Emily Dickinson

Tis Opposites Entice

poem 355

Tis Opposites Entice - meaning Summary

Longing for What Is Denied

The poem explores how absence and opposites create desire. People who lack something—grace, sight, freedom, warmth—are drawn to the very qualities they do not possess, imagining them as precious. That paradox of longing applies to the speaker’s relationship with the beloved or the divine: desire is intensified by deprivation, and even an inferior or minimal presence can be idealized because it is withheld. The poem ends on a personal, intimate note.

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‘Tis Opposites entice Deformed Men ponder Grace Bright fires the Blanketless The Lost Day’s face The Blind esteem it be Enough Estate to see The Captive strangles new For deeming Beggars play To lack enamor Thee Tho’ the Divinity Be only Me

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