Nemesis
Nemesis - meaning Summary
Inevitability of Consequence
Emerson’s "Nemesis" argues that certain outcomes are inevitable despite desire, charm, or effort. Images of blushes, birds returning, and a fleeing maiden show human impulses and their predictable consequences. The poem contrasts sentimental attempts to avert fate—prayers, coaxing, or art—with a moral force that enforces balance. Nemesis represents retribution or cosmic justice that tightens its hold regardless of virtue, genius, or human striving.
Read Complete AnalysesAlready blushes in thy cheek The bosom-thought which thou must speak; The bird, how far it haply roam By cloud or isle, is flying home; The maiden fears, and fearing runs Into the charmed snare she shuns; And every man, in love or pride, Of his fate is never wide. Will a woman's fan the ocean smooth? Or prayers the stony Parcae sooth, Or coax the thunder from its mark? Or tapers light the chaos dark? In spite of Virtue and the Muse, Nemesis will have her dues, And all our struggles and our toils Tighter wind the giant coils.
Feel free to be first to leave comment.