Poem Analysis - I Play At Riches To Appease

Introduction: A Game of Perception

Emily Dickinson's "I Play At Riches to Appease" explores the complex relationship between poverty, desire, and the human capacity for self-deception. The poem opens with a seemingly simple act of "playing at riches," but quickly delves into deeper questions about the nature of want, the allure of wealth, and the speaker's struggle to maintain integrity in the face of economic hardship. The tone is reflective and introspective, tinged with a hint of irony as the speaker grapples with the contradictions inherent in her situation. There is a subtle shift from defensive justification to a more philosophical contemplation of the true value of riches and poverty.

Theme of Poverty and its Moral Implications

One of the central themes of the poem is the experience of poverty and its potential moral consequences. The speaker confesses to "playing at riches" as a means of controlling the "Clamoring for Gold," suggesting that the desire for wealth can be overwhelming and even dangerous. She acknowledges the temptation to commit a "Sin" driven by "Want, and Opportunity," implying that poverty can push individuals towards unethical behavior. The speaker even imagines becoming "an independent Man" through illicit means, highlighting the societal constraints placed upon her and the lengths to which desperation can drive one. This exploration of poverty goes beyond mere economic lack; it delves into the psychological and moral challenges it presents.

The Illusion of Wealth and Self-Deception

The poem highlights the theme of self-deception as a coping mechanism in the face of poverty. The speaker admits to "deem[ing] Myself what I would be," using imagination as a form of "novel Comforting." This suggests a deliberate attempt to create an alternative reality where she possesses the qualities associated with wealth and status. The act of "playing at riches" becomes a way to "appease" the constant desire for material possessions. However, the poem also questions the sustainability of this illusion. The speaker wonders if those who already "own Esteem the Opulence" can truly understand the value of wealth in the same way as those who have never possessed it. This introduces a layer of doubt and suggests that the speaker is not entirely convinced by her own game.

Desire and the True Meaning of Beauty

The poem raises a profound question about the nature of desire and what truly constitutes beauty. The final stanza introduces a hypothetical scenario where the speaker's "exploring Hands" might "Chance Sovereign on a Mine." This moment of potential wealth prompts a reflection on whether such a windfall would make them "fitter...for Want." The experience of poverty, it is suggested, might be "Enlightening," providing a unique perspective on the value of things. The speaker concludes with the open-ended question: "I know not which, Desire, or Grant/Be wholly beautiful." This ambiguity suggests that both the yearning for something and the actual attainment of it can be seen as beautiful in different ways. Perhaps the struggle and the perspective it provides hold a certain intrinsic value that material wealth cannot replicate.

Conclusion: A Delicate Balance

In conclusion, "I Play At Riches to Appease" is a nuanced exploration of the complex relationship between poverty, desire, and the human psyche. The poem reveals the speaker's internal struggle to reconcile her economic reality with her aspirations and moral compass. By "playing at riches," she attempts to control the potentially destructive force of longing, but the poem also raises questions about the true value of wealth and the potential for poverty to offer a unique form of enlightenment. Ultimately, Dickinson's poem invites us to consider the delicate balance between desire and fulfillment, and to question whether the pursuit of riches is truly the path to happiness and fulfillment or whether there is an alternative way to understand what is truly beautiful.