Poem Analysis - Twas Love Not Me

A Plea of Innocence and Conflicted Love

Emily Dickinson's "Twas Love not Me" is a short but intense poem that reads like a desperate plea for absolution. The speaker attempts to deflect blame from herself, attributing her actions and feelings to the overwhelming force of love. The poem begins with a tone of urgent supplication, quickly shifting to one of guilt-ridden self-awareness, and culminating in a stark acceptance of potential punishment. The emotional trajectory maps a struggle between personal responsibility and the perceived power of love as an external force.

Love as the Scapegoat

One of the central themes in the poem is the portrayal of love as an overwhelming and potentially destructive force. The speaker repeatedly insists, "'Twas Love not me," suggesting that she is merely a vessel, an instrument through which love acts. This is not a celebration of love, but rather an acknowledgement of its power to compel actions that might be considered sinful or wrong. The personification of Love, capitalized as "Love," further emphasizes its status as an independent entity, capable of directing human behavior. The final line, "'Twas Love’s Now Strike!" implies an acceptance of the consequences, as though the speaker is resigned to love's ultimate judgment.

Guilt and the Burden of Loving "Most"

The theme of guilt permeates the poem, particularly in relation to the speaker's intensity of feeling. The lines "Such Guilt to love Thee most! / Doom it beyond the Rest" reveal a profound sense of wrongdoing associated with the depth of her affection. This suggests a context where such intense love is forbidden or perceived as inherently sinful. The comparison to Jesus in the line "'Twas base as Jesus most!" is particularly striking. It implies that the speaker’s love is as radical and potentially subversive as Jesus' love was, challenging established norms and therefore attracting condemnation. This adds a layer of complexity, hinting at a love that might be considered blasphemous or transgressive in its intensity.

Imagery of Justice and Mistaken Identity

The poem utilizes stark imagery related to justice and mistaken identity. The lines "Let Justice not mistake / We Two looked so alike" create a sense of confusion and uncertainty. Who is the "Guilty Sake"? The speaker and love are so intertwined that they become indistinguishable in the eyes of justice. This creates a powerful image of blurred boundaries between the individual and the abstract force of love. The "Strike!" in the final line is a visceral image, suggesting a swift and decisive punishment. However, the ambiguity remains: will justice strike the speaker or the abstract "Love"? This creates a lingering sense of unease and unresolved tension.

A Final Reckoning with Love's Power

In conclusion, "Twas Love not Me" is a powerful exploration of love as both a driving force and a potential scapegoat. The poem grapples with the complexities of guilt, blame, and the overwhelming nature of intense emotion. By personifying Love as an independent entity, Dickinson allows the speaker to simultaneously claim innocence and accept responsibility. The poem leaves the reader with a lingering question: to what extent are we truly responsible for actions dictated by the powerful forces of love and desire?