Poem Analysis - They Shut Me Up In Prose

Introduction: A Cry for Freedom

Emily Dickinson's "They Shut Me Up In Prose" is a powerful exploration of confinement and the struggle for intellectual and creative freedom. The poem unfolds with a sense of frustrated resignation, depicting a speaker forcibly restrained from expressing herself. The tone is initially subdued, almost childlike in its recounting of the imprisonment, but it gradually escalates into a defiant assertion of the speaker's inner power. This transformation highlights the enduring human spirit's ability to resist oppression, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

The Suppression of the Creative Spirit

One of the main themes is the suppression of the creative spirit, specifically as it pertains to a female voice. Dickinson uses the metaphor of being "shut up in Prose" to represent the constraints placed upon her by societal expectations and perhaps even literary conventions of her time. "Prose" can be seen as a symbol of rigid, structured thought, the opposite of the expansive, imaginative realm of poetry where Dickinson truly thrives. The image of a "little Girl" being put in a "Closet" further emphasizes the disempowerment and infantilization the speaker experiences when forced into conformity.

Internal Rebellion and the Power of the Mind

The poem also develops the theme of internal rebellion. Despite the physical confinement, the speaker's mind remains free and active. "Still! Could themself have peeped/And seen my Brain go round" suggests that the true battleground is within the speaker's mind, where her thoughts and ideas continue to swirl and evolve. This imagery shows that while the body can be imprisoned, the intellect remains untamed. The comparison to a bird imprisoned "For Treason in the Pound" implies that the speaker's unconventional thoughts are seen as a threat by those who seek to control her.

Transcendence Through Imagination and Will

Transcendence emerges as another key theme. The speaker contrasts her own situation with that of "Himself," who "has but to will/And easy as a Star/Abolish his Captivity." This "Himself" could represent a higher power, inner strength, or even a male author figure granted a freedom denied to the speaker. The image of abolishing captivity "easy as a Star" suggests the immense power of will and imagination to overcome obstacles. While the speaker acknowledges that she "no more have I" this ease of escape, the line also conveys a sense of longing and a hint of continued hope for eventual liberation.

Symbols of Confinement and Freedom

The poem is rich in symbolism. The "Closet" serves as a potent symbol of confinement and restriction, representing both physical and intellectual limitations. The "Bird" embodies the free spirit and the power of creative expression. The "Star," in contrast to the closet, symbolizes boundless freedom and potential. "Prose" itself acts as a symbol of the rigid, conforming world that seeks to stifle individuality. The question remains whether the speaker’s inability to laugh represents complete despair, or a determined silence masking an inner resolve for future escape.

Conclusion: An Enduring Legacy of Defiance

In conclusion, "They Shut Me Up In Prose" is a powerful and poignant expression of the struggle for intellectual and creative freedom. Through potent imagery and evocative language, Emily Dickinson captures the frustration and defiance of a spirit constrained by societal expectations. The poem serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of resisting conformity and celebrating the power of individual expression. Its enduring significance lies in its ability to resonate with anyone who has ever felt silenced or oppressed, inspiring them to find their own voice and break free from the constraints that bind them.