Poem Analysis - The Judge Is Like The Owl

A Whimsical Bargain: Introduction to Dickinson's Poem

Emily Dickinson's "The Judge Is Like The Owl" presents a curious comparison and an even more unusual transaction. The poem begins with an authoritative assertion linking a judge to an owl, sourced from the speaker's father. It then smoothly transitions into an offer of an amber sill, seemingly found on the way to the barn. The tone is initially declarative, bordering on matter-of-fact, before shifting into a more playful and bartering mood as the speaker proposes a unique form of payment. The poem leaves the reader pondering the connections between justice, nature, and artistic expression.

The Authority of Experience and Observation

Although we do not have a specific context to ground our understanding of this poem, we can consider Dickinson's own life and experiences. She lived in a time when patriarchal societal structures were strong, which is reflected in the line "I've heard my Father tell." However, Dickinson was a keen observer of the world around her, especially nature. It is this observation of the natural world, rather than traditional societal structure, that will guide the rest of our interpretation.

Justice, Nature, and Reciprocity: Core Themes

One of the poem's central themes is the relationship between justice and the natural world. The speaker asserts the connection between the judge and the owl, grounding the abstract concept of law in something tangible and natural. This is expanded in the association of the Owls, which embody Justice, and the Oak trees they nest in, which represent the natural world. Secondly, the poem explores the theme of reciprocity and unconventional exchange. The offer of the amber sill, described as "small" in price, is contingent upon a "Tune" chosen by the owl, which is the embodiment of Justice. This suggests a reevaluation of traditional notions of value and payment, preferring artistic appreciation over monetary compensation. The final theme is the power of the night, or the unknown. The owl's song is chosen at "Midnight," signifying the acceptance of the amber sill happens in the depths of the night, or what we cannot see. The Justice is not necessarily visible or out in the open, but always working in the dark.

Amber Sill and Midnight Tune: Symbolic Imagery

The amber sill serves as a powerful symbol within the poem. Found along the path to the barn, it suggests a found object of value, a naturally occurring gem. It represents an opportunity, a resource, or a potential foundation ("serve You for a House"). Its amber color is evocative of warm tones, perhaps indicating a natural comfort. The "Tune" requested in return is equally symbolic. Music, in its intangible and emotional nature, contrasts sharply with the physical sill. The act of the owl selecting "His favorite Refrain" implies a discerning ear, a specific artistic preference, which supports the idea that Justice is an artistic pursuit. Why is it "At Midnight?" Perhaps Justice is best exercised in the quiet of the night, away from the chaotic din of the day. Perhaps Dickinson is suggesting that true justice must be performed when no one is watching, for the sake of justice itself.

A Legacy of Interpretation

In conclusion, "The Judge Is Like The Owl" is a thought-provoking poem that intertwines the concepts of justice, nature, and unconventional exchange. Through vivid imagery and a playful tone, Dickinson challenges us to reconsider our understanding of value and compensation. The poem ultimately invites us to appreciate the profound connections between the natural world and the abstract principles that govern our lives, suggesting that true justice might be found not in courtrooms, but in the quiet appreciation of an owl's midnight tune.