Poem Analysis - Autumn Overlooked My Knitting

A Whimsical Encounter with Autumn

Emily Dickinson's "Autumn Overlooked My Knitting" is a brief yet charming poem that centers on a conversation about color and self-perception. The poem possesses a playful and slightly defiant tone, as the speaker engages in a whimsical exchange with Autumn, personified as a character who critiques the speaker's color choices for her knitting. The mood is lighthearted, though tinged with a subtle undercurrent of self-awareness and perhaps even a hint of playful challenge to societal norms.

The Colors of Identity

One of the central themes of the poem is the exploration of identity through color. The speaker's choice of "Cochineal" (a vibrant red dye) for something that "resemble[s] Thee" (presumably a loved one or an idealized figure) suggests a desire to associate this person with passion, vibrancy, and strength. Conversely, the "little Border Dusker," a darker, more subdued shade, is chosen because it "resembling Me," implying that the speaker sees herself as more reserved, perhaps even melancholic or understated. This juxtaposition of colors offers a glimpse into how the speaker perceives both herself and another individual, using color as a symbolic representation of personality traits.

Autumn's Provocation and the Speaker's Defiance

The interaction between Autumn and the speaker creates a subtle theme of defiance against conventional expectations. Autumn's initial statement, "Dyes said He have I / Could disparage a Flamingo," suggests a challenge to the speaker's color choices, implying that they might be too bold or flamboyant. The flamingo, known for its striking pink plumage, represents a certain level of ostentation. The speaker's quick retort, "Show Me them said I," reveals a confident and somewhat rebellious spirit. She is not intimidated by Autumn's criticism and, in fact, invites the comparison, suggesting that she is comfortable with her choices and unwilling to be swayed by external judgment.

Flamingos and Symbolic Representation

The image of the flamingo is a key symbol in the poem. It represents vibrancy, boldness, and a certain unconventionality. Autumn's attempt to "disparage a Flamingo" can be interpreted as an attempt to critique or diminish these qualities. However, the speaker's open challenge implies that she finds value in these traits, either in herself or in the person she associates with the "Cochineal" dye. The flamingo, therefore, becomes a symbol of self-acceptance and a rejection of societal pressures to conform to more subdued or traditional color palettes. Perhaps the question is why is Autumn disparaging the Flamingo? Is there perhaps a sense of envy, that the speaker is bold and vivid while Autumn is fading into winter?

A Colorful Self-Portrait

In conclusion, "Autumn Overlooked My Knitting" is a concise but richly suggestive poem that explores themes of identity, self-perception, and defiance. Through the whimsical interaction between the speaker and Autumn, Dickinson uses color symbolism to reveal the speaker's understanding of herself and her relationships. The speaker's choice of dyes, and her willingness to challenge Autumn's judgment, ultimately presents a portrait of a woman who is confident in her own choices and unwilling to be confined by external expectations. The poem's significance lies in its ability to convey complex emotions and ideas through a seemingly simple conversation about knitting and color.