Poem Analysis - She Dealt Her Pretty Words Like Blades

Introduction: The Sharpness of Beauty

Emily Dickinson's "She Dealt Her Pretty Words Like Blades" is a compact and cutting exploration of the power of language to wound. The poem presents a woman who uses beautiful words as weapons, seemingly unaware of the pain she inflicts. The tone is initially detached and observational, shifting to a more critical and even slightly cynical perspective on human sensitivity and mortality. This shift highlights the disconnect between the speaker's perception and the harsh reality of the pain caused.

The Weaponization of Language: Pretty Blades

One of the primary themes in this poem is the destructive power of language. Dickinson uses the striking metaphor of "pretty words like Blades" to illustrate how words, even those intended to be beautiful or harmless, can inflict deep wounds. The imagery of "glittering" blades that "unbared a Nerve" or "wantoned with a Bone" emphasizes the visceral impact of these words. The word "wantoned" is especially important, suggesting a careless or even playful cruelty in the way these words are wielded, highlighting the speaker's (or the woman's) lack of awareness of the consequences. This theme underscores the idea that language is not merely a tool for communication but a potent force capable of causing significant pain.

Apathy and the Privileged Perspective

The poem also explores the theme of apathy, specifically the indifference of the powerful to the suffering they cause. The lines "She never deemed she hurt – That is not Steel’s Affair" suggest a profound lack of empathy on the part of the woman wielding the "blades." Steel, in this context, represents the weapon (her words) and the person wielding it; it is presented as uncaring and unaffected by the damage it inflicts. This reinforces the idea that those in positions of power or privilege often remain oblivious to the pain experienced by others. This leads to a consideration of how the speaker views the inflicted suffering, reducing it to "A vulgar grimace in the Flesh," further distancing the speaker from any true comprehension or empathy.

Mortality and the Inevitability of Pain

Finally, the poem delves into the theme of mortality and the human condition, framing pain as an inherent part of existence. The lines "To Ache is human not polite—The Film upon the eye—Mortality’s old Custom—Just locking up to Die" present suffering as an inevitable aspect of being human. The "Film upon the eye" is a striking image suggesting the gradual dimming of life, a prelude to death. Pain and the "old Custom" of dying are framed as impolite, almost an inconvenience, highlighting the societal discomfort with acknowledging mortality. This theme suggests that vulnerability and susceptibility to pain are intrinsic to our mortal existence.

Symbols and Unresolved Questions: The Film Upon the Eye

The symbol of the "Film upon the eye" is particularly potent. It can be interpreted as a symbol of the fading of life, a metaphorical representation of the aging process and the approach of death. It also suggests a blurring of perception, perhaps indicating a gradual withdrawal from the world or a dimming of awareness. Could it also symbolize a lack of clarity or understanding – that perhaps those who cause pain are themselves living with a "film" over their eyes, preventing them from truly seeing the impact of their actions? This ambiguity invites further reflection on the complexities of human perception and empathy.

Conclusion: The Enduring Sting of Words

In conclusion, "She Dealt Her Pretty Words Like Blades" is a powerful meditation on the destructive potential of language, the indifference of those in power, and the inevitability of pain in the human condition. Through vivid imagery and a shift in tone, Dickinson exposes the dark side of seemingly harmless words, revealing their capacity to wound and emphasizing the profound disconnect between intention and impact. Ultimately, the poem serves as a stark reminder of the enduring sting of words and the importance of empathy in our interactions with others.