“What Soft – Cherubic Creatures – These Gentlewomen are –” Emily Dickinson’s poem opens with a seemingly innocent observation. Yet, within these lines lies a sharp critique of a particular type of woman prevalent in 19th-century American society. Dickinson, known for her unconventional style and thought-provoking themes, uses this poem to expose the artificiality, fragility, and conformity that she saw in these “Gentlewomen.”
Key Takeaways
- Dickinson’s poem critiques a specific type of woman common in her time, known as the “Gentlewoman.”
- The poem’s language and imagery highlight their artificiality, fragility, and shallowness.
- Dickinson’s critique is rooted in her own experience as an independent woman challenging societal norms.
- The poem uses religious language to underscore the hypocrisy and spiritual emptiness of these women.
Emily Dickinson: A Woman Ahead of Her Time
To understand Dickinson’s critique, we must first understand the context in which she lived. The 19th century was a time of rigid gender roles, especially among the upper class. Women were expected to be demure, submissive, and focused on domestic life. Dickinson, however, was a fiercely independent woman who never married and often challenged societal expectations through her poetry.
Her poem “What Soft – Cherubic Creatures –” is a prime example of this challenge. It serves as a commentary on the women who adhered to the societal expectations of her time, those whom she referred to as “Gentlewomen.” These women were often admired for their refinement and delicacy, but Dickinson saw through this façade and exposed the shallowness beneath.
Unveiling the Artificiality: A Close Reading of the Poem
Dickinson’s choice of words and imagery in the poem is deliberate and revealing. Let’s break down some key terms:
- Soft – Cherubic Creatures: This phrase initially seems complimentary, but upon closer inspection, it’s infantilizing and dehumanizing. Cherubs are often depicted as babies or young children, suggesting a lack of maturity and independence. Calling these women “creatures” further reduces their agency.
- Plush / Star: These words evoke a sense of fragility and distance. Comparing the women to plush toys implies they are delicate and easily broken, while comparing them to stars suggests they are aloof and unreachable.
- Dimity Convictions: Dimity is a sheer, lightweight fabric. By describing the women’s convictions as “Dimity,” Dickinson implies that their beliefs are flimsy and insubstantial.
- Freckled Human Nature: This phrase stands in stark contrast to the artificiality of the “Gentlewomen.” It represents authenticity and imperfection, qualities that the Gentlewomen seem to despise.
- Fisherman’s Degree: This allusion to the disciples of Jesus, who were simple fishermen, highlights the contrast between their humble faith and the “Gentlewomen’s” superficial piety.
This table summarizes the key words and phrases in the poem and their implications:
| Word/Phrase | Connotation | Dickinson’s Critique |
|---|---|---|
| Soft – Cherubic Creatures | Childlike, delicate, not fully human | Emphasizes the women’s lack of agency and depth |
| Plush | Stuffed toy, easily damaged | Suggests fragility and artificiality |
| Star | Distant, cold, unapproachable | Highlights the women’s detachment from reality |
| Dimity Convictions | Flimsy, insubstantial beliefs | Criticizes the women’s lack of genuine conviction |
| Freckled Human Nature | Natural, imperfect, authentic | Contrasts with the “Gentlewomen’s” artificiality |
| Fisherman’s Degree | Simple, humble faith | Implies the “Gentlewomen” are spiritually lacking |
Religious Imagery and Hypocrisy
Dickinson’s poem is not just a critique of social expectations; it also touches on religious themes. The use of words like “cherubic” and the allusion to “Fisherman’s Degree” create a religious undertone. This allows Dickinson to question the sincerity of the Gentlewomen’s piety. Their “Dimity Convictions” and their rejection of “freckled Human Nature” suggest a shallow faith that is more concerned with appearances than genuine spirituality.
Related Questions (Part 1):
- What is the meaning of “What Soft – Cherubic Creatures –”?
- The poem is a critique of a specific type of woman in 19th-century society. It exposes the artificiality, fragility, and shallowness of these “Gentlewomen” while questioning their religious piety.
- What poetic devices does Dickinson use in the poem?
- Dickinson employs a variety of poetic devices, including simile, metaphor, and allusion. She uses vivid imagery and contrasting language to create a stark picture of the Gentlewomen and their world.
- How does Dickinson’s own life experience inform her critique of these women?
- As an independent woman who defied societal expectations, Dickinson had a unique perspective on the limitations imposed on women in her time. Her personal experiences likely fueled her critique of the Gentlewomen and their conformity to societal norms.
Dickinson’s Broader Commentary on Women and Society
The Gentlewoman Archetype: A Constructed Ideal
In 19th-century America, the “Gentlewoman” was a cultural archetype embodying idealized femininity. She was expected to be refined, delicate, well-educated, and focused on maintaining a respectable household. However, this image was often a carefully constructed facade, masking the realities of women’s lives and limiting their agency.
Dickinson’s poem challenges this idealized image. She uses satire and irony to expose the shallowness and artificiality of the Gentlewoman archetype. The Gentlewomen in her poem are not presented as individuals with unique personalities or aspirations; instead, they are portrayed as a collective of conforming figures who prioritize appearances over substance.
Through her critique, Dickinson hints at an alternative model for women. While not explicitly stated, her poem suggests that women should embrace their individuality, reject societal pressures to conform, and pursue intellectual and spiritual fulfillment. This message resonated with many women of her time who were also challenging traditional gender roles.
The Role of Religion: A Double-Edged Sword
Religion plays a significant role in Dickinson’s poem. The Gentlewomen are described as being “ashamed” of “freckled Human Nature” and “Deity.” This suggests that their religious beliefs are not rooted in genuine faith but rather in a fear of imperfection and a desire to maintain a spotless image.
The religious imagery in the poem serves a dual purpose. It highlights the hypocrisy of the Gentlewomen, who prioritize social conventions over genuine spiritual connection. It also reflects the broader societal context in which religion was often used to control and confine women’s lives.
Modern Relevance: The Persistence of the Gentlewoman
While the term “Gentlewoman” may seem outdated, the archetype it represents is not entirely extinct. In today’s society, we can still find women who prioritize appearances, conform to societal expectations, and shy away from embracing their authentic selves. Social media, with its curated feeds and emphasis on image, can sometimes perpetuate these pressures.
However, there are also many women who are challenging these norms, just as Dickinson did in her time. They are embracing their individuality, speaking out against injustice, and pursuing careers and passions that defy traditional expectations. The spirit of Dickinson’s critique continues to resonate in the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the celebration of diverse female identities.
Dickinson’s poem, though written over a century ago, remains relevant today. It serves as a reminder that societal expectations can be limiting and that true fulfillment comes from embracing our individuality, pursuing our passions, and challenging the status quo.
FAQs: Exploring Dickinson’s Views on Women and Society
Q: Was Emily Dickinson a feminist?
A: The question of whether Emily Dickinson was a feminist is a complex one. Feminism as a movement and a set of ideologies didn’t fully emerge until after Dickinson’s lifetime. However, her poetry often challenged traditional gender roles and societal expectations for women.
In “What Soft – Cherubic Creatures –,” Dickinson critiques the idealized image of the “Gentlewoman” and suggests a preference for authenticity and individuality over conformity. This can be seen as a proto-feminist stance, as it questions the restrictive norms imposed on women in the 19th century.
However, Dickinson’s views on gender were not always straightforward. Some of her poems express a more ambivalent attitude towards marriage and domestic life. It’s important to remember that Dickinson was a product of her time, and her views on gender were likely shaped by the cultural context in which she lived.
Q: What other poems by Dickinson explore similar themes?
A: Several of Dickinson’s poems touch on themes related to identity, conformity, and societal expectations. Here are a few notable examples:
- “I’m Nobody! Who are you?”: This poem celebrates the freedom of being an outsider and critiques the desire for social recognition.
- “Tell all the truth but tell it slant”: This poem suggests that truth is often too harsh to be directly confronted and must be approached indirectly.
- “My Life had stood – a Loaded Gun”: This poem explores the power of female agency and the desire for self-expression.
These poems, like “What Soft – Cherubic Creatures –,” offer a glimpse into Dickinson’s complex and nuanced views on women’s roles and societal expectations. They continue to resonate with readers today, sparking conversations about gender, identity, and the challenges of living authentically in a world that often demands conformity.
