Emily Dickinson

I Asked No Other Thing

poem 621

I Asked No Other Thing - meaning Summary

Desire Rebuffed by Power

The speaker says she asked for nothing but 'Being'—a simple, existential request—but is dismissed by a worldly figure called the 'Mighty Merchant.' He trivializes her desire, twirling a button and offering mundane goods like Brazil, implying material wealth cannot satisfy or take seriously a plea for being. The poem contrasts inner spiritual need with commercial indifference and exposes the gap between essence and market value.

Read Complete Analyses

I asked no other thing No other was denied I offered Being for it The Mighty Merchant sneered Brazil? He twirled a Button Without a glance my way But Madam is there nothing else That We can show Today?

default user
PoetryVerse just now

Feel free to be first to leave comment.

8/2200 - 0