Poem Analysis - If The Foolish Call Them Flowers

A Defense of Intuition and Wonder

Emily Dickinson's "If the Foolish, Call Them Flowers" is a gentle yet firm defense of intuition, wonder, and personal experience against the rigid demands of intellect and established authority. The poem advocates for the validity of individual perception, particularly when it differs from conventional wisdom. Its tone is initially assertive, even slightly challenging, but shifts to a more hopeful and reverent mood as it progresses. The poem concludes with a vision of inclusion and belonging within a larger, cosmic understanding.

Challenging Intellectual Superiority

One of the central themes is the rejection of intellectual elitism. The opening lines immediately set up a contrast between the "foolish" who appreciate the beauty of flowers and the "wiser" who seek to categorize and classify them. Dickinson questions the necessity of intellectual validation for something as simple and beautiful as a flower. The phrase "It is just as well!" suggests a resigned acceptance of classification but does not elevate it above the simple act of appreciation. This theme extends to the second stanza, where the poem challenges the notion that only certain individuals can correctly interpret "Revelations." By pointing out that those who read the "same Edition" may have "beclouded Eyes," Dickinson suggests that interpretation is subjective and influenced by individual perspective, not solely by intellectual prowess.

The Promise of a Personal "Canaan"

Another key theme is the value of individual vision and experience. The third stanza employs the powerful image of Moses, who was denied entry into the Promised Land of Canaan but granted a vision of it. This represents the frustration of being excluded from conventional understanding but still possessing a profound personal insight. Dickinson suggests that even though some may be denied access to "scholastic skies," they can still "scan...the stately landscape / On the other side." This "other side" symbolizes a realm of understanding available through intuition and personal experience, not solely through academic pursuit. Moses' experience shows that personal sight is valuable and gives access to insight even if physical access is denied.

The Language of Flowers and Stars

The poem utilizes potent imagery to convey its message. The "flowers" symbolize beauty, simplicity, and the intuitive understanding of the natural world. They represent something inherently valuable that does not require intellectual validation. Conversely, the "scholastic skies" represent the realm of academic knowledge and scientific inquiry. The final stanza introduces "Stars, amid profound Galaxies," suggesting a vast, interconnected universe where even those who might be considered "low" can find their place of significance. This image counters the potential feeling of exclusion from the "scholastic skies" and presents a vision of universal belonging. The flowers are in contrast to the idea of classification to express how some experiences do not require to be understood to be cherished.

A Plea for Inclusivity in Understanding

In conclusion, "If the Foolish, Call Them Flowers" is a subtle yet powerful affirmation of the value of individual perception and the limitations of purely intellectual approaches to understanding. Dickinson champions the role of intuition and personal experience, suggesting that they offer unique avenues to truth and beauty. The poem's progression from challenging intellectual authority to envisioning a place for everyone within a grand cosmic order reveals a deep-seated desire for inclusivity and acceptance. Dickinson suggests that wonder, beauty, and value can be accessed by anyone, scholar or fool, without permission. This creates a more democratic view of understanding, one that invites all viewpoints.