Poem Analysis - Shall I Take Thee The Poet Said

Introduction: The Elusive Perfect Word

Emily Dickinson's "Shall I take thee, the Poet said" is a compact exploration of the creative process, specifically the poet's search for the perfect word. The poem begins with a deliberate, almost clinical tone, as the poet considers potential words like candidates. This mood shifts subtly as the poem progresses, hinting at a more mystical, even spiritual dimension to the act of artistic creation. The poem conveys a sense of the inadequacy of conscious searching and the unexpected arrival of true inspiration.

The Poet's Quest: A Laborious Search for Meaning

The poem's central theme revolves around the laborious yet ultimately insufficient process of conscious artistic creation. The poet actively "searched Philology," suggesting a deliberate, intellectual approach to finding the right word. This emphasizes the effort and study that poets often invest in their craft. However, the phrase "when about to ring / For the suspended Candidate" indicates a certain level of hesitation and dissatisfaction, even after rigorous searching. It suggests that the consciously chosen word, the "Candidate," is merely "suspended," lacking the spark of true inspiration.

Divine Intervention: Inspiration from an Unseen Source

Another prominent theme in this poem is the idea that true artistic inspiration comes from a source beyond conscious control, a source that might even be divine. The arrival of "That portion of the Vision" "unsummoned" highlights the unexpected and almost mystical nature of inspiration. The reference to "The Cherubim" reinforces this sense of divine intervention. The "Word" that arrives is not "unto nomination," suggesting that it cannot be chosen or dictated by human will. Instead, it is a revelation, a gift from a higher power. This suggests that true art transcends mere craft and becomes a form of spiritual experience.

Vision and the Unseen: Symbols of Transcendence

The poem employs potent symbolism to convey its themes. The "Vision" itself represents the moment of inspiration, a glimpse beyond the ordinary and into the realm of artistic truth. The "Cherubim" serve as symbols of divine intervention, highlighting the spiritual dimension of creativity. The phrase "The Word applied to fill" is also significant, emphasizing the perfect fit and completeness of the inspired word. It is not merely a substitute but a fulfillment, a solution to the poet’s creative dilemma. The "propounded word" acts as a contrast to the "Word applied to fill". The "propounded word" representing the one that is found through active search and the "Word applied to fill" representing one that came naturally to the poet.

The Poet's Choice: Acceptance of the Unforeseen

In summary, "Shall I take thee, the Poet said" explores the complex relationship between conscious effort and divine inspiration in the creative process. Dickinson suggests that while diligent study and searching are valuable, the truly powerful and transformative word often arrives unexpectedly, as a gift from a higher source. The poem serves as a reminder that the act of creation involves both conscious labor and a willingness to embrace the unforeseen, allowing the "Vision" to guide the poet to a deeper artistic truth. The poem ultimately suggests that the most profound artistic expression comes not from what we choose, but from what is revealed to us.