He Put the Belt Around my Life
The poem explores themes of confinement and restriction, with the speaker's life being encircled by a belt that represents societal expectations and limitations. The speaker feels trapped and suffocated by these constraints, yearning for freedom and autonomy.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Metaphysical, Symbolism · 143 words
First lines
He put the belt around my life, -- / I heard the buckle snap, / And turned away, imperial, / My lifetime folding up / Deliberate, as a duke would do / A kingdom's title-deed, -- / Henceforth a dedicated sort, / A member of the cloud.
Yet not too far to come at call, / And do the little toils / That make the circuit of the rest, / And deal occasional smiles / To lives that stoop to notice mine / And kindly ask it in, -- / Whose invitation, knew you not / For whom I must decline?
What this Textopian page supports
He Put the Belt Around my Life 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, Metaphysical, Symbolism, Philosophical, American Literature
- Length: 143 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
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- Work identity for He Put the Belt Around my Life by Emily Dickinson
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Similar titles
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- I Died For Beauty But Was Scarce by Emily Dickinson
- I Asked No Other Thing by Emily Dickinson
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing poetic devices such as metaphor and imagery.
- Metaphysical — Explores abstract concepts of life, identity, and existential themes.
- Symbolism — Uses symbols like the belt and buckle to convey deeper meanings about control and dedication.
- Philosophical — Reflects on the nature of life and personal transformation.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature Imagery · Symbolism · Metaphor · Personification · Imagery · Figurative Language · Literary Device · Existentialism · Philosophy