“Fame is a Bee” by Emily Dickinson: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Fame is a Bee” by Emily Dickinson

“Fame is a Bee” by Emily Dickinson first appeared in 1929 as part of the posthumous collection Further Poems of Emily Dickinson, edited by her niece, Martha Dickinson Bianchi. This short, evocative poem exemplifies Dickinson’s ability to convey profound truths in just a few lines. The poem’s main qualities include its concise yet powerful use of metaphor, comparing fame to a bee—something that has sweetness but also the potential to sting and, ultimately, fly away. Through this comparison, Dickinson explores the fleeting and double-edged nature of fame, emphasizing its allure but also its painful and transitory characteristics. The main idea of the poem is to reflect on how fame, though initially attractive, can bring discomfort or harm, and is often ephemeral.

Text: “Fame is a Bee” by Emily Dickinson

Annotations: “Fame is a Bee” by Emily Dickinson

Line	Annotation
Fame is a bee.	In this opening line, Dickinson introduces the metaphor comparing fame to a bee. Bees are often associated with sweetness and productivity, but also with danger. This sets up the dual nature of fame.
It has a song—	Here, Dickinson highlights the alluring, pleasant aspect of fame. The “song” represents the praise, recognition, and appeal that fame brings, much like the gentle buzz of a bee.
It has a sting—	In this line, Dickinson introduces the negative side of fame. The “sting” represents the pain or harm that can accompany fame, whether through criticism, invasion of privacy, or pressure.
Ah, too, it has a wing.	The final line underscores the ephemeral nature of fame. Just as a bee can fly away at any moment, fame is fleeting and can easily disappear, leaving nothing behind.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Fame is a Bee” by Emily Dickinson

Device	Definition	Example from Poem	Explanation
Consonance	The repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words.	“sting” / “wing”	The repetition of the “ng” sound in “sting” and “wing” emphasizes the connection between the sharpness of fame’s sting and its fleeting nature as it flies away.
Extended Metaphor	A metaphor that continues over several lines or throughout a work.	The entire poem	The comparison of fame to a bee extends through the entire poem, drawing out the metaphor to explore fame’s complexity—its sweetness, pain, and transience.
Metaphor	A figure of speech that compares two things without using “like” or “as.”	“Fame is a bee.”	Fame is directly compared to a bee, suggesting that it shares the characteristics of a bee—both pleasant and painful, and transient.
Personification	Attributing human qualities to inanimate objects or abstract concepts.	“It has a song— / It has a sting—”	Fame is personified with human attributes like “a song” (a pleasing sound) and “a sting” (a painful experience), making fame seem more relatable and tangible.
Rhyme	The repetition of similar sounds at the end of lines in poetry.	“sting” / “wing”	The rhyming of “sting” and “wing” links the concepts of pain and flight, reinforcing the idea that the unpleasant aspects of fame can be transient and fleeting.
Symbolism	Using objects or actions to represent broader concepts or ideas.	The bee	The bee symbolizes fame, representing both its positive aspects (the “song”) and negative aspects (the “sting”), as well as its impermanence (the “wing”).
Tone	The attitude or approach the poet takes toward the subject.	Reflective, contemplative	The tone of the poem is reflective, as Dickinson considers both the alluring and dangerous aspects of fame, ultimately concluding that it is ephemeral.

Themes: “Fame is a Bee” by Emily Dickinson

1. The Dual Nature of Fame: One of the central themes of the poem is the dual nature of fame, which brings both pleasure and pain. Dickinson captures this idea through the metaphor of the bee, which “has a song” and “has a sting.” The “song” represents the positive aspects of fame, such as recognition and admiration, while the “sting” alludes to the negative consequences, like criticism and pressure. This theme underscores the idea that fame is not purely beneficial; it comes with its own set of challenges and hardships.
2. The Fleeting Nature of Fame: Dickinson also explores the transience of fame, highlighting how easily it can be lost. The final line of the poem, “Ah, too, it has a wing,” emphasizes how fame, like a bee, can fly away at any moment. This suggests that fame is impermanent and unstable, capable of vanishing without warning. The fleeting nature of fame warns readers that even the most celebrated moments in life may not last, and the adulation one receives is often short-lived.
3. The Allure of Fame: The poem also touches on the seductive nature of fame, which can be appealing and captivating, much like the “song” of a bee. Fame’s “song” refers to the praise, recognition, and admiration that come with being well-known. This metaphor suggests that fame, like a bee’s buzz, draws people in with its sweetness and allure. However, the inclusion of the word “sting” in the next line reminds us that this allure is deceptive, as the pursuit of fame may ultimately lead to pain.
4. The Consequences of Fame: Another theme is the inherent danger or harm that fame can bring. The “sting” in the poem symbolizes the painful consequences that often accompany fame, such as public scrutiny, loss of privacy, and criticism. Dickinson’s use of the bee’s sting reflects how fame can cause emotional or psychological pain, leaving a lasting impact. The briefness of the poem mirrors the quick yet sharp pain of a sting, suggesting that the suffering caused by fame can be sudden and overwhelming.

Literary Theories and “Fame is a Bee” by Emily Dickinson

Literary Theory	Application to “Fame is a Bee”	References from the Poem
New Criticism	New Criticism focuses on analyzing the formal elements of a text, such as structure, language, and symbolism. In “Fame is a Bee,” this theory would highlight Dickinson’s use of metaphor and brevity.	The extended metaphor comparing “Fame” to a “bee” is central to the poem, along with the careful use of rhyme (“sting” and “wing”) and concise structure.
Psychoanalytic Theory	From a psychoanalytic perspective, “Fame is a Bee” could be seen as reflecting inner anxieties about the dangers and psychological impact of fame. The bee’s “sting” might symbolize personal fear or trauma.	The line “It has a sting—” can be interpreted as a reflection of the psychological pain that fame might inflict, aligning with Freud’s theory of repressed anxieties.
Marxist Criticism	Marxist criticism examines social structures and power dynamics. This theory would interpret “Fame is a Bee” as a critique of how fame can be both an attractive and oppressive force within societal hierarchies.	The line “Ah, too, it has a wing” could be read as a comment on the transitory nature of power and fame, particularly within capitalist structures.

Critical Questions about “Fame is a Bee” by Emily Dickinson

• What does the metaphor of the bee reveal about Dickinson’s perspective on fame?
• The bee metaphor in the poem highlights the complex and contradictory nature of fame. By comparing fame to a bee, Dickinson conveys both its positive and negative aspects. The line “It has a song—” suggests that fame can be sweet and desirable, much like the sound of a bee’s gentle buzz. However, the following line, “It has a sting—,” indicates that fame can also be harmful, carrying consequences such as criticism or loss of privacy. The final line, “Ah, too, it has a wing,” emphasizes fame’s fleeting nature, indicating that it is temporary and can disappear as quickly as it arrives. This metaphor suggests that Dickinson views fame as something that should be approached cautiously due to its transient and potentially damaging qualities.
• How does Dickinson’s brevity in the poem affect its meaning?
• The poem’s brevity reflects Dickinson’s mastery in conveying profound ideas using minimal language. With just four short lines, Dickinson encapsulates the complexity of fame, offering a layered and multifaceted understanding of its nature. The compact structure mirrors the suddenness with which fame can be attained or lost, much like a bee’s quick movements. The poem’s lack of elaboration forces readers to think deeply about each element of the metaphor, leaving much open to interpretation. By saying so little, Dickinson allows the reader to infer the full weight of her observations about fame, particularly its dangers and transience.
• What role does sound play in the poem’s overall meaning?
• Sound is central to the poem’s theme, particularly in the line “It has a song—.” Here, the bee’s “song” is not just a literal sound but a metaphor for the allure and attractiveness of fame. The musical quality of the word “song” contrasts with the harsher connotation of “sting,” creating a tension between the positive and negative aspects of fame. Furthermore, Dickinson’s use of alliteration in “song” and “sting” and the rhyme between “sting” and “wing” adds a rhythmic quality that enhances the poem’s focus on sound. This auditory imagery reinforces the idea that fame is seductive and captivating but ultimately ephemeral, much like a bee’s buzz that can be heard briefly before fading away.
• How does the poem reflect broader societal attitudes toward fame?
• Although brief, the poem can be seen as a commentary on societal views of fame, particularly its dual nature as both desirable and dangerous. In many cultures, fame is often glamorized, associated with success and admiration, which is reflected in the poem’s “song” metaphor. However, Dickinson’s mention of the “sting” reveals a more critical view, suggesting that fame often comes with hidden consequences such as public scrutiny or emotional strain. The final line, “Ah, too, it has a wing,” suggests that fame is not a stable or lasting condition, and society’s fascination with it may be misplaced. In this way, Dickinson’s poem encourages a more nuanced understanding of fame, cautioning against idealizing it too much.

Literary Works Similar to “Fame is a Bee” by Emily Dickinson

1. “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley
   Similarity: Both poems explore the fleeting nature of fame and power, emphasizing how even the greatest achievements can fade with time.
2. “To an Athlete Dying Young” by A.E. Housman
   Similarity: Like Dickinson’s poem, this poem examines the transitory nature of fame, particularly how it can be lost or forgotten over time.
3. “The Hollow Men” by T.S. Eliot
   Similarity: Both poems reflect on the idea of futility and the emptiness that can accompany public recognition or fame.
4. “Sonnet 55” by William Shakespeare
   Similarity: While more optimistic, this sonnet similarly contemplates the endurance of fame and legacy, though in contrast, it asserts that poetry can immortalize fame.
5. “The Unknown Citizen” by W.H. Auden
   Similarity: This poem, like “Fame is a Bee,” critiques the superficiality and transience of societal recognition and public fame.

Representative Quotations of “Fame is a Bee” by Emily Dickinson

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Fame is a bee.”	This is the opening line where Dickinson introduces the metaphor that encapsulates the entire poem.	New Criticism: This metaphor serves as the foundation of the poem’s formal structure, encapsulating the theme in a single, compact image.
“It has a song—”	This line highlights the alluring and attractive qualities of fame.	Psychoanalytic Theory: The “song” can be seen as symbolic of the ego’s desire for validation and external approval.
“It has a sting—”	Here, Dickinson introduces the negative aspect of fame, emphasizing its potential for harm.	Marxist Criticism: The “sting” may represent the social costs and emotional damage that come with climbing societal hierarchies for fame.
“Ah, too, it has a wing.”	The final line reflects the fleeting nature of fame, emphasizing its transitory quality.	Deconstruction: This line deconstructs the stability of fame, showing how it can quickly “fly away,” undermining its supposed permanence.

Suggested Readings: “Fame is a Bee” by Emily Dickinson

1. Whicher, George F. “Some Uncollected Poems by Emily Dickinson.” American Literature, vol. 20, no. 4, 1949, pp. 436–40. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/2921721. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.
2. Oates, Joyce Carol. “Soul at the White Heat: The Romance of Emily Dickinson’s Poetry.” Critical Inquiry, vol. 13, no. 4, 1987, pp. 806–24. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/1343529. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.
3. Bollobás, Enikő. “Circumference & Co.: Catachresis as the Trope of Performativity in Emily Dickinson’s Poetry.” Hungarian Journal of English and American Studies (HJEAS), vol. 18, no. 1/2, 2012, pp. 271–92. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/43488475. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.
4. Davenport, Stephen. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, vol. 43, no. 4, 1999, pp. 387–89. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/40012172. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.