Poem Analysis - Patience Has A Quiet Outer

Introduction: The Facade of Patience

Emily Dickinson's "Patience has a Quiet Outer" explores the deceptive nature of patience, revealing a turbulent inner struggle beneath a calm surface. The poem starts with a seemingly straightforward observation but quickly delves into a more complex and unsettling portrayal of the emotional cost of enduring. The tone shifts from a neutral description to a more agitated and even desperate depiction of the inner turmoil associated with forced patience. This poem reveals the hidden battles fought in the name of composure.

The Illusion of Serenity

The initial lines, "Patience has a quiet Outer—/Patience Look within," immediately establish a dichotomy. The "quiet Outer" suggests a calm facade, a serene exterior presented to the world. However, the subsequent imperative, "Patience Look within," directs attention to the concealed reality. This sets the stage for the poem's central theme: the discrepancy between outward appearance and inner experience. The smooth, gentle start contrasts sharply with the agitated imagery that follows, highlighting the effort required to maintain this illusion of serenity.

Theme: The Futility of Inner Conflict

One of the main themes of the poem is the futility of the internal conflict that underlies patience. The lines "Is an Insect’s futile forces/Infinites between—/'Scaping one against the other/Fruitlesser to fling—" paint a vivid picture of this internal struggle. The image of an "Insect’s futile forces" suggests a small, insignificant being battling against overwhelming odds, representing the individual's efforts to contain their emotions. "Infinites between" implies the vastness of the emotional space and the impossibility of truly resolving the internal tension. The phrases "'Scaping one against the other" and "Fruitlesser to fling" underscore the ultimately unproductive nature of this inner battle. No matter how hard one tries, the underlying unrest remains, making genuine resolution impossible. This develops a theme of helplessness under pressure, revealing the painful costs of maintaining composure when fighting inner torment.

Theme: The Mask of the Smile

Another key theme is the forced nature of happiness or contentment when experiencing difficulty. Dickinson expresses this through the image of a smile: "Patience is the Smile's exertion/Through the quivering—". Here, the smile is not an expression of genuine joy but rather a deliberate effort, a "Smile's exertion." This emphasizes the active work required to maintain a positive outward appearance. The word "exertion" suggests strain and effort, further reinforcing the idea that the smile is a mask. The phrase "Through the quivering" reveals the underlying instability and emotional vulnerability that the smile is meant to conceal. The image suggests a delicate balance, where the forced smile barely manages to contain the trembling emotions beneath the surface. This suggests the great cost of appearing outwardly positive, and further expands on the difficulty and ultimate cost of maintaining outward displays of "patience".

Symbolism: The Insect and the Quivering

The insect serves as a potent symbol of the individual's inner turmoil. It represents the small, fragile self struggling against immense, overwhelming forces. The "Infinites between" not only emphasizes the vastness of the inner conflict but also suggests a sense of isolation, as the individual feels alone in their struggle. The "quivering" in the final line symbolizes the barely suppressed emotions that threaten to break through the surface of forced composure. It's a visual and visceral reminder of the constant effort required to maintain the facade of patience. This "quivering" creates a lasting impression of inner fragility, the precariousness of the imposed calm, and the great effort of holding back any strong emotion.

Conclusion: A Costly Virtue

In "Patience has a Quiet Outer," Emily Dickinson unveils the hidden cost of outward composure. By contrasting the calm exterior with the turbulent inner world, she exposes the immense effort and internal struggle required to maintain patience. The poem's power lies in its ability to reveal the deceptive nature of appearances and the human toll of suppressing genuine emotions. Through vivid imagery and carefully chosen language, Dickinson suggests that while patience may be valued, its price can be an exhausting and ultimately fruitless internal battle. This poem leaves the reader to consider the necessity and value of "patience" with all of the costs accounted for.