I am growing handsome very fast indeed! I expect I shall be the belle of Amherst when I reach my 17th year. I don't doubt that I shall have perfect crowds of admirers at that age. Then how I shall delight to make them await my bidding, and with what delight shall I witness their suspense while I make my final decision.
The quote, "I am growing handsome very fast indeed! I expect I shall be the belle of Amherst when I reach my 17th year. I don't doubt that I shall have perfect crowds of admirers at that age. Then how I shall delight to make them await my bidding, and with what delight shall I witness their suspense while I make my final decision," comes from Emily Dickinson, the renowned 19th-century American poet. This quote reveals a playful and somewhat ironic side of Dickinson, who is often seen as introspective and reclusive in her poetry. Here, she speaks about her own youth, anticipating the attention and admiration she expects to receive as she grows older.
Dickinson's reference to becoming the "belle of Amherst" is a nod to her local community in Amherst, Massachusetts, where she lived most of her life. In a humorous and exaggerated tone, she imagines herself as the most desirable and sought-after young woman in the town, which would be the position of the "belle" in a social context. The idea of being admired and desired by "crowds of admirers" plays on the conventions of romantic attention often associated with young women in the 19th century.
However, the most striking part of the quote is her delight in the suspense and power she imagines she will have over these admirers. By saying, "how I shall delight to make them await my bidding," Dickinson reveals a sense of playful dominance in her imagined role. She anticipates enjoying the control she would have over her admirers' emotions, delighting in the suspense and tension she would create by keeping them waiting for her decision.
Ultimately, this quote reflects Dickinson’s witty, sarcastic, and somewhat self-aware perspective on beauty and attention. While she might be portraying an exaggerated fantasy of romantic power, the playful tone suggests that Dickinson was not likely serious in imagining herself as the center of attention. Instead, the quote serves as a glimpse into her youthful imagination and ironic humor, where she toys with societal expectations of women while perhaps subtly critiquing them.
TTPham Thuy Trang
This passage presents Dickinson as a clever and self-assured young woman, enjoying the fantasy of social dominance and admiration. It’s interesting to consider how this playful anticipation reflects broader themes of agency and desire in her life. How might this youthful confidence inform our understanding of the more subtle power dynamics in her poetry?
LHBinh Le Huynh
I find it fascinating how Dickinson embraces the idea of being admired and having admirers ‘await her bidding.’ It’s a vivid expression of youthful empowerment and control that contrasts with the more reserved image of her later years. Does this suggest she longed for social influence or simply enjoyed imagining it? What does this tell us about the complexities of her character?
8NGia Bao 8\1 Nguyen
This quote feels like a window into the imaginative and spirited mind of young Emily Dickinson. Her anticipation of admiration and the suspense she plans to create shows a keen understanding of social power and performance. I wonder if this playful confidence was a mask or a genuine trait. How does this insight change our view of Dickinson’s personality beyond her poetry?
SSsp sp
Reading this, I can’t help but smile at Dickinson’s cheeky self-portrait. It’s fascinating to contrast this youthful exuberance with the more introspective and somber image we usually associate with her poetry. Does this reveal a hidden facet of her identity, or perhaps a wish for social freedom and control? How might this affect our interpretation of her life and work?
KVLy Hoang Khanh Vy
I’m struck by the lighthearted tone and vivid imagination in this passage. Dickinson seems to relish the idea of being admired and wielding that influence with delight. It raises questions about how young people, especially women in her time, viewed social dynamics and power. Was this an act of rebellion, fantasy, or sincere confidence? What might it reveal about her personality and social context?