Poem Analysis - The Malay Took The Pearl

Introduction: A Tale of Desire and Fear

Emily Dickinson's The Malay took The Pearl explores themes of desire, fear, and racial inequality through a brief but evocative narrative. The poem's tone shifts from hesitation and regret to resignation, as the speaker reflects on their own inaction and the boldness of another. The imagery of the sea, pearls, and contrasting figures—the "Earl" and the "Swarthy fellow"—creates a layered meditation on worth and opportunity.

Historical Context and Social Implications

While Dickinson's work often avoids direct social commentary, this poem subtly engages with racial and class dynamics of 19th-century America. The contrast between the privileged but fearful speaker and the daring "Negro" or "Malay" hints at societal hierarchies. The poem may reflect Dickinson's awareness of exploitation and the unequal distribution of risk and reward, though her typical focus on personal introspection remains central.

Themes: Fear, Worth, and Inequality

The poem develops the theme of fear through the speaker's reluctance to brave the sea, symbolizing risk. Their desire for the pearl—representing wealth or aspiration—is thwarted by their own hesitation. Meanwhile, the "Swarthy fellow" succeeds, highlighting the theme of inequality; his triumph is dismissed as mere luck ("What lot / Had I the Jewel got"). The speaker's fixation on worthiness ("Praying that I might be / Worthy the Destiny") underscores a deeper anxiety about merit and privilege.

Symbolism: The Pearl and the Sea

The pearl serves as a multifaceted symbol—perhaps of beauty, wealth, or unattainable desire. The sea, described as "Unsanctified," represents the unknown and the risks required to achieve one's goals. The "Dusky Breast" carrying the pearl home contrasts with the speaker's imagined "Vest / Of Amber," suggesting a clash between practicality and idealized privilege. The poem leaves ambiguous whether the pearl's true value is recognized by either character.

Conclusion: A Reflection on Missed Opportunities

Dickinson's poem captures the tension between desire and inaction, framed by societal divisions. The speaker's envy and resignation reveal a flawed understanding of worth, while the marginalized figure's success goes uncelebrated. The poem's power lies in its quiet critique of how fear and prejudice distort human potential, leaving the reader to ponder who truly "owns" the pearl—and at what cost.