Poem Analysis - I Have A King Who Does Not Speak

An Enigmatic Allegiance

Emily Dickinson's "I Have A King, Who Does Not Speak" is a poem of quiet yearning and internal conflict. It explores the speaker's relationship with a silent authority figure, likely a metaphor for God or a higher power, and the speaker's struggle to reconcile personal desires with divine will. The poem's tone is initially subdued and almost resigned, gradually shifting towards a sense of awe and then back to a conflicted acceptance. The lack of external action emphasizes the poem's focus on the speaker's inner landscape, a characteristic feature of Dickinson's work.

The Silent Sovereign: Exploring Divine Authority

A central theme in the poem is the speaker's submission to a higher power, represented by the "King, who does not speak." This silence creates a sense of mystery and distance, forcing the speaker to interpret the King's will through dreams and internal experiences. The phrase "wondering thro' the hours meek" conveys the speaker's humility and willingness to follow, despite the lack of clear guidance. However, the phrase also subtly hints at a questioning spirit, a desire for greater understanding of the King's decrees. The King's silence, then, becomes a catalyst for the speaker's internal journey and struggle for faith.

Dreams and Discontent: Unveiling the Inner World

The poem prominently features the theme of internal conflict. The speaker's dreams offer a temporary escape into "parlors, shut by day," suggesting a longing for something beyond the ordinary or perhaps a desire for a more direct connection with the divine. These dream-visions are described with vivid imagery: "a hundred drums" and "shouts fill all my Childish sky." These images indicate a moment of intense spiritual awakening or understanding. In stark contrast, when the speaker does not have the dream, "the little Bird / Within the Orchard, is not heard." This image suggests a loss of joy and connection to the natural world, highlighting the speaker's dependence on the King's presence for happiness and fulfillment. The oscillation between these states illustrates the speaker's struggle to maintain faith and find peace within this complex relationship.

Willful Rebellion and Humble Surrender

The final stanza directly addresses the conflict between the speaker's will and the King's (or God's) will. The lines "Father, thy will be done today / For my will goes the other way, / And it were perjury!" reveal the speaker's acknowledgement of a divergent path. The word "perjury" emphasizes the seriousness of defying the King's will, suggesting that obedience, however difficult, is a matter of profound integrity. This stanza demonstrates a shift from passive acceptance to active surrender. While the speaker acknowledges their own desires, they choose to align themselves with the perceived higher will, even though it requires suppressing their own inclinations.

Concluding Thoughts: A Quiet Devotion

In conclusion, "I Have A King, Who Does Not Speak" is a poignant exploration of faith, doubt, and the complex relationship between the individual and a silent divine authority. Dickinson uses powerful imagery and contrasting tones to depict the speaker's internal struggle. While the poem offers no easy answers, it reveals a commitment to devotion, despite the challenges and uncertainties inherent in such a path. The poem’s significance lies in its honest portrayal of the human experience of faith, capturing the yearning, the conflict, and ultimately, the choice to surrender to a higher power.