Poem Analysis - The Flower Must Not Blame The Bee

Brief Overview: A Delicate Rebuke

Emily Dickinson's "The Flower Must Not Blame The Bee" is a short yet potent poem that explores the complexities of relationships and societal expectations. The poem initially presents a gentle understanding of natural attraction, suggesting a tolerance for what might seem intrusive. However, it quickly pivots to a more assertive tone, advocating for boundaries and control. This shift in mood underscores the poem's central concern with agency and the right to self-determination, cloaked in the imagery of a flower, a bee, and a well-mannered servant.

The Dance of Desire and the Right to Refuse

One of the poem's central themes is the tension between natural desire and the assertion of personal boundaries. The opening lines, "The Flower must not blame the Bee / That seeketh his felicity / Too often at her door," suggest a certain acceptance of the bee's pursuit of nectar, representing a natural, perhaps even inevitable, attraction. Here "felicity" is a metaphor for joy, pleasure, and satisfaction that the bee finds in the flower. However, this initial tolerance gives way to a demand for self-protection. The flower, while understanding the bee's instincts, ultimately has the right to control access to itself. This right to refuse unwanted attention is further elaborated in the rest of the poem.

The Power of "No": Asserting Control

The poem subtly critiques societal expectations that might pressure the "flower" to be perpetually available. The second stanza introduces a human element – the "Footman from Vevay," a detail that adds a layer of social convention to the natural interaction. Vevay, a town in Switzerland, was known for its hospitality industry, suggesting the footman is a representative of proper etiquette and service. The footman is instructed to deliver the message, "Mistress is not at home to say / To people any more!" This is a direct assertion of control, a declaration that the "flower" (now implied to be a "Mistress") has the power to deny access. The finality of "any more!" emphasizes the firmness of this decision, highlighting the poem's advocacy for clear boundaries.

Imagery and Symbolism: Decoding the Garden

The poem's imagery is simple yet evocative. The "Flower" and the "Bee" function as potent symbols of attraction and desire. The bee, driven by instinct, represents the force of nature and the pursuit of pleasure. The flower symbolizes vulnerability and the potential for exploitation. The footman, a figure of refined manners and service, adds a layer of societal expectation and the possibility of managing one's public image. Is the poem about a romantic relationship? Or could the bee represent societal expectations pressing down on the "Flower" to be ever-giving of time and attention? Perhaps the poem invites us to reflect on how gendered assumptions influence our understanding of such interactions.

Concluding Thoughts: The Sweetness of Self-Determination

In conclusion, "The Flower Must Not Blame The Bee" is a nuanced exploration of the dynamics of attraction, consent, and self-determination. It moves from a position of apparent tolerance to a firm assertion of personal boundaries. Through vivid imagery and a subtle shift in tone, the poem underscores the importance of agency and the right to say "no," even in the face of natural desire or societal expectations. The poem’s significance lies in its ability to capture the complexities of human interaction with a delicate and insightful touch, leaving us to ponder the power dynamics inherent in our relationships and the importance of upholding personal autonomy.