Poem Analysis - I Bring An Unaccustomed Wine

Introduction: A Cycle of Giving and Loss

Emily Dickinson's "I Bring An Unaccustomed Wine" is a poignant exploration of offering solace and facing rejection, ultimately transforming into a meditation on persevering hope. The poem begins with a sense of generous anticipation, offering "unaccustomed wine" to parched lips. However, the tone quickly shifts to disappointment and a recognition of futility. Despite this initial setback, the poem concludes with a quiet determination to continue offering comfort, fueled by the possibility of eventual acceptance and recognition.

Theme of Unrequited Offering

One central theme of the poem is the experience of offering something valuable – in this case, metaphorically represented as "unaccustomed wine" – and having it rejected. The initial lines convey generosity and a desire to quench a deep thirst. The phrase "lips long parching" suggests a profound need for comfort or relief. However, the rejection is immediate and stark: "Crackling with fever, they Essay,/ I turn my brimming eyes away." This suggests that the recipient is either unable or unwilling to accept the offered solace. The "brimming eyes" reveal the speaker's deep emotion and perhaps a touch of heartbreak. This theme is developed through the poem's narrative of approach, offer, and withdrawal, culminating in a sense of unfulfilled purpose.

Mortality's Icy Grip

The poem touches upon the theme of mortality and the coldness of death. The lines describing the "tardy glass," the "superfluous Cold" lips, and the "bosoms where the frost has lain/ Ages beneath the mould" conjure a vivid image of death's permanence. The speaker realizes that their offering is futile in the face of such profound coldness. The metaphor of frost and mould highlights the entrenchment of death and the impossibility of reversing its effects. This acknowledgement of death's power underscores the contrast between the speaker's life-affirming offering and the recipient's final state.

The Persistent Hope for Future Connection

Despite the initial rejection and the confrontation with mortality, the poem ends on a note of hope and continued dedication. The speaker doesn't abandon their mission but instead acknowledges the possibility of finding someone else in need: "Some other thirsty there may be/ To whom this would have pointed me." This shift indicates a resilience and an unwavering belief in the potential for connection. The closing lines, "If, haply, any say to me/ Unto the little, unto me,/ When I at last awake," suggest a yearning for recognition and gratitude, even if only posthumously. The word "haply," meaning "perhaps" or "by chance," tempers the hope with a realistic understanding of life's uncertainties. This emphasizes the value of offering kindness even without a guarantee of reciprocation.

Symbolism of Wine and Thirst

The central symbols of the poem are the "unaccustomed wine" and the "parching" lips. The "wine" represents a form of comfort, solace, or perhaps even spiritual nourishment that the speaker wishes to provide. It's "unaccustomed," suggesting it's something unique and potentially unfamiliar to the recipient. The "parching" lips symbolize a deep and unmet need. Together, they create a powerful image of offering relief to suffering. The image of the "cup" that is carried throughout the poem might also carry religious connotations of selflessness. It's also ambiguous why Dickinson chose the word wine when wine is more typically associated with joy and celebration.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Giving

In conclusion, "I Bring An Unaccustomed Wine" is a powerful meditation on offering kindness, confronting mortality, and persevering in the face of rejection. The poem explores the complexities of human connection and the enduring hope that even small acts of compassion can have a lasting impact. Despite experiencing disappointment, the speaker's commitment to providing solace remains unwavering, suggesting a profound belief in the value of selfless giving and the potential for eventual recognition, even in the face of life's uncertainties. The poem's significance lies in its exploration of the delicate balance between vulnerability, generosity, and the persistent hope for meaningful connection.