Poem Analysis - Speech Is A Prank Of Parliament

Introduction: The Heart's Silent Burden

Emily Dickinson’s “Speech is a Prank of Parliament” is a brief, potent exploration of the disparity between outward expression and inner feeling. The poem’s tone is initially cynical, almost dismissive of language and emotion, but it subtly shifts to a more contemplative and empathetic understanding of the heart's capacity for silent suffering. It suggests that true emotional weight is often unseen and unspoken, residing deep within. The poem's core is a quiet acknowledgement of the heart's hidden burdens.

The Unreliability of Expression: A Core Theme

One of the primary themes of the poem is the unreliability of outward expression. Dickinson suggests that speech and tears, often considered indicators of emotion, are merely superficial performances. "Speech is a prank of Parliament" implies that language, governed by convention and societal rules, is often deceptive or trivial. Similarly, "'Tears' is a trick of the nerve" devalues emotional displays as mere physical reactions, lacking genuine depth. This theme underscores a sense of distrust in conventional methods of communicating inner feelings.

Silence as Strength: The Heart's Unseen Weight

The poem also explores the theme of silence as a form of strength or endurance. The heart burdened with "the heaviest freight" does not necessarily express its suffering outwardly. This implies that the most profound emotions are often those that remain unspoken and unseen. The phrase "doesn't always move" could mean the heart doesn't necessarily express itself outwardly, or that it might be emotionally stunted, but the lack of outward expression does not negate the existence of inner turmoil. The poem grants dignity to those who bear their burdens in silence.

The Burdens We Carry: The Metaphor of "Freight"

The image of the heart carrying "the heaviest freight" is a central symbol in the poem. “Freight” evokes a sense of heavy, substantial weight, representing the emotional burdens and sorrows that accumulate within a person. The use of the word “heaviest” amplifies this weight, suggesting an almost unbearable burden. The metaphor suggests that the heart is a vessel, silently carrying its heavy load, and that its capacity for silent endurance is significant. This powerful image underscores the poem's understanding that emotional burdens can be immense, even if they are not always outwardly visible.

Concluding Insight: Beyond Words

In conclusion, "Speech is a Prank of Parliament" is a concise yet powerful meditation on the limits of expression and the depths of silent suffering. Dickinson's poem questions the authenticity of outward displays of emotion, suggesting that true feeling often resides in the quiet endurance of the heart. The poem leaves us contemplating the weight of our own unseen burdens and the recognition that the most profound emotions are often those that transcend words. It highlights the dignity in silence, and the unspoken truths carried within.