Deep in the Man
Fate
Deep in the Man - meaning Summary
Inner Fate Shapes Fortunes
The poem argues that a person’s fate is rooted deep within and shapes external fortunes regardless of outward rank. Public action and ambition mask an inner measure unknown even to the subject. Only belatedly does society recognize the individual’s native genius. Emerson links creative power and foresight, suggesting the prophetic anticipation of a work is indistinguishable from the creative impulse that brings it into being.
Read Complete AnalysesDeep in the man sits fast his fate To mould his fortunes, mean or great: Unknown to Cromwell as to me Was Cromwell's measure or degree; Unknown to him as to his horse, If he than his groom be better or worse. He works, plots, fights, in rude affairs, With squires, lords, kings, his craft compares, Till late he learned, through doubt and fear, Broad England harbored not his peer: Obeying time, the last to own The Genius from its cloudy throne. For the prevision is allied Unto the thing so signified; Or say, the foresight that awaits Is the same Genius that creates.
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