Poem Analysis - Civilization Spurns The Leopard

A Leopard Out of Place

Emily Dickinson's "Civilization Spurns The Leopard!" presents a poignant commentary on societal rejection of that which is different or deemed "uncivilized." The poem's initial tone is declarative and almost accusatory, highlighting the contrast between the leopard's natural state and the disapproval of "Civilization." This shifts into a more sympathetic and melancholic tone as the poem progresses, expressing pity for the leopard's displacement and longing for its homeland. The poem as a whole questions the basis and fairness of societal judgment.

The Leopard as Outsider

The poem resonates with themes of outsider status and the clash between nature and societal norms. The leopard, a creature of vibrant color and untamed customs, is "spurned" by civilization. This spurning implies a rejection not just of the animal itself, but of its inherent wildness and difference. The lines "Tawny her Customs/She was Conscious" suggest that the leopard's very being, her natural behaviors and self-awareness, are at odds with the imposed order of civilization. This highlights the broader theme of societal pressure to conform and the rejection faced by those who deviate from the norm.

Longing for a Lost Home

Another major theme is the pain of displacement and the enduring power of memory. The second stanza focuses on the leopard's suffering: "Pity the Pard that left her Asia/Memories of Palm/Cannot be stifled with Narcotic/Nor suppressed with Balm." This paints a picture of deep longing for her homeland ("Asia") and a past life symbolized by "Palm" trees. The inability to suppress these memories, even with "Narcotic" or "Balm," underscores the profound impact of forced separation and the persistent ache of homesickness. This emphasizes the poem's critique of civilization's disregard for the emotional consequences of imposing its values on others.

Color as a Symbol of Difference

The poem utilizes vivid imagery and symbolism, especially through color, to represent the leopard's natural beauty and the civilization's rejection of it. The descriptions of the leopard's "Satin," "Gold," "Tawny," and "Spotted" gown emphasize her vibrancy and distinctiveness. These colors stand in stark contrast to the implied drabness and uniformity of "Civilization" that spurns her. The "Dun Gown" being "Spotted" could also represent an imperfect or flawed nature, which is then criticized by those who do not see value or beauty in those imperfections. The poem ultimately posits a question about whether judging something's nature, or essence, is correct or not when it is inherent to its being ("This was the Leopard’s nature Signor/Need a keeper frown?").

Final Reflections on Acceptance

In conclusion, "Civilization Spurns The Leopard!" is a powerful exploration of societal judgment, the pain of displacement, and the value of embracing difference. Dickinson uses the image of the leopard to symbolize anyone who is deemed "uncivilized" or non-conforming by societal standards. The poem's shift from initial condemnation to sympathetic understanding underscores the importance of empathy and questioning the basis of our judgments. It suggests that what civilization rejects as "other" may, in fact, possess a unique beauty and inherent value that should be celebrated rather than suppressed, urging us to consider the cost of conformity and the potential beauty lost when we reject what we do not understand.