Poem Analysis - To Hang Our Head Ostensibly

Introduction: A Dance of Deception and Inner Truth

Emily Dickinson's "To Hang Our Head Ostensibly" is a short, sharp exploration of pretense and the enduring nature of the inner self. The poem questions the authenticity of outward displays of emotion, suggesting a disconnect between what we show the world and what we truly feel. The tone begins somewhat detached and observational, but shifts to a more pointed, almost accusatory stance, particularly in the second stanza. It's a subtle yet potent critique of societal expectations and the masks we wear. Ultimately, the poem subtly defends the powerful resilience of the human spirit.

The Futility of Feigned Sorrow

One of the central themes in the poem is the futility of pretense, specifically in the context of sorrow or submission. The opening lines, "To hang our head ostensibly / And subsequent, to find / That such was not the posture / Of our immortal mind," immediately establish this disconnect. The word "ostensibly" is crucial; it signals that the act of hanging one's head is a performance, a show put on for an audience. The phrase "immortal mind" suggests that the inner self, the essence of who we are, remains untouched and unaffected by this outward display. The implication is that genuine emotion cannot be faked, and that our true selves are resistant to superficial performances of grief or humility.

Cobweb Attitudes and Gauze Realities: Challenging Superficiality

Dickinson uses striking imagery to further illustrate the theme of superficiality. The phrase "Cobweb attitudes / Upon a plane of Gauze!" is particularly evocative. Cobwebs suggest fragility and insubstantiality, implying that the attitudes being adopted are weak and easily broken. Gauze, a thin and translucent material, reinforces this idea of insubstantiality, representing a reality that is flimsy and easily seen through. The use of "plane" suggests a flat, two-dimensional world, devoid of depth or complexity. Dickinson’s imagery, therefore, challenges the reader to look beyond these thin veils of pretense and seek a deeper understanding of human nature.

The Sly Presumption: A Question of Shared Deception

The line "Affords the sly presumption / That in so dense a fuzz / You too take Cobweb attitudes" reveals another theme: the shared complicity in social performances. The "sly presumption" suggests a knowing wink, an acknowledgment that others also engage in similar acts of pretense. Dickinson implies that we often assume others are as insincere as we are, creating a "dense fuzz" of mutual deception. This theme raises an intriguing question: Are we trapped in a cycle of pretense because we believe everyone else is also pretending? The poem doesn't offer a definitive answer, but it forces us to confront the uncomfortable possibility that our social interactions are often built on a foundation of shared inauthenticity.

A Final Insight: The Unconquerable Spirit

In conclusion, "To Hang Our Head Ostensibly" is a powerful critique of societal expectations and the pressure to conform to artificial displays of emotion. Through vivid imagery and a shifting tone, Dickinson explores the themes of pretense, superficiality, and shared deception. The poem's significance lies in its subtle assertion of the enduring power of the human spirit. Despite the pressures to conform and the temptation to engage in insincere performances, the "immortal mind" remains resilient, suggesting that our true selves are ultimately unconquerable. The poem serves as a reminder to look beyond outward appearances and to value authenticity above all else.