NATURE


Most poets explore the theme of nature in some shape or form, but Dickinson’s exploration is typically unique and innovative. Natural creatures, such as birds and snakes, are conveyed in such rich imagery that is clearly the result of long study on Dickinson’s part.


The movement of the snake through the grass is vividly described in ‘A narrow Fellow in ‘The Grass divides as with a Comb –/ A spotted Shaft is seen –,/ And then it closes at your feet/ And opens further on –’. Similarly, in ‘A Bird came down the Walk’, the bird’s eyes are brilliantly described as ‘frightened Beads’, while the texture of his feathered head is ‘velvet’. Dickinson  another aspect of nature, the sea: ‘And he unrolled his feathers/ And rowed him softer home –/ Than Oars divide the Ocean,/ Too silver for a seam –’.


The beauty of nature is really seen at the close of ‘A Bird came down the Walk’ and  in the midday sun is conveyed:  swim’. In the latter the speaker is intoxicated by nature itself, inebriated by the fresh air and morning dew: ‘Inebriate of Air – am I –/ And Debauchee of Dew –’. The blue of the summer sky is vividly portrayed: ‘Reeling – thro endless summer days –/ From inns of Molten Blue –’.


An interesting aspect of Dickinson’s exploration of this theme is that, unlike humans, every other creature on Earth seems   are content with their place in nature: ‘When “Landlords” turn the drunken Bee/ Out of the Foxglove’s door –/ When  their “drams” –/ I shall but drink the more!’ Dickinson also mentions bees in ‘The Soul has Bandaged moments’, again showing their contentment: ‘As do the Bee – delirious borne –/ Long Dungeoned from his Rose –/ Touch Liberty – then know no more –/ But Noon, and Paradise’  bring You Jewels – had I a mind to’: ‘Flickering to itself – in the Meadow –’. Dickinson says that   world, thus revealing her view that nothing is more precious and rewarding than nature.


LEAVING CERTIFICATE HIGHER LEVEL


113


Emily Dickinson


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