I’m Ceded I’ve Stopped Being Theirs
poem 508
I’m Ceded I’ve Stopped Being Theirs - meaning Summary
Choosing a Self-crown
Dickinson’s poem describes a transition from externally imposed identity to self-authorized sovereignty. Using baptismal and coronation imagery, the speaker rejects names and roles given by others and accepts a new, consciously chosen status conferred by grace and will. The poem presents personal agency as a spiritual and social coronation: the speaker moves from childhood dependency and passive naming to an autonomous, deliberate claim to a dignified, adequate rank.
Read Complete AnalysesI’m ceded I’ve stopped being Theirs The name They dropped upon my face With water, in the country church Is finished using, now, And They can put it with my Dolls, My childhood, and the string of spools, I’ve finished threading too Baptized, before, without the choice, But this time, consciously, of Grace Unto supremest name Called to my Full The Crescent dropped Existence’s whole Arc, filled up, With one small Diadem. My second Rank too small the first Crowned Crowing on my Father’s breast A half unconscious Queen But this time Adequate Erect, With Will to choose, or to reject, And I choose, just a Crown
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