Poem Analysis - A Solemn Thing It Was I Said

Introduction: Aspiration and Defiance

Emily Dickinson's "A Solemn Thing It Was I Said" is a poem exploring a woman's ambition, specifically the profound undertaking of womanhood, viewed through a lens of both awe and quiet rebellion. The poem begins with a reverent tone, contemplating the mystery and sanctity of female existence. However, a subtle shift occurs as the speaker grapples with conventional perceptions of womanhood, ultimately embracing a personal vision that transcends societal limitations. The poem embodies a journey from solemn acceptance to subtle, empowering defiance.

The Weight of Expectation: Defining Womanhood

One of the central themes is the societal expectation placed upon women. The opening lines, "A solemn thing it was I said / A woman white to be," suggest a weighty pronouncement. "White" can be interpreted as purity or innocence, both traditionally associated with idealized womanhood. The phrase "blameless mystery" further emphasizes the enigma surrounding women, suggesting a role that is both revered and subtly confined. Dickinson uses the word "solemn" to underscore the perceived gravity and consequence of embracing this socially constructed identity.

Mortality and Eternity: The "Purple Well"

The poem delves into themes of mortality and eternity through the striking image of the "purple well." This well, into which a "life" is dropped, represents the passage of time and the profound commitment inherent in embracing womanhood, possibly alluding to childbirth or the sacrifices often associated with domestic life. The well is "plummetless," meaning its depth cannot be measured, implying the irrevocable nature of this commitment and the enduring consequences of a life lived. The speaker suggests that what is lost in this "purple well" does not return until "Eternity," highlighting the permanent transformation experienced through a woman's life.

Challenging Perception: A Quiet Rebellion

A pivotal shift occurs in the final stanza, revealing a rebellious undercurrent. Initially, the speaker "pondered how the bliss would look" and whether it would feel as significant in hand as it did when "hovering seen through fog." This suggests a questioning of the idealized vision of womanhood. Then, the speaker confronts the dismissive societal view of female life: "And then the size of this small life / The Sages call it small." This is followed by a powerful moment of self-assertion: "Swelled like Horizons in my vest / And I sneered softly small!" The image of swelling horizons symbolizes the vast potential and significance the speaker perceives in her own life, a stark contrast to the "small" life described by "Sages." The "sneer" – though "soft" – is an act of defiance, a quiet rejection of limiting societal definitions.

Imagery: Fog, Color and Size

The poem employs vivid imagery to convey its complex themes. The "fog" represents uncertainty and the veiled nature of societal expectations surrounding womanhood. The color "purple," often associated with royalty and spirituality, lends a sense of grandeur and mystery to the "well." The recurring motif of size – "small life" versus "swelled like Horizons" – underscores the speaker's evolving perspective. The contrast between these images reinforces the poem's central message: the potential for a woman's life to transcend conventional limitations, growing beyond prescribed boundaries to encompass a vast and personally defined horizon. It's interesting to wonder if the fog and the purple well are connected. Does the speaker feel like she is in the fog and can see the purple well?

Conclusion: Beyond Societal Constraints

"A Solemn Thing It Was I Said" is a nuanced exploration of the societal pressures and individual aspirations surrounding womanhood. Through powerful imagery and a subtle shift in tone, the poem traces a journey from solemn acceptance to quiet defiance. Dickinson ultimately suggests that a woman's life, often underestimated, holds the potential for profound significance and personal fulfillment, exceeding the limitations imposed by societal expectations. The poem's enduring power lies in its ability to capture the complex internal landscape of a woman grappling with her identity and asserting her own vision of self.