Poem Analysis - A Mien To Move A Queen

A Portrait of Paradoxical Power

Emily Dickinson's "A Mien to Move a Queen" paints a fascinating portrait of a complex individual, one who embodies seemingly contradictory qualities. The poem evokes a sense of awe mingled with a touch of the whimsical, presenting a figure both powerful and fragile. The tone is primarily admiring, bordering on reverential, yet there's an undercurrent of distance and perhaps even a hint of melancholy. The poem never explicitly states a shift in mood, but rather subtly blends admiration with a sense of the subject's inherent isolation.

The Hybridity of Identity

The poem's central theme revolves around the hybridity of identity. The subject is described as "Half Child Half Heroine," suggesting a blend of innocence and strength, vulnerability and power. This duality is further emphasized by the comparison to "An Orleans in the Eye," evoking Joan of Arc, a figure known for both her piety and her military prowess. The line "That puts its manner by/ For humbler Company" hints at a deliberate choice to downplay power, suggesting an inherent awareness of social dynamics and a capacity for empathy. This ability to shift between roles and adapt to different contexts defines the subject's complex identity, highlighting a multifaceted personality rather than a singular, fixed being.

The Paradox of Power and Isolation

Another prominent theme is the paradox of power and isolation. The subject possesses a "Mien to move a Queen," suggesting an innate ability to influence even the highest echelons of society. Yet, the mention of "Even a Tear/ Its frequent Visitor" reveals a hidden vulnerability and a sense of loneliness. The paradoxical coexistence of power and isolation is reinforced by the lines "Too small to fear/ Too distant to endear." The subject's perceived insignificance makes them non-threatening, while their aloofness prevents genuine intimacy. This creates a dynamic where they are both respected and kept at a distance, forever residing in a space between intimacy and indifference.

Symbolism of Scale: Wren vs. Duke

Dickinson employs symbolism of scale to further illustrate the subject's paradoxical nature. The comparison of the "Bonnet like a Duke" (a symbol of nobility and authority) with a "Wren's Peruke" (a tiny wig associated with smallness and fragility) highlights the contrast between outward appearance and inherent nature. The fact that a "Wren's Peruke" is "not so shy/ Of Goer by" suggests that the subject's true, unadorned self is less intimidating than their carefully constructed public persona. This contrast between the grand and the diminutive, the bold and the shy, emphasizes the complex interplay of power and vulnerability within the subject's identity. The "Hands so slight/ They would elate a Sprite/ With Merriment" further adds to the image of delicate yet powerful presence, able to inspire joy even with the simplest of gestures.

Reverence and Ambiguity

In conclusion, "A Mien to Move a Queen" is a captivating portrait of an individual whose power lies in their paradoxical nature. The poem explores themes of hybridity, the interplay between power and isolation, and the subtle ways in which identity is constructed and perceived. The poem's final lines, "And so Men Compromise/ And just revere," leave us with a sense of the subject's unique position in society—a figure who is both respected and somewhat misunderstood. The poem’s ambiguity leaves the reader wondering about the source of this power and the true nature of the compromise, inviting further reflection on the complexities of identity and influence.