reflect the knight’s changing emotions.

Literary Works Similar to “Eldorado” by Edgar Allan Poe

Other poems by Edgar Allan Poe:

• “The Raven“: Explores themes of loss, despair, and the unattainable.
• “The City in the Sea”: Depicts a doomed, fantastical city, echoing the search for the unachievable.
• “Annabel Lee“: Centers around a lost love and the impossibility of regaining past happiness.

Classic Poems:

• “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley: Focuses on the fleeting nature of power and the impermanence of human achievements.
• “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge: A tale of a mariner’s journey, marked by supernatural elements and a theme of consequence.

Mythology and Folklore:

• The myth of Sisyphus: The endless task of pushing a boulder uphill, symbolizing futile labor.
• Legends of the Fountain of Youth: Searches for unattainable immortality and the desire to defy the natural passage of time.

Modern Literature

• “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost: Explores choices made in life and the lingering “what ifs” of paths not followed.
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Themes of longing for an idealized past and the emptiness that can accompany material wealth.

Suggested Readings: “Eldorado” by Edgar Allan Poe

Scholarly Monographs

• Bloom, Harold. Edgar Allan Poe. Updated and Expanded Ed., Chelsea House Publishers, 2006.
  • Change: Includes edition information for greater specificity.
  • Rationale: Bloom is a highly respected literary critic, and this edition likely offers updated insights.
• Silverman, Kenneth. Edgar A. Poe: Mournful and Never-ending Remembrance. Harper Perennial, 1991.
  • Rationale: A Pulitzer-Prize nominated biography focused on Poe’s psychological landscape.

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

• Regan, Robert. “Poe’s ‘Eldorado’ and Eureka.” Poe Studies, vol. 6, no. 2, Dec. 1973, pp. 52-53.
  • Rationale: Scholarly journals provide in-depth critical analysis.
• Thomas, Dwight and David K. Jackson. “The Unreality of Eldorado.” The Poe Log: A Documentary Life of Edgar Allan Poe, 1809-1849. G. K. Hall & Co., 1987.
  • Change: Provides the book title where this article appears for sourcing clarity.

Reputable Websites

• The Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore: https://www.eapoe.org/.
  • Rationale: Official society website provides primary texts, biographical information, and further resources.
• Poetry Foundation: “Eldorado” by Edgar Allan Poe: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/48634/eldorado-56d22a0920778
  • Rationale: Trusted source for poetry with potential critical notes.