Poem Analysis - They Put Us Far Apart

Introduction: Defiant Love in the Face of Oppression

Emily Dickinson's "They Put Us Far Apart" is a powerful testament to the enduring strength of love in the face of seemingly insurmountable opposition. The poem begins with a sense of enforced separation and quickly escalates to depict various forms of persecution. Despite these oppressive forces, the tone remains defiant, fueled by an unyielding connection between two souls. The poem moves from describing physical and mental barriers to celebrating the unwavering love that transcends all obstacles, ultimately finding solace and paradise in each other's presence.

The Shadow of Authority: Exploring Themes of Oppression and Resistance

The poem explores themes of oppression, resistance, and enduring love. The initial lines establish a context of enforced separation, with "They" acting as a vague but powerful force seeking to divide the lovers. The use of imagery like "Sea" and "unsown Peninsula" suggests vast, unbridgeable distances created by this authority. However, the poem quickly shifts to a tone of resistance, highlighting the lovers' ability to overcome these barriers. The lines "I see Thee each responded straight / Through Telegraphic Signs" suggest a clandestine communication, a defiance of the imposed restrictions. This theme of resistance culminates in the lovers' refusal to recant or forget, even when faced with the ultimate threat of death. The poem's focus on the souls seeing "just as well" despite physical constraints emphasizes the indomitable nature of love, which cannot be extinguished by external forces. It is a celebration of inner strength and resistance against external oppression.

Seeing Beyond the Visible: The Power of Love as a Guiding Light

One of the most potent symbols in the poem is the lovers' ability to "see" each other despite the barriers erected by "They." This "seeing" transcends physical sight. The phrase "They took away our Eyes / They thwarted Us with Guns" speaks to the futility of attempting to sever the connection between the lovers. Their love provides them with a kind of internal vision that penetrates the "opaquest Adamant" of their oppressors' defenses. This symbolic "seeing" culminates in the final stanza, where "Each other’s Face was all the Disc / Each other’s setting saw." Here, the lovers find their entire world, their sun and horizon, in each other’s presence, rendering external forces irrelevant. Love becomes the guiding light, the source of meaning and comfort in a world that seeks to deny them both.

The Refusal to Forget: Perjury of the Self and the Allure of Remembrance

The lines "Permission to recant / Permission to forget / We turned our backs upon the Sun / For perjury of that" reveal a powerful rejection of forced amnesia. "The Sun" can be interpreted as truth or societal acceptance. To recant or forget their love would be a betrayal of their true selves, a "perjury." This deliberate turning away from external validation signifies their commitment to their bond, even if it means facing condemnation. Dickinson suggests that some truths are worth more than societal approval or even life itself. The poem leaves open the question of whether this act of defiance brings ultimate liberation or further suffering, but it undeniably underscores the unwavering strength of their commitment.

Paradise Found: The Enduring Power of Mutual Love

In conclusion, "They Put Us Far Apart" is a profound exploration of love's ability to withstand even the most oppressive forces. Through vivid imagery, a defiant tone, and recurring symbols of sight and separation, Dickinson crafts a powerful message about the resilience of the human spirit. The poem suggests that true love provides its own paradise, a sanctuary where external threats lose their power. Ultimately, the poem celebrates the enduring strength of connection that transcends physical boundaries and societal pressures, finding ultimate meaning and fulfillment in the presence of the beloved.