Poem Analysis - They Have A Little Odor That To Me

A Fragrant Appreciation

Emily Dickinson's "They have a little Odor that to Me" is a short, evocative poem that celebrates the understated beauty and lingering impact of certain experiences or individuals. The tone is appreciative and almost reverential, suggesting a deep admiration for something subtle yet powerfully resonant. The poem doesn't necessarily shift in mood, but rather builds upon its initial sense of delicate appreciation to suggest a lasting legacy. It transforms a simple sensory experience into a metaphor for artistic and personal significance.

Subtlety and Significance

One of the central themes of the poem is the idea that true value can often be found in the understated. The "little Odor" isn't overpowering or immediately noticeable, yet it possesses a profound effect on the speaker. This suggests that the most meaningful experiences or qualities aren't always the loudest or most ostentatious. The poem elevates the subtle and overlooked to a position of artistic and personal importance. This theme is developed through the use of sensory imagery, specifically the olfactory sense. The "Odor" becomes a symbol of something more profound, something that transcends mere physical sensation.

The Lingering Essence of Greatness

Another theme explored in the poem is the enduring quality of artistic or personal greatness. The phrase "spiciest at fading indicate" suggests that the true essence of something remarkable becomes most apparent as it begins to disappear. This implies that the impact of a person or artwork lingers long after their physical presence or initial encounter has faded. The "Habit of a Laureate" further reinforces this idea, associating the "Odor" with the lasting legacy of a great poet. The laurel wreath, a symbol of poetic achievement, suggests that the speaker recognizes a certain brilliance that continues to resonate even in absence. This hints at a kind of immortality achieved through enduring influence.

Odor as a Metaphor

The poem's central symbol is the "little Odor" itself. It is not merely a scent, but a metaphor for the intangible qualities that make something or someone special. It could represent the lingering influence of a mentor, the memory of a cherished experience, or the enduring power of art. The odor is "metre nay ’tis melody," linking it to both rhythm and tune, suggesting that it holds the essence of poetic artistry. The phrase "Habit of a Laureate" links the odor to a poet, suggesting it may refer to the impact a poet has on those who have read their work. Given Dickinson's own intensely private writing life, could the "Odor" perhaps represent the recognition she craved, a subtle indication that her work would have a lasting impact even after her death?

A Lasting Fragrance

In conclusion, "They have a little Odor that to Me" is a concise yet deeply resonant exploration of the power of subtlety and the enduring nature of greatness. Through the evocative image of a lingering scent, Dickinson suggests that true value often resides in the understated and that the impact of remarkable individuals or experiences can persist long after their initial presence has faded. The poem celebrates the quiet but potent influence of art and the lasting legacy of those who possess a certain "Habit of a Laureate," leaving a fragrant reminder of their significance.