Poem Analysis - Purple Is Fashionable Twice

A Fleeting Trend of Power

Emily Dickinson's "Purple is Fashionable Twice" is a concise exploration of power and perception. The poem initially presents a seemingly superficial observation about fashion, but quickly delves into the more profound notion of self-perception and the transient nature of elevated status. The tone is initially matter-of-fact, but shifts to a more contemplative and almost ironic stance as the poem progresses, questioning the genuine nature of perceived power.

The Emperor Within: Themes of Self-Perception

The central theme revolves around self-perception and the illusion of power. The poem juxtaposes the fleeting trend of a color with the more enduring, yet equally potentially illusory, feeling of being an "Emperor." This suggests that both fashion and perceived power are temporal constructs, subject to change and individual interpretation. Dickinson hints that the feeling of being an "Emperor" is not necessarily linked to external validation but is a state of mind. The poem develops this theme by associating a superficial trend (purple fashion) with a deeper, more psychological concept (feeling like an emperor) indicating that both are potentially shallow.

Symbolism of Purple: Power and Transience

The symbol of "Purple" is multi-layered. Historically, purple has been associated with royalty and power, thus initially reinforcing the idea of the "Emperor." However, the poem's emphasis on purple being "fashionable twice" highlights its transient nature. This suggests that power, whether symbolized by a color or embodied in a feeling of self-importance, is ultimately fleeting and subject to the whims of time and circumstance. The image of purple as a returning trend creates a cyclical sense, implying that perceived power comes and goes.

Is Internal Power Real? Questioning the Emperor's Reign

The most vivid image is that of a "soul" perceiving "itself" to be an Emperor. This imagery is significant because it emphasizes the internal nature of the experience. The poem doesn't state that the soul *is* an Emperor, but rather that it *perceives itself* as such. This raises questions about the authenticity and validity of this feeling. Is this self-perception based on genuine merit, or is it a fleeting illusion, akin to the transient trend of purple fashion? The use of "itself" adds to the introspective quality, suggesting a world of internal thought and self-assessment.

Final Thoughts: Internal Monarchy

In conclusion, "Purple is Fashionable Twice" uses the simple image of a returning fashion trend to explore the complex themes of self-perception and the illusion of power. The poem suggests that feeling like an Emperor is a state of mind, potentially as transient and superficial as the color purple's fleeting popularity. Ultimately, the poem provokes reflection on the nature of power, both internal and external, and its susceptibility to the passage of time. The poem leaves us contemplating if inner power or outward expressions of power is more important.