Poem Analysis - The Amulet

Overall Impression and Tone

The poem The Amulet by Ralph Waldo Emerson presents a speaker grappling with the uncertainties of love and the desire for a tangible connection with a beloved. The tone is initially nostalgic and longing, shifting to a more desperate and anxious plea for reassurance. The speaker's yearning for a concrete sign of love reflects a deep-seated fear of loss and change.

Themes of Love and Uncertainty

The primary theme of The Amulet is the fragility of love and the speaker's struggle with uncertainty. The speaker cherishes mementos like a picture, a ring, and a letter, but these items only serve to highlight the absence of the beloved. The phrase "No tidings since it came" underscores the lack of communication and the speaker's longing for connection. The speaker's desire for an amulet that changes color based on the beloved's feelings illustrates the need for a tangible, reliable sign of love.

Another significant theme is the impermanence of relationships. The speaker acknowledges that "neither bonds nor vows" can guarantee the enduring nature of love. This realization leads to a profound sense of insecurity, as the speaker is tormented by the fear that love may have "Died in its last expression." The use of the word "torments" emphasizes the emotional pain caused by this uncertainty.

Symbolism of the Amulet

The amulet serves as a central symbol in the poem, representing the speaker's desire for a concrete, reliable sign of love. The amulet is described as changing color based on the beloved's feelings, with "red" signifying love and "pale and blue" indicating a lack of affection. This symbol highlights the speaker's longing for a tangible connection and the reassurance that comes with it. The amulet also represents the speaker's wish for control over the unpredictable nature of love.

The picture, ring, and letter are also significant symbols. These items represent the speaker's attempts to hold onto the past and the beloved's memory. However, they also serve to highlight the absence of the beloved and the speaker's longing for a more tangible connection. The letter, in particular, is a poignant symbol of the lack of communication and the speaker's desire for news from the beloved.

Conclusion

The Amulet explores the speaker's struggle with the uncertainties of love and the desire for a tangible connection with a beloved. Through the use of vivid imagery and powerful symbols, Emerson conveys the emotional pain caused by the fear of loss and the longing for reassurance. The poem ultimately highlights the fragility of love and the human need for connection and security in relationships. The speaker's plea for an amulet that changes color based on the beloved's feelings underscores the desire for a tangible, reliable sign of love in an uncertain world.