Poem Analysis - Mine By The Right Of The White Election

An Assertion of Ownership: Introduction

Emily Dickinson's "Mine by the Right Of The White Election!" is a powerful declaration of possession, driven by a fervent and almost feverish certainty. The poem pulses with a sense of triumph and defiance, as the speaker stakes her claim to something deeply desired. While the poem begins with a tone of assuredness, it escalates into a state of near-ecstatic possession. The overall mood is one of intense conviction, bordering on the ecstatic.

The Unseen Kingdom: Themes of Spiritual or Emotional Possession

The central theme revolves around possession, but not of a material nature. The "White Election," "Royal Seal," and "Scarlet prison" all suggest a higher, perhaps spiritual or emotional, realm of belonging. This is not a claim to land or wealth, but rather a forceful assertion of ownership over something intangible yet deeply significant to the speaker. The poem also explores the theme of power, specifically the power derived from this possession. The speaker is not merely claiming something; she is wielding the strength and authority that come with it. There's a hint of transcendence, suggested by phrases like "Grave's Repeal" and "long as Ages steal," implying that this possession extends beyond earthly limitations and even defies death.

Visual and Sensory Language: Decoding Dickinson's Imagery

Dickinson’s use of vivid imagery enhances the poem's impact. The "White Election" likely refers to a spiritual or divine choice, perhaps a predestined destiny or a moment of profound spiritual awakening. The color white symbolizes purity, holiness, and a sense of being chosen. The "Royal Seal" reinforces this notion of divinely sanctioned ownership, implying that the speaker's claim is not merely personal, but validated by a higher power. The "Scarlet prison" is a more complex image. Scarlet is associated with passion, sin, and even suffering. The bars that cannot conceal it suggest an intense emotion or experience that is both confining and unavoidable. This could represent a love, a belief, or even a burden that the speaker embraces as her own.

Questioning the Delirious Charter

The phrase "Delirious Charter" is particularly intriguing and prompts unique interpretation. "Charter" suggests a legal document, a right granted and confirmed. "Delirious," however, introduces an element of madness, passion, or ecstatic fervor. Is this possession grounded in reason and legality, or is it driven by an overwhelming, almost irrational emotion? The poem's ambiguity allows for the possibility that the speaker's claim, while intensely felt, might be based on a subjective experience rather than objective reality. Perhaps it represents love that defies logic or belief that overcomes doubt.

A Legacy of Longing and Triumph: Conclusion

In conclusion, "Mine by the Right Of The White Election!" is a powerful and enigmatic poem that explores themes of possession, power, and transcendence. Through vivid imagery and fervent language, Dickinson creates a portrait of a speaker who is fiercely claiming ownership over something deeply meaningful, whether it be a spiritual conviction, an overwhelming love, or a profound sense of self. The poem's enduring significance lies in its exploration of the human desire for belonging and the lengths to which one will go to assert their claim in the face of any opposition.