A Charm Invests a Face by Emily Dickinson
The poem explores the idea that beauty and charm are fleeting and can be deceiving. It suggests that a person's physical appearance may not necessarily reflect their inner qualities. The speaker notes that a charming face can hide flaws and imperfections, making it difficult to discern true character. The poem also touches on the theme of appearances vs reality, highlighting the tension between how we present ourselves to others and our true nature.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Romantic · 62 words
First lines
A charm invests a face / Imperfectly beheld, -- / The lady dare not lift her veil / For fear it be dispelled.
But peers beyond her mesh, / And wishes, and denies, -- / Lest interview annul a want / That image satisfies.
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romantic — Themes of beauty, desire, and the idealized image align with Romantic literary traditions.
- Symbolism — The use of veils and imagery suggests deeper symbolic meanings, a hallmark of Symbolist literature.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature Imagery · Symbolism · Mortality · Beauty · Charm · Face · Personification · Imagery · Metaphor
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A Charm Invests a Face is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emily Dickinson, dated 1890 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Emily Dickinson
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Romantic, Symbolism
- Length: 62 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
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