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'It sounded as if the Streets were running' by Emily Dickinson


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It sounded as if the Streets were running
And then—the Streets stood still—
Eclipse—was all we could see at the Window
And Awe—was all we could feel.

By and by—the boldest stole out of his Covert
To see if Time was there—
Nature was in an Opal Apron,
Mixing fresher Air.

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

Emily Dickinson's "It sounded as if the Streets were running": A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Emily Dickinson's "It sounded as if the Streets were running" is a poem that captures the essence of a moment in time. The poem is a vivid portrayal of the sounds of the city streets that are so familiar to us all. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the themes and literary devices used by the poet.

Context and Analysis

Emily Dickinson lived in Amherst, Massachusetts for most of her life. She rarely left her home and only published a few of her poems. Despite this, her poetry has become a part of the canon of American literature. Her style is characterized by her unique use of language, her unconventional use of punctuation, and her focus on the inner lives of her subjects.

"It sounded as if the Streets were running" was written in the 1860s, a time when the United States was undergoing rapid industrialization and urbanization. The speaker in the poem hears the sounds of the city streets and imagines them as if they were running.

The poem is a brief but powerful depiction of the city's soundscape. The speaker hears the sound of horses, carriages, and people rushing by. The use of the word "running" gives the impression of haste and urgency.

The poem's first two lines set the tone for the rest of the poem: "It sounded as if the streets were running / And then the streets stood still." The contrast between the running streets and the stillness that follows creates a sense of anticipation.

Themes

One of the main themes of the poem is the passage of time. The sound of the streets running creates a sense of movement and change. However, the stillness that follows suggests a moment of pause, a moment of reflection. The poem seems to be saying that even in the midst of constant change, there are moments of stillness that allow us to reflect on what has happened and what is to come.

Another theme of the poem is the urban landscape. The poem describes the sounds of the city streets, the horses and carriages, and the people rushing by. The city is portrayed as a place of movement and energy, but also of noise and chaos.

Finally, the poem touches on the theme of perception. The speaker hears the sound of the streets running and imagines them as if they were actually running. The poem seems to be asking us to consider how we perceive the world around us and how our perception can shape our experiences.

Literary Devices

One of the most striking literary devices used in the poem is personification. The streets are imagined as if they were running, giving them a human quality. This device not only adds to the sense of movement in the poem but also creates a sense of life in the city itself.

Another device used in the poem is imagery. The sounds of the streets are vividly depicted, from the sound of the horses' hooves to the rush of people. The poem uses sensory detail to create a vivid picture of the city streets.

The poem also uses alliteration, as in the line "And then the streets stood still." The repetition of the "s" sound gives the line a sense of stillness and quiet.

Finally, the poem uses a unique form of punctuation. The use of slashes between lines creates a sense of pause and allows the reader to pause and reflect on each line.

Interpretation

On a surface level, "It sounded as if the Streets were running" is a simple poem about the sounds of the city streets. However, on a deeper level, the poem is a meditation on the passage of time and the way we perceive the world around us.

The poem suggests that even in the midst of chaos and change, there are moments of stillness that allow us to reflect and take stock of our lives. The city is portrayed as a place of movement and energy, but also of noise and chaos. The poem seems to be saying that there is beauty in both of these qualities.

Overall, "It sounded as if the Streets were running" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of the urban landscape. The poem's use of personification, imagery, and unique punctuation create a vivid picture of the city streets and the way we experience them.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

It sounded as if the Streets were running - Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, wrote a plethora of poems that have stood the test of time. One such poem is "It sounded as if the Streets were running," which is a masterpiece in its own right. The poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style of writing, which is characterized by her use of unconventional punctuation, capitalization, and syntax.

The poem is a short one, consisting of only two stanzas, but it is packed with meaning and imagery. The first stanza sets the scene, describing the sound of the streets as if they were running. The second stanza takes a more philosophical turn, exploring the idea of life and death.

"It sounded as if the Streets were running" is a poem that is open to interpretation, and there are many ways to read it. Some readers may see it as a commentary on the fast-paced nature of modern life, while others may see it as a reflection on the inevitability of death. Whatever your interpretation, there is no denying the power and beauty of this poem.

The first stanza of the poem is a sensory experience. Dickinson uses vivid imagery to describe the sound of the streets. She writes, "It sounded as if the Streets were running," which is a powerful metaphor that suggests movement and energy. The use of the word "sounded" is interesting because it implies that the speaker is not actually seeing the streets running, but rather hearing them. This creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, as the reader is left to imagine what the streets might look like if they were running.

The second line of the first stanza is equally powerful. Dickinson writes, "And then the Streets stood still." This line is a stark contrast to the first line, and it creates a sense of tension and anticipation. The reader is left wondering why the streets suddenly stopped running, and what might happen next.

The second stanza of the poem takes a more philosophical turn. Dickinson writes, "Eclipse was all we could see at the Window." This line is a metaphor for death, which is often described as an eclipse. The use of the word "we" suggests that the speaker is not alone, but is with someone else who is also experiencing this moment of reflection.

The next line is equally powerful. Dickinson writes, "And awe-motives of the Sun." This line is a reference to the power of the sun, which is often seen as a symbol of life and vitality. The use of the word "awe-motives" suggests that the speaker is in awe of the power of the sun, and perhaps even afraid of it.

The final line of the poem is a powerful one. Dickinson writes, "And then the Windows failed - and then I could not see to see." This line is a metaphor for the end of life, when the windows of the soul fail and we can no longer see. The use of the word "failed" suggests that this is not a natural process, but rather a failure of the body or the mind.

In conclusion, "It sounded as if the Streets were running" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of life and death. Dickinson's use of vivid imagery and unconventional syntax creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, and the poem is open to interpretation. Whether you see it as a commentary on modern life or a reflection on the inevitability of death, there is no denying the power and beauty of this poem.

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