Poem Analysis - Of Silken Speech And Specious Shoe

A Bee's Betrayal: Introduction to Dickinson's Critique

Emily Dickinson’s "Of Silken Speech and Specious Shoe" is a concise and cutting critique of fickleness and insincerity. The poem, while seemingly simple on the surface, uses the image of a bee to represent a charming yet ultimately untrustworthy figure. The tone is initially one of deceptive admiration, quickly turning into disillusionment and judgment. This shift in tone reflects the speaker’s growing awareness of the bee’s (and by extension, the charming figure’s) true nature.

Nature's Hypocrite: Theme of Deception

A central theme in the poem is deception, particularly in matters of affection or allegiance. The bee, described as having "Silken Speech and Specious Shoe," presents a facade of elegance and trustworthiness. The word "specious" itself suggests something that appears genuine but is, in reality, false. This theme is further developed through the bee's "service to the newest Grace," implying a constant and superficial devotion to whoever is most appealing at the moment. The poem suggests that outward appearances and charming words can be misleading, masking a lack of genuine commitment.

Fleeting Allegiance: The Fragility of Loyalty

The theme of fragility of loyalty is intricately woven into the poem through the bee’s inconsistent behaviour. The bee's "Suit a chance" and "Troth a Term" indicate that its commitments are temporary and opportunistic. The image of its troth being "Protracted as the Breeze" suggests a fleeting and insubstantial promise. This emphasizes the unreliable nature of the bee's affection or loyalty, portraying it as something that shifts with the slightest change in circumstance. The words "Chance", "Term" and "Protracted as the Breeze" emphasize the transient, conditional nature of the bee's commitment.

Divorce and Disconnect: Theme of Repeated Abandonment

A final prominent theme is repeated abandonment and disconnect. The last two lines, "Continual Ban propoundeth He/Continual Divorce," drive home the bee's treacherous nature. The repetition of "Continual" underlines the recurring pattern of betrayal and broken promises. The bee constantly proposes a "ban," or prohibition, suggesting a rejection of previous connections in favour of new ones. This leads to "Continual Divorce," indicating a permanent severing of ties and an endless cycle of abandonment. It is a relationship where the bee perpetually seeks something new, leaving behind a trail of broken promises and severed connections.

Imagery of the Bee: Symbolism of Fickleness

The bee itself serves as the central symbol in the poem, representing a fickle and unreliable individual. Bees are typically associated with industry and sweetness, but Dickinson subverts this expectation. Instead, she focuses on the bee's indiscriminate attraction to different flowers, turning this natural behavior into a metaphor for a lack of constancy. The "Silken Speech" and "Specious Shoe" add to this image, suggesting a superficial charm used to entice others. It's possible to interpret the "shoe" as a reference to traveling, highlighting the bee’s (and the person it represents) constant movement and unwillingness to settle down. Could the "Grace" that the bee serves represent societal expectations, and the bee's behavior be an indictment of those who prioritize outward appearances and fleeting trends over genuine connection?

Final Buzz: Dickinson's Insight into Deception

In conclusion, "Of Silken Speech and Specious Shoe" is a sharp and insightful poem that uses the seemingly innocent image of a bee to expose the dangers of superficial charm and the pain of broken promises. Dickinson masterfully employs imagery and a shift in tone to convey a sense of disillusionment with those who prioritize fleeting connections over genuine commitment. The poem's significance lies in its timeless relevance, reminding us to look beyond outward appearances and be wary of those whose words and actions do not align.