Poem Analysis - Myself Was Formed A Carpenter

Introduction: The Self-Made Soul

Emily Dickinson's "Myself Was Formed a Carpenter" is a compact and intriguing exploration of self-reliance and the construction of one's own identity. The poem begins with a tone of humble independence, depicting the speaker's solitary work and satisfaction in self-sufficiency. However, a subtle shift occurs as the poem progresses, introducing a potential external judgment and culminating in a defiant declaration of creative power. Through the metaphor of carpentry, Dickinson delves into the themes of self-creation, value, and the human potential for building something greater than the sum of its parts. The poem reflects the speaker's journey to realizing their own worth.

Theme: Self-Creation and Independence

The most prominent theme in "Myself Was Formed a Carpenter" is the idea of self-creation and the value of independence. The opening lines establish this immediately: "Myself was formed a Carpenter / An unpretending time." The speaker equates their own development with the craft of carpentry, suggesting that they are actively shaping their own being. The phrase "unpretending time" implies a period of unhurried, unassuming work, free from external pressures or expectations. The speaker's partnership with their "Plane" signifies a symbiotic relationship with the tools and resources necessary for this self-construction. Their "wrought" suggests that they are making progress over time, slowly growing and progressing in skill.

The Question of External Validation

The second stanza introduces an element of doubt and the potential for external validation. "Before a Builder came / To measure our attainments." The arrival of a "Builder" represents a potential judge or evaluator, someone who could quantify the speaker's worth. The speaker questions whether "we," they and their "Plane", could provide good enough boards. This idea introduces the challenge of measuring worth and creativity. This poses a question: Is self-defined worth enough, or is outside assessment needed?

Imagery and Symbolism: Tools with Human Faces

Dickinson employs vivid imagery and symbolism to deepen the poem's meaning. The phrase "My Tools took Human Faces" is particularly striking. It suggests that the speaker has developed such a deep connection with their tools and craft that they have become extensions of the self. The "Bench, where we had toiled" becomes a symbol of dedication and perseverance. Most significantly, the speaker declares, "We Temples build I said." This statement transforms the act of carpentry from a simple craft into a sacred and creative endeavor. "Temples" symbolize not just physical structures but also the construction of something lasting and meaningful, perhaps representing the speaker's own soul or creative output.

Conclusion: Building a Legacy

In conclusion, "Myself Was Formed a Carpenter" is a powerful testament to the human capacity for self-creation and the importance of internal validation. Through the extended metaphor of carpentry, Dickinson explores the themes of independence, judgment, and the potential for transforming mundane work into something sacred. The poem suggests that true worth is not determined by external measures but by the dedication and artistry one brings to the task of shaping one's own being. The final image of building "Temples" reinforces the idea that we are all capable of creating something lasting and meaningful, leaving behind a legacy of our own making.