The Devil – Had He Fidelity
The Devil – Had He Fidelity - meaning Summary
Faithful Vice as Friend
Dickinson imagines a paradox: a devil with loyalty would make a superior friend because he has competence, but his essential treachery prevents trust. The poem sketches a moral irony where fidelity, not ability, defines worth. By imagining a renegotiated devil who abandons perfidy, the speaker suggests that character, rather than talent or power, determines whether a being is condemnable or admirable.
Read Complete AnalysesThe Devil – had he fidelity Would be the best friend – Because he has ability – But Devils cannot mend – Perfidy is the virtue That would but he resign The Devil – without question Were thoroughly divine
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