Poetry and Emily Dickinson

Jessica Lynch Professor J. S. Ward
English 270
August 9, 2014
Individual Analysis: “I’m Nobody! Who are you?

Emily Dickinson wrote a masterpiece of a poem called, “I’m Nobody! Who are you?”. The simplicity of the poem is easy to understand and to articulate what the author is portraying. The theme of the poem would be that there are “nobodies” in this world because when you’re a “somebody” life would be difficult. Along with the theme there are a variety of literary elements that creates this poem to be intriguing. These elements include: diction, characterization, form, and the overall significance of the poem. The understanding of the poem, “I’m Nobody! Who are you?” was simple. The author stated that one person was a “nobody”, which lead to a second person found who also shared the same “title” of nobody. As the poem continues, as a reader we start to see the form in which the poem is written. Emily Dickinson used a form in poetry that rhymes but doesn’t at the same time. Through rhyme the reader is able to see the correlation that she continues throughout. The way in which the poem was written, leads the reader to an element called diction. There are some words in which are difficult to comprehend. For instance, the word bog is hardly ever used in the 21st Century. I was unfortunately not able to clearly define “bog” for myself using the internet; this mean there are various definitions that defines what a bog is. I assume it is sometime dreary since it is still defining what a “nobody” is. Diction can vary with everyone; it goes along with what a person already knows in life. Since plot can also vary in poems, Emily Dickinson clearly had a meaning she wanted to point out to her readers. The plot of, “I’m Nobody! Who are you?” is written in the title. As we continue to dissect each line, we come to an understanding that the characters in the poem want to continue to be nobodies. The characters assumption of somebodies is that they’re public figures who’re always viewed indifferently. These somebodies can be wealthy and famous such as the president, actor or actress. When a person is seen as a “somebody”, their “private life” isn’t private anymore. As the “somebody”, you’re giving the outside world the chance to judge you based on looks, style, and so on. From that point on, criticism can be of an issue. Dickinson plays these characters are fortune souls who happen to be nobodies. She doesn’t want them to be portrayed as “somebodies” therefore she writes the first passage as so,
I’m Nobody! Who are you?
Are you – Nobody – too?
Then there’s a pair of us!
Don’t tell! they’d advertise – you know! (Dickinson)

Emily Dickinson gives the two characters the opportunity to not “advertise” themselves for the chances of becoming a “somebody”. As we know almost anyone who goes to New York or Los Angeles has the same thing ingrained into their mind. That they’re going to become “somebodies” or “famous”. Characterizing this specific is fascinating because as the reader we’re able to delve into a life that isn’t ours. Dickinson writes in a way that is familiar. It’s not difficult to read, nor to understand making it all the more intriguing. The use of author contributing literary elements into the poem helps the readers understand her technique and meaning. Of all literature forms, poems would be the most difficult to comprehend. There are various elements in which contribute to the overall meaning the author is portraying. The poem, “I’m Nobody! Who are you?” is an important piece of literature that helps readers understand the difference of “nobodies” and “somebodies”. Emily Dickinson used key elements that help the reader understand her overall moral and theme of the poem. The helpfulness of diction, form, and characterization creates a “blanket” of sorts for the reader of easy comprehension. This poem is relatable to life experiences, especially when young adults are figuring out what they’re meant to do. Dickinson wrote on a level that is amazing and contributes to how life is, whether it was 100 years ago, or in the year 2014. We’re either a “nobody” or a “somebody”.

Reference
Jago, C., Shea, R. H., Scanlon, L., & Aufses, R. D. (2011). Literature and composition: Reading, writing, thinking. Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martin’s.