Poem Analysis - Given In Marriage Unto Thee

A Divine Union: An Overview

Emily Dickinson's "Given in Marriage unto Thee" is a short but potent exploration of spiritual devotion, framed through the imagery of marriage. The poem initially presents a tone of reverence and submission, celebrating a union with the divine. However, a subtle shift occurs as the poem progresses, hinting at the impermanence of earthly bonds compared to the eternal nature of this celestial marriage. Ultimately, the poem suggests that true and lasting commitment lies in faith and devotion to God.

Earthly Transience vs. Eternal Devotion

One of the primary themes is the contrast between earthly and divine commitment. Dickinson uses the metaphor of marriage to explore the concept of unwavering faith. The poem begins by establishing the speaker's (presumably a soul's) dedication to the "Celestial Host," represented as the "Bride of the Father and the Son, / Bride of the Holy Ghost." This establishes a clear image of spiritual union. The second stanza then contrasts this divine bond with earthly ones: "Other Betrothal shall dissolve / Wedlock of Will, decay." This stark juxtaposition highlights the fleeting nature of human relationships and commitments in contrast to the permanence and power of faith.

Conquering Mortality Through Faith

The theme of mortality is interwoven with the idea of eternal devotion. Dickinson suggests that worldly relationships are subject to decay and dissolution, thus death. However, the "Keeper of this Ring," referring to God, offers a way to "Conquer Mortality." The "Ring" symbolizes not only the marital bond but also the eternal covenant between the soul and God. Dickinson argues that embracing this spiritual marriage is the key to transcending the limitations of mortal existence. The poem offers an alternative to the fear of death by promising a kind of immortality through faith.

Imagery of Divine Marriage and Eternal Bond

The central image in the poem is that of marriage, used to symbolize the relationship between the soul and the divine. The "Celestial Host" is not just a collective of angels but a singular entity, the recipient of the speaker’s commitment. The "Ring" is a particularly potent symbol. While it traditionally represents a wedding vow, here it signifies a permanent and unbreakable bond with God. It implies a continuous cycle of devotion, unbroken by death. Could the “Ring” also refer to the halo around divine figures, representing their immortality and unattainable perfection which inspires such devotion?

A Final Reflection on Eternal Commitment

In conclusion, "Given in Marriage unto Thee" is a concise but profound exploration of faith, framed through the metaphor of divine marriage. The poem contrasts the transient nature of earthly bonds with the promise of eternal union with God, suggesting that true and lasting commitment lies in spiritual devotion. Dickinson's use of imagery, particularly the "Ring," emphasizes the unbreakable and everlasting nature of this celestial marriage, offering a path to conquer mortality and find solace in the divine.