Poem Analysis - Of Bronze And Blaze

Introduction: Majesty and Mortality

Emily Dickinson’s "Of Bronze and Blaze" is a contemplation of the self in relation to the vastness of the universe and the inevitable passage of time. The poem opens with a sense of awe and grandeur, inspired by the imposing "North" and its seemingly impervious nature. However, this initial feeling of majesty gradually gives way to a sobering reflection on mortality and the fleeting nature of individual existence, culminating in a poignant acknowledgment of eventual oblivion. The tone shifts from admiration to introspection, and finally, to a quiet acceptance of insignificance.

The Allure and Arrogance of Majesty

One central theme is the seductive power of perceived majesty and the potential for arrogance it fosters. The speaker is initially captivated by the "Bronze and Blaze" of the Northern sky, finding it "So adequate it forms / So preconcerted with itself / So distant to alarms." This self-contained, unyielding nature of the "North" inspires a sense of grandeur within the speaker, leading her to adopt "vaster attitudes" and "strut upon my stem." She even disdains "Men, and Oxygen, / For Arrogance of them," suggesting a temporary elevation above the mundane concerns of human existence. This section explores how external forces can influence self-perception, sometimes leading to feelings of superiority that are ultimately unsustainable.

The Inevitability of Oblivion

Counterbalancing the theme of momentary majesty is the stark reality of human mortality and the eventual insignificance of the individual. The poem acknowledges that the speaker's "Splendors" are merely a "Menagerie," a fleeting spectacle that will eventually be overshadowed by the enduring "Completeless Show" of the world. The concluding stanzas focus on the future, a time "When I, am long ago, / An Island in dishonored Grass / Whom none but Beetles know." This image of complete anonymity and decay sharply contrasts with the initial sense of grandeur, highlighting the transient nature of human existence and the certainty of oblivion. The imagery of the "Island in dishonored Grass" powerfully conveys a sense of isolation and forgotten existence.

Contrasting Permanence and Transience

A key symbol in the poem is the "North," representing permanence, indifference, and the vastness of the universe. Its "Bronze and Blaze" suggest a powerful, enduring presence that exists independently of human affairs. In contrast, the speaker's "Splendors" and even her very self are portrayed as transient and ultimately insignificant. This contrast underscores the human tendency to overestimate our importance in the grand scheme of things. The image of the beetles who will be the only witnesses to the speaker's final resting place symbolizes the ultimate reduction of human significance to a biological fact. The "North" stands as a constant reminder of the temporary nature of human existence when juxtaposed with the rest of the universe.

Final Insight: Humility in the Face of Eternity

In conclusion, "Of Bronze and Blaze" is a poignant exploration of the human condition, oscillating between moments of inspired grandeur and the sobering awareness of mortality. The poem uses vivid imagery and contrasting themes of majesty and oblivion to highlight the fleeting nature of individual existence in the face of the vast, indifferent universe. Ultimately, the poem suggests the importance of humility and perspective, reminding us that while we may experience moments of perceived greatness, we are all, in the end, destined to become "An Island in dishonored Grass." The poem forces the reader to ponder their own place in the universe and the legacy they will leave behind, questioning whether arrogance or acceptance is the more appropriate response to the inevitable march of time.