Poem Analysis - It Was Given To Me By The Gods

A Gift of Intrinsic Value

Emily Dickinson's "It Was Given To Me By the Gods" is a compact exploration of intrinsic worth. The poem opens with a sense of childlike wonder and gratitude, tinged with anxiety, which slowly transforms into a confident declaration of self-possession. The initial tone is reverential and slightly fearful, shifting to one of assured self-worth. The speaker grapples with societal definitions of richness, ultimately rejecting them in favor of a personal understanding of value.

The Enduring Power of Childhood Gifts

One of the poem's central themes is the lasting impact of childhood experiences. The "Presents" given by the Gods "When we are new and small" suggest foundational values or inherent qualities bestowed upon us. The speaker's initial fear of losing this gift reveals a vulnerability and dependence on external forces. This fear underscores the perceived fragility of these early blessings and the speaker's commitment to protecting them. The poem suggests that these early gifts, though potentially overlooked, are crucial in shaping our sense of self-worth.

Redefining Riches: From External to Internal

The poem directly confronts the theme of wealth, contrasting societal perceptions with the speaker's internal understanding. The speaker hears "such words as Rich" from passersby, highlighting the external definitions of wealth circulating in society. The "lips at Corners of the Streets" symbolizes common, everyday notions of richness, likely materialistic. However, the speaker "wrestled with a smile," indicating a quiet internal conflict and a growing resistance to these external definitions. This struggle leads to the realization that true richness lies within the self, not in material possessions.

Gold as a Symbol of True Value

Gold operates as a crucial symbol within the poem, representing both societal measures of wealth and the speaker's redefined understanding of value. The speaker initially hears about gold and its associated riches from "lips at Corners of the Streets," representing materialistic wealth. But later, they declare "'Twas Myself was rich/ To take the name of Gold," implying that their own intrinsic worth is equivalent to, or even surpasses, the value of gold. The phrase "Gold to own in solid Bars" presents a stark contrast to the speaker's self-declared richness, suggesting that external gold pales in comparison to the richness of self-worth.

Boldness Through Self-Realization

The poem concludes with a powerful declaration of independence and self-assurance. The line "The Difference made me bold" signifies the speaker's transformation. Understanding the difference between external perceptions of richness and their own internal value empowers the speaker. This newfound boldness suggests a liberation from societal pressures and a confident embrace of one's inherent worth. Ultimately, Dickinson’s poem suggests that recognizing and valuing our own unique gifts allows us to stand firmly in our truth, regardless of external judgment.