Poem Analysis - The Blue Jay

A Stoic Celebration of the Unassuming

Emily Dickinson's "The Blue Jay" is a vibrant ode to a creature that thrives even amidst harsh conditions. The poem, while seemingly simple, elevates the blue jay to a symbol of resilience, bravery, and even a subtle form of defiance against the often-stern face of nature. The tone is initially celebratory, almost playfully admiring, but it shifts to one of quiet reverence and a touch of wistful lament as the poem progresses, reflecting on the jay's earthly existence versus the promise of immortality.

The Jay as a Paragon of "Civic" Virtue

One of the central themes in "The Blue Jay" is the celebration of unassuming heroism. Dickinson presents the bird not as a majestic eagle or a soaring hawk, but as a "brigadier" in its own right, fulfilling its role "civic"ly—a word choice that suggests duty and community within its natural sphere. The imagery of the jay "pursuing winds that censure us" emphasizes its courage, as it actively faces the harshness of winter while humans seemingly shrink away. This theme continues through descriptions of the bird's "daring head" and "militant" food supply, further illustrating how the speaker sees the blue jay as a little warrior.

Embracing the Hardships of Existence

Another theme is the acceptance, even the embracing, of hardship. The poem juxtaposes the severity of "heaven" with the jay's intimacy with the snow. This intimacy suggests a deeper connection with the natural world, one where the jay is not intimidated by the frowning sky but finds sustenance and even playfulness in the very elements that might seem hostile. The jay’s indifference towards winter suggests a kind of hardiness that is not just physical but mental, even spiritual.

A Plea for Recognition

The poem also touches on the theme of unrecognized worth. The final stanza directly addresses the perceived unfairness of an immortality that excludes such a vital, robust creature. The blue jay, characterized as a “tonic” and yet also the subject of “dispute,” is presented as a paradoxical figure. The speaker’s final, pointed question emphasizes the jay's deservingness of recognition, implying that the conventional notions of immortality are perhaps flawed or incomplete if they overlook the value of such a resilient earthly being. This prompts us to think about what characteristics we value and what is truly worthy of remembrance.

A Bold Bird in a Bleak Landscape: Symbolism and Imagery

The most prominent symbol in the poem is, of course, the blue jay itself. It represents resilience, courage, and an unwavering spirit. The image of the jay "pursuing winds that censure us" is particularly vivid. The wind, often a symbol of harshness or difficulty, is here personified as actively "censuring" humanity, while the jay boldly confronts it. The "pillow of pungent evergreens" is another striking image, suggesting the jay's resourcefulness and comfort amidst the harshness of winter. The "pompous frown" of the sky is another vivid image, contrasting starkly with the jay's unwavering vitality. The fact that this frown actually nourishes the jay is a paradox, and suggests that hardship is not necessarily a negative thing.

Concluding Remarks: The Immortal Jay

In conclusion, "The Blue Jay" is a complex and surprisingly profound poem that elevates a simple bird to a symbol of enduring strength, resilience, and overlooked value. Dickinson uses vivid imagery and a shift in tone to explore themes of facing hardship, recognizing true worth, and challenging conventional notions of immortality. Ultimately, the poem is a testament to the power of appreciating the unassuming heroes of the natural world, and a plea to reconsider what truly deserves to be remembered.