Poem Analysis - Portraits Are To Daily Faces

A Fleeting Beauty

Emily Dickinson’s "Portraits Are To Daily Faces" is a short, evocative poem that explores the contrast between idealized representations and everyday reality. The tone is contemplative and somewhat wistful, comparing the artificiality of portraits to the genuine, though perhaps less glamorous, nature of daily life. The poem achieves this comparison through striking imagery, particularly the comparison of portraits to the sunset and daily faces to the daytime sun. While brief, the poem encapsulates a larger commentary on art, beauty, and the human experience.

The Illusion of Permanence

One of the central themes in the poem is the illusion of permanence versus the reality of fleeting moments. Portraits, traditionally designed to capture a lasting image of an individual, are likened to an "Evening West," a scene of transient beauty. This suggests that the idealization inherent in portraits is as temporary as the sunset itself. Conversely, "daily faces," while perhaps less striking or refined, represent the consistent, ongoing reality of life. Dickinson implies that the enduring truth resides not in carefully constructed representations but in the ordinary, unadorned faces we encounter daily. The sunset, beautiful as it is, fades quickly, much like the memory of a perfectly posed portrait.

Surface vs. Substance

The poem also delves into the contrast between surface appearance and deeper substance. The "fine, pedantic sunshine" wearing a "satin Vest" represents the daily, perhaps mundane, aspects of life. This sunshine is described as "pedantic," implying a sense of rigidity or formality, suggesting that the everyday can sometimes feel overly structured or even pretentious. The "satin Vest," however, is merely a superficial adornment. By contrasting this with the natural grandeur of an "Evening West," Dickinson suggests that true beauty and significance lie beyond mere outward appearances. The poem questions whether the polished presentation of a portrait can ever truly capture the essence of a person in the same way that the raw beauty of nature surpasses the artificiality of a satin vest.

Symbolism of Light and Dark

The poem uses light and dark as powerful symbols. The "Evening West" evokes a sense of mystery, depth, and a fleeting beauty. It signifies something special but unattainable, like the idealized image of a portrait. The "pedantic sunshine" represents the harsh reality of the day, the ever-present, sometimes monotonous aspects of existence. The contrast between these two images highlights the difference between the idealized and the real. One interpretation could be that Dickinson is suggesting that while we may strive for the idealized beauty represented by the portrait (or the sunset), true value and meaning are found in the everyday, even with its perceived flaws. But could the "pedantic sunshine" in its "satin Vest" also be interpreted as a critique of societal expectations and the pressure to conform to a certain image?

Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, "Portraits Are To Daily Faces" is a concise yet profound meditation on the nature of beauty and reality. Through vivid imagery and carefully chosen words, Dickinson contrasts the idealized representation found in portraits with the genuine, though perhaps less glamorous, beauty of daily life. The poem suggests that while we may be drawn to the artificial perfection of art, true meaning and value lie in the ordinary, unadorned faces and experiences that make up our everyday existence. The poem leaves us contemplating the ephemeral nature of beauty and the enduring power of the real.