Poem Analysis - Because The Bee May Blameless Hum

Introduction: A Transformation of Worship

Emily Dickinson's "Because The Bee May Blameless Hum" is a short but powerful declaration of devotion. The poem expresses a speaker's desire to transform into elements of nature—a bee, a flower, a robin—in order to be closer to and more worthy of the object of their worship. The tone is one of intense longing and a yearning to connect on a fundamental level. While consistently reverent, the poem shifts from a simple wish to emulate harmless nature to a more desperate plea for transformation.

Love Through Imitation

The central theme of this poem is undoubtedly love and devotion, expressed through the desire for transformation. The speaker doesn't just admire the object of their affection; they want to become something that interacts naturally and intimately with them. The first stanza highlights this with the image of the bee. The speaker wants to "become" a bee so they can "hum" for their beloved, mirroring the bee's harmless, natural buzzing. The second stanza develops this idea further, expressing a longing to be a flower that can meet the gaze of the "Maid." These are not grand gestures of sacrifice, but rather an almost childlike desire to be close, present, and accepted.

Nature as a Conduit to the Divine

Another prominent theme is the spiritual connection with nature. Dickinson frequently used natural imagery to explore deeper human emotions and spiritual experiences. In this poem, nature is not merely a backdrop; it’s the vehicle through which the speaker seeks to express their devotion. The bee, the flower, the robin – these are all symbols of innocence, freedom, and natural beauty. By desiring to become these things, the speaker attempts to shed their human limitations and connect with something pure and untainted, which allows a more direct connection with the object of their worship.

Transformation and the Yearning for Acceptance

The poem touches on the theme of longing and acceptance. The final stanza shifts the tone slightly, becoming more urgent and pleading. The speaker recognizes the robin's lack of fear towards the beloved and wishes to possess "wings," "petals," or "a Dower of Buzz" to achieve the same level of acceptance and natural belonging. The inclusion of "Crypts" suggests a potential barrier, perhaps a social or personal distance, that the speaker wants to overcome. This stanza moves beyond simple admiration and into a more profound yearning for recognition and belonging in the eyes of the beloved.

Buzz, Blooms, and Wings: Symbols of Devotion

The poem is rich in symbolic imagery. The bee, with its "blameless hum," represents a gentle, unthreatening presence, while the flower symbolizes beauty and openness. The robin, fearless even when the beloved intrudes upon its "Crypts," signifies a natural acceptance and ease. The requested "Dower of Buzz" or "Flower of Furze" represent a complete transformation into something worthy of being near the object of affection. These images create a vivid picture of the speaker's desire to be seen as harmless, beautiful, and deserving of attention. An interesting ambiguity remains: is the beloved a person, a deity, or perhaps even nature itself? This open-endedness adds another layer of complexity to the poem's interpretation.

Conclusion: A Poetic Plea for Closeness

In conclusion, "Because The Bee May Blameless Hum" is a moving exploration of love, devotion, and the yearning for acceptance. Through vivid imagery and a heartfelt tone, Emily Dickinson crafts a poignant poem about the desire to transform oneself into something beautiful and worthy in the eyes of the beloved. The poem’s power lies in its simplicity, its childlike longing, and its subtle yet profound exploration of the human desire to connect with something greater than oneself. The poem ultimately suggests that true worship involves a desire to become one with the object of devotion, blurring the lines between the self and the divine.