Poem Analysis - If Blame Be My Side Forfeit Me

Introduction: A Plea Against Abandonment

Emily Dickinson's "If Blame Be My Side forfeit Me" is a short but deeply resonant plea for continued connection in the face of perceived fault. The poem's tone is initially one of supplication, tinged with a hint of resignation, but quickly evolves into a stark declaration of the devastating consequences of separation. The speaker is grappling with the potential loss of someone deeply significant, and the poem charts the speaker's effort to navigate this possibility.

The Crushing Weight of Forfeiture: Love and Faith

The central theme of the poem revolves around the concept of forfeiture, both in terms of personal blame and the potential loss of a cherished relationship. The speaker acknowledges the possibility of deserving blame ("If Blame be my side forfeit Me"), but immediately contrasts this with the unbearable prospect of losing the "Thee" addressed in the poem. This suggests that the connection with "Thee" is more important than any perceived wrongdoing. This leads to a deeper theme of faith, where the loss of this relationship, is likened to the loss of belief or the security of home.

"Thee" as a Symbol of Belonging: A House Divided

The pronoun "Thee" functions as a crucial symbol within the poem. It represents not just a person, but potentially a source of comfort, faith, and belonging. The lines "To forfeit Thee? The very name / Is sentence from Belief and House" equates losing "Thee" with being exiled from one's faith ("Belief") and home ("House"). The home is no longer a secure place. This could symbolize a spiritual crisis, a broken relationship, or a broader sense of alienation. The poem, therefore, hints at a fragile emotional state dependent on this connection.

The Imagery of Absence: Exile and Loss

While the poem lacks explicit visual imagery, the abstract concepts of "Belief" and "House" evoke a powerful sense of loss and isolation. The poem’s power stems from the imagined void rather than explicit details. The "sentence" implied in losing "Thee" suggests a harsh, almost judicial punishment, emphasizing the irrevocable nature of the separation. This underscores the speaker's desperation to avoid such a fate. What if, the 'House' is a metaphor for the speaker's body, and the separation is hinting at mortality?

Conclusion: Desperation and Dependence

In conclusion, "If Blame Be My Side forfeit Me" is a poignant expression of dependency and the fear of losing a vital connection. Dickinson masterfully uses simple language and abstract imagery to convey profound emotional depth. The poem's enduring significance lies in its exploration of the delicate balance between personal responsibility and the essential need for human connection, raising questions about the true cost of forfeiture and the profound impact of potential loss.