Poem Analysis - Rubies

Initial Impression and Tone

Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Rubies" presents a vivid and contemplative exploration of beauty, desire, and the longing for connection. The poem begins with a sense of wonder and admiration, shifting to a more introspective and melancholic mood as it progresses. The speaker's initial delight in the rubies transforms into a poignant reflection on the barriers that prevent true emotional connection. The tone is both reverent and wistful, capturing the speaker's longing for a deeper, more meaningful experience.

Themes of Desire and Longing

The poem delves into the theme of desire, particularly the desire for connection and love. The rubies, initially described as drops of frozen wine from Eden, symbolize a longed-for but unattainable beauty and purity. The speaker's admiration for the rubies reflects a deeper yearning for something more profound and meaningful. The **imagery** of the rubies as hearts of friends to friends unknown underscores this longing, suggesting that true emotional connection is locked away, much like the tides within the sparkling stone.

Themes of Isolation and Barriers

The theme of isolation is evident in the speaker's reflection on the rubies as hearts locked in stone. The **metaphor** of the rubies as frozen wine and enchanted ice highlights the barriers that prevent emotional warmth and connection. The speaker's question, When shall that sun arise?, emphasizes the sense of isolation and the longing for a force that can thaw the cold and release the locked emotions. This theme of isolation is further reinforced by the idea of love's scarlet tides being locked away, suggesting that true love and connection are elusive and hard to achieve.

Symbolism of Rubies and Fire

The rubies serve as a central symbol in the poem, representing both beauty and the barriers to emotional connection. They are described as drops of frozen wine, hearts of friends, and tides locked in stone, each metaphor emphasizing their dual nature as objects of admiration and symbols of isolation. The **fire** that is needed to thaw the ruddy snow and break the enchanted ice represents the transformative power of love and connection. The speaker's question about the arising of this fire suggests a longing for a force that can overcome the barriers and release the locked emotions. The ambiguity of when this fire will arise leaves the poem open to interpretation, inviting readers to consider their own experiences of desire and connection.

Conclusion

Emerson's "Rubies" is a poignant exploration of desire, isolation, and the longing for connection. Through vivid imagery and powerful symbolism, the poem captures the speaker's admiration for beauty and the barriers that prevent true emotional connection. The rubies, with their dual nature as objects of admiration and symbols of isolation, serve as a central motif that underscores the poem's themes. The speaker's longing for a transformative force that can thaw the cold and release the locked emotions highlights the universal human experience of desire and the search for meaningful connection. The poem's significance lies in its ability to evoke these deep emotions and invite readers to reflect on their own experiences of longing and isolation.