Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Wendy Cope's poem "Emily Dickinson" engages with Emily Dickinson's life and work in a manner that is both whimsical and critical. Cope is known for her humor, her wit, and her ability to cut through layers of pretense to offer poignant observations on both the mundane and the extraordinary aspects of life. Her work often deals with the complexities of relationships, the contradictions in social expectations, and the absurdities of modern living. Here, she turns her lens toward the legacy of Emily Dickinson, one of the most enigmatic figures in American literature.

The poem's form, a double dactyl, contributes significantly to the tone of the work. Double dactyls are a form of light or comic verse, typically comprising two quatrains with a specific rhythm and rhyme scheme. In this case, the form pairs well with the subject matter, allowing Cope to explore a topic of some depth-the idiosyncratic use of dashes in Dickinson's work-without sacrificing her signature wit.

The use of the phrase "Higgledy-piggledy," which essentially means "in a chaotic or disordered manner," immediately captures the reader's attention. It could be interpreted as a light-hearted, somewhat mocking term to describe the way Dickinson's innovative poetic style was received by critics and readers during her lifetime and even today.

Dickinson's use of dashes instead of conventional punctuation marks like full stops (periods) remains one of her most famous stylistic quirks. Cope cleverly juxtaposes this 19th-century idiosyncrasy against the stringent, norm-enforcing critics and editors of the present day, who would "send for the cops." The choice of the word "cops" imbues the poem with contemporary relevance and also creates an exaggerated scenario that amplifies the humor.

But this poem isn't just a humorous jab. At its core, it's a critique of how the literary establishment can sometimes be resistant to unconventional forms of expression, effectively policing the boundaries of what is considered "acceptable" in literature. It's a gentle reminder that some of the most groundbreaking art defies the rules, and that Dickinson's deviations from the norm were part of what made her work so revolutionary.

Cope's poem also prompts us to consider questions about the nature of artistic freedom, the evolving standards of literary criticism, and the ways in which we engage with the work of those who have come before us. It's a deceptively simple poem that invites us into complex considerations, fulfilling one of the most essential functions of good poetry.

Poem Snippet:

Higgledy-piggledy

Emily Dickinson

Liked to use dashes

Instead of full stops.

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