Poem Analysis - Ideals Are The Fairly Oil

Introduction: Ideals as Temporary Aids

Emily Dickinson's "Ideals are the Fairly Oil" is a concise and thought-provoking poem that examines the role of ideals in our lives. The poem presents ideals as a lubricant, essential for initial progress, but ultimately rejected when genuine momentum is achieved. The tone is initially hopeful, suggesting the helpfulness of ideals, but shifts to a more pragmatic, even slightly cynical, view as the poem progresses. It explores the transient nature of ideals and their limited usefulness in the face of lived experience.

The Transient Nature of Ideals: A Central Theme

One of the central themes is the transient nature of ideals. Dickinson uses the metaphor of oil to represent ideals, suggesting that they are useful for initiating movement ("help the Wheel"). However, once the "Vital Axle turns," indicating substantial progress or experience, the need for ideals diminishes. The "Eye rejects the Oil," implying a newfound clarity or understanding that makes those initial guiding principles seem unnecessary, even obstructive. This suggests that ideals are a starting point, not a permanent fixture, in our journey.

Imagery of Machinery: Symbolism of Progress and Experience

The poem's imagery revolves around a mechanical setting, with terms like "Wheel," "Axle," and "Oil." This machinery serves as a symbol for human progress and experience. The wheel represents the forward movement of life, while the axle is the core component that drives that movement. The oil, then, symbolizes the ideals that initially facilitate this progress. The rejection of the oil signifies a point where raw experience and inherent strength replace the need for external, perhaps idealistic, guidance. It's a moment of realizing the machine can run on its own power, without the lubricant it once needed.

Pragmatism vs. Idealism: A Dichotomy Explored

The poem also explores the tension between pragmatism and idealism. Initially, ideals are presented positively as something that "help[s] the Wheel." This suggests that idealism is valuable in initiating action and providing direction. However, the poem quickly shifts to a more pragmatic perspective, suggesting that once true action or experience takes hold, ideals become superfluous, even hindering. The "Eye reject[ing] the Oil" can be interpreted as a rejection of naive idealism in favor of a clearer, more pragmatic understanding of reality gained through direct experience.

A Question of Perspective: The Eye's Rejection

The phrase "The Eye rejects the Oil" is particularly striking. It raises the question of whose "Eye" is doing the rejecting. Is it the eye of experience, having seen enough to no longer need ideals? Or is it the eye of disillusionment, having witnessed the limitations and failures of those ideals? This ambiguity allows for multiple interpretations. Perhaps the poem suggests that as we gain experience, we naturally move beyond our initial ideals. Alternatively, it could be a commentary on the inevitable disappointment that comes when reality fails to live up to our idealistic expectations.

Conclusion: The Evolving Role of Ideals

In conclusion, "Ideals are the Fairly Oil" is a compact yet insightful exploration of the role of ideals in human life. Through the use of mechanical imagery and a shift in tone, Dickinson suggests that while ideals are initially valuable in facilitating progress, they are ultimately transient and may even be rejected as experience deepens. The poem invites us to consider the evolving nature of our beliefs and the importance of adapting our perspectives in light of lived reality. The poem leaves us contemplating whether ideals are stepping stones or ultimately limitations on true understanding.