Poem Analysis - I Ll Send The Feather From My Hat

A Plea for Mercy

Emily Dickinson's "I'll Send the Feather From My Hat!" is a short but powerful poem about hope and the desperate desire to influence a powerful, unyielding authority. The poem opens with a seemingly naive and optimistic gesture, but quickly delves into a more complex exploration of power dynamics and the vulnerability of the supplicant. The tone shifts from hopeful anticipation to a somber acknowledgment of the immense challenge facing the speaker. The poem's strength lies in its concise yet evocative imagery, suggesting a profound emotional plea.

Power and Vulnerability in a Single Gesture

One of the main themes of the poem is the imbalance of power. The speaker addresses a "Sovereign," implying an almost divine or, at least, an unchallengeable figure. The act of sending the feather is a fragile and perhaps even frivolous gesture of supplication, highlighting the speaker's vulnerability in the face of such immense authority. The offering is small and personal, reflecting the speaker's limited resources against the "Sovereign's" apparent unyielding nature. The poem sets up a stark contrast between the two figures: one holding all the power and the other hoping for mercy based on a single, delicate offering.

The Triumphant Hope of Humility

Despite the power imbalance, the poem explores the theme of hope, however faint. The speaker believes that the feather, a seemingly insignificant object, might actually "relent" the Sovereign. This hope is not based on reason or logic, but on the belief that even the most powerful figures can be moved by a simple act of humility or vulnerability. The phrase "Who knows but at the sight of that" carries a sense of optimistic uncertainty, suggesting a willingness to try anything, no matter how small, in the face of despair. The poem's central question is whether this humble offering can affect the unmovable.

The Corrosive Effect of Comfort

The image of the "faded Child" and the "eyes long comforted" is particularly striking. It suggests that the Sovereign, while powerful, may have become hardened or desensitized to the suffering of others. The "trinket" is presented as a reminder of lost innocence or vulnerability, potentially stirring a dormant empathy within the Sovereign. The word "blisters" is a powerful verb, suggesting that even the most impenetrable surface ("Adamant") can be affected by the uncomfortable truth represented by the child's offering. This image highlights the theme of empathy or the lack thereof. The long comforted eyes are those that have lost touch with the suffering of others. The poet suggests that comfort can blind people to the struggles around them.

Final Insights

In conclusion, "I'll Send the Feather From My Hat!" is a poignant exploration of power, vulnerability, hope, and the potential for empathy to break through even the most hardened exterior. The feather itself becomes a symbol of fragile hope in the face of overwhelming power. The poem's strength lies in its ability to convey complex emotions and social dynamics through simple imagery and evocative language. Ultimately, the poem leaves the reader pondering the possibility of affecting change through small, meaningful acts, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Is the feather enough? The poem's enduring power lies in its poignant question, relevant still today.