Poem Analysis - Faithful To The End Amended

Introduction: A Rejection of Conditional Faith

Emily Dickinson's "Faithful To The End Amended" presents a sharp critique of faith based on reward. The poem's tone is initially contemplative, examining the modification of a religious promise. However, it quickly shifts to one of defiant independence, rejecting the idea of faithfulness as a transaction. Through her characteristic concise language and ironic voice, Dickinson explores the value of inherent virtue over externally motivated piety.

The Theme of Authentic Devotion: Intrinsic Worth vs. Extrinsic Reward

A central theme of the poem is the contrast between genuine devotion and faith tainted by the expectation of reward. Dickinson presents the phrase "Faithful to the end" as being "Amended / From the Heavenly Clause," suggesting a corruption or alteration of a pure concept. The poem's speaker views "Crowns of Life" – symbolic of heavenly reward – as "servile Prizes" because they are offered conditionally. True virtue, in Dickinson's view, arises from "the stately Heart," acting "solely" for the sake of giving, without seeking "Emolument." This reinforces the idea that authentic devotion is its own reward and should not be driven by the promise of something in return.

"Crowns of Life": Symbol of a Corrupted Faith

The recurring symbol of the "Crowns of Life" is central to Dickinson's critique. It represents the promise of eternal reward often used as an incentive for religious adherence. However, the speaker regards this offer with disdain, perceiving it as a demeaning "Proviso." The poem goes on to suggest that those who are truly worthy of such a crown – "too fair to wear it" – would not be motivated by its promise in the first place. The ultimate rejection of the offer and the instruction to "Try it on Yourself" implies that the offerer, likely representing an institution or authority figure, is the one most in need of the promised reward, highlighting the perceived hypocrisy of the system.

The Withdrawn Heart: Embracing Independence

The image of the "Heart" withdrawing from the "Lucrative indeed" offer underscores Dickinson's theme of individual integrity. The phrase "I will give' the base Proviso" encapsulates the speaker's scorn for conditional promises. The heart, in this context, symbolizes the individual conscience and spirit, which refuses to be bought or coerced by the lure of heavenly prizes. The act of withdrawal emphasizes the speaker's commitment to their own values and their rejection of a system that they perceive as transactional and ultimately demeaning to the true nature of faith.

Concluding Thoughts: A Call for Genuine Virtue

In conclusion, "Faithful To The End Amended" is a powerful statement on the nature of faith and virtue. Dickinson uses potent imagery and a defiant tone to challenge the notion of devotion driven by external rewards. The poem advocates for an intrinsic morality, rooted in the "stately Heart," acting out of genuine goodness rather than the expectation of "Crowns of Life." Ultimately, Dickinson's poem can be interpreted as a call for authenticity and a rejection of any system that seeks to commodify faith or manipulate individuals through the promise of future gain.