Emily Dickinson

Consider Dickinson’s uses of literary devices such as irony, imagery, and metaphors.

Dickinson’s usage of imagery at the beginning of the poem sets a melancholy setting as if all hope is gone. It brings imagery of a “white flag” meaning a lost and their “feet reluctant to led”, bringing the relationship with the other to a halt. Her use of imagery connects with nature and is used to paint an unforgiving picture of romance. Along with that, her irony in her metaphors of “Hope” and “Faith” where they were looked up upon in relationships was torn apart in her eyes. Many people are taught growing up to use hope and faith to believe in romance but instead, she believes that it can distract the truth. She also discusses “The Brain” as something physical to have the power to mentally and physically affect others. Her irony represents the lack of faith Dickinson has for romance. Dickinson ends the poem with “Or every man be blind -” relating to the metaphor earlier of “Success in Circuit lies”. Dickinson encourages others to not be blinded by romanticism because the success in relationships can be made up of lies.