Poem Analysis - The Savior Must Have Been A Docile Gentleman

A Gentle Savior's Journey

Emily Dickinson's "The Savior Must Have Been A Docile Gentleman" is a short but potent meditation on the Nativity. The poem presents Jesus as a gentle and approachable figure, emphasizing the immense distance and difficulty of his journey to Earth for humanity's sake. While the poem begins with a tone of reverence, it subtly shifts towards a personal reflection on the speaker's own relationship with faith and the concept of sacrifice.

The Theme of Effortless Grace

One key theme is the grace and ease with which Christ is imagined to have undertaken his mission. The phrase "docile Gentleman" immediately establishes this impression. Dickinson contrasts this apparent ease with the actual magnitude of his sacrifice. The poem's impact stems from this juxtaposition: the incredible distance of the journey to Bethlehem is minimized by describing Jesus as gentle, only to be amplified in the second stanza which implies the journey to be rugged for anyone else. This theme speaks to the belief in Christ's humility and willingness to endure suffering for the sake of humanity.

Distance as Metaphor

The concept of distance functions as a powerful symbol within the poem. The "far so cold a Day" and the "rugged Billion Miles" emphasize not only the physical journey to Bethlehem but also the spiritual distance between the divine and humanity. This distance is bridged by the Savior's arrival, highlighting his role as a mediator. The line "Since He and I were Boys / Was leveled" introduces an intriguing element, suggesting that the speaker feels a personal connection to this journey, as though it has been made easier for her specifically. The leveling of the road could also symbolize a personal understanding of faith or a simplified path to salvation offered by Christ.

The Image of the Rugged Journey

The image of the "rugged Billion Miles" stands out as a particularly vivid and evocative symbol. It represents the immense effort and sacrifice involved in Christ's incarnation. The choice of the word "rugged" evokes a sense of difficulty and hardship, while "Billion Miles" emphasizes the vastness of the undertaking. While the first stanza paints a picture of ease, the second paints a counter picture. The fact that the distance has been "leveled" for the speaker raises questions about individual faith and the perceived ease of salvation. Was it truly easy for the Savior, or just easy for us because of Him?

A Lasting Reverence

In conclusion, "The Savior Must Have Been A Docile Gentleman" is a compact yet profound exploration of the Nativity. The poem uses the imagery of distance and the contrast between ease and difficulty to highlight the sacrifice of Christ. It reflects on the accessibility of faith. The poem's lasting significance lies in its ability to prompt reflection on the nature of faith, the immensity of sacrifice, and the individual's relationship with the divine.