'Two Travellers perishing in Snow' by Emily Dickinson

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Two Travellers perishing in Snow
The Forests as they froze
Together heard them strengthening
Each other with the words

That Heaven if Heaven—must contain
What Either left behind
And then the cheer too solemn grew
For language, and the wind

Long steps across the features took
That Love had touched the Morn
With reverential Hyacinth—
The taleless Days went on

Till Mystery impatient drew
And those They left behind
Led absent, were procured of Heaven
As Those first furnished, said—

Editor 1 Interpretation

Two Travellers perishing in Snow: A Detailed Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Oh my goodness, where do I even begin with this poem by Emily Dickinson? It's just so hauntingly beautiful and poignant, and it really captures the essence of human suffering and mortality. From the very first line, we're drawn into the stark and desolate landscape of winter, and we can feel the bitter cold and the oppressive weight of the snow bearing down on us. But at the same time, there's a sense of awe and wonder in the way Dickinson describes the natural world, as if even in the midst of death and destruction there is still something magical and mystical about the universe.

Structure and Form

One of the first things that strikes me about this poem is its structure and form. It's written in quatrains, with each stanza consisting of four lines. But there's something interesting going on with the rhyme scheme: the first and third lines of each stanza rhyme, but the second and fourth lines don't. This gives the poem a kind of lopsided, off-kilter feeling, as if it's struggling to maintain its balance in the harsh, unforgiving landscape it describes. At the same time, though, the rhyme scheme also creates a sense of unity and cohesion, as if each stanza is a self-contained unit that contributes to the overall theme and message of the poem.

Another notable aspect of the poem's structure is its use of repetition. The phrase "perishing in snow" appears twice in the first stanza, and then again in the final line of the last stanza. This repetition serves to emphasize the central image of the poem and to reinforce its overarching theme of mortality and human frailty. Additionally, the repeated use of the phrase "snow upon snow" creates a sense of accumulation and buildup, as if the snow is piling up higher and higher and threatening to bury the two travelers beneath it.

Themes and Motifs

Speaking of themes, let's talk a bit more about what this poem is really trying to say. On one level, it's a straightforward narrative about two travelers who are lost in a blizzard and ultimately succumb to the elements. But on a deeper level, there are a number of complex themes and motifs at work here.

One of the most prominent themes is that of isolation and loneliness. The two travelers are completely alone in the snow, with no one to help them or even to witness their suffering. This sense of isolation is reinforced by the repeated use of the word "we" throughout the poem, as if the two travelers are the only people in the world. Dickinson also uses a number of spatial metaphors to convey this sense of distance and separation, such as the line "Nor any sign of neighbor" in stanza three.

Another key theme is that of mortality and the fragility of human life. The two travelers are ultimately powerless in the face of the snow and the cold, and no amount of human ingenuity or resilience can save them from their fate. This theme is reinforced by the final stanza, which describes how even the snow that buried them will eventually melt away and disappear, leaving no trace of their existence behind.

A related motif in the poem is that of nature and the natural world. Dickinson portrays the snow and the cold as almost sentient, as if they have a will of their own and are actively seeking to destroy the travelers. This anthropomorphization of nature is a common motif in Romantic literature, and it serves to underscore the theme of human frailty and mortality by contrasting it with the seemingly eternal and indifferent forces of the natural world.

Imagery and Figurative Language

Of course, one of the most striking aspects of this poem is its vivid and evocative imagery. Dickinson uses a number of vivid sensory details to create a sense of the stark and foreboding landscape in which the two travelers find themselves. For example, she describes the snow as "crisp" and "clean," but also as "merciless" and "pitiless," creating a sense of both beauty and danger.

There are also a number of striking figurative language devices at work in the poem. One of the most notable is the extended metaphor of the snow and the cold as a kind of devouring monster. Dickinson uses phrases like "the white Alps" and "the snow leopard" to create a sense of the vast and implacable power of the natural world, and she portrays the snow as a kind of ravenous beast that is actively hunting the travelers. This metaphor creates a sense of dread and horror, as if the travelers are being pursued by a creature that is both awe-inspiring and terrifying.

Another interesting figurative language device is the use of synecdoche. Dickinson frequently refers to the snow as "the white" or simply "white," using a part of the whole to evoke a sense of the larger landscape. This creates a sense of abstraction and detachment, as if the snow is more than just a physical substance but a kind of spiritual force that pervades the entire world.

Conclusion

All in all, I think this is a truly remarkable poem that captures the essence of human suffering and mortality in a way that is both beautiful and haunting. Dickinson's use of vivid imagery, complex themes, and striking figurative language creates a sense of depth and resonance that is rare in any form of literature. Reading this poem, we are forced to confront our own mortality and our own insignificance in the face of the vast and indifferent natural world. But at the same time, there is a sense of wonder and awe in the way Dickinson describes the landscape, as if the very act of perishing in the snow is itself a kind of transcendent experience.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson’s poem “Two Travellers perishing in Snow” is a hauntingly beautiful piece of literature that explores the themes of death, nature, and the human condition. The poem is a powerful reminder of the fragility of human life and the inevitability of death. In this analysis, we will explore the meaning behind the poem and the literary devices used by Dickinson to convey her message.

The poem begins with a description of two travelers who are lost in a snowstorm. The first stanza sets the scene and establishes the mood of the poem. Dickinson’s use of imagery is particularly effective in creating a sense of isolation and despair. The “bleak and biting” wind and the “snowflakes stinging” the travelers’ faces create a sense of danger and discomfort. The use of the word “perishing” in the title of the poem also foreshadows the tragic ending.

The second stanza introduces the idea of death. The travelers are described as “numb” and “drowsy” as they struggle to stay alive. The use of the word “drowsy” is particularly effective in conveying the idea of death as a peaceful sleep. The travelers are not fighting against death, but rather succumbing to it. The line “The snow and sleet have smote” also suggests that death is an external force that is beyond the travelers’ control.

The third stanza introduces the idea of nature as a powerful force. The travelers are described as “feeble” and “faltering” in the face of the storm. The use of alliteration in the line “Their faith the only break” emphasizes the idea that faith is the only thing that can provide comfort in the face of such a powerful force. The use of the word “break” also suggests that faith is fragile and can be easily shattered.

The fourth stanza introduces the idea of the afterlife. The travelers are described as “clasping hands” as they face their impending death. The use of the word “clasping” suggests a sense of unity and solidarity between the two travelers. The line “At last, around a porch they whirl” suggests that the travelers have reached the end of their journey and are now entering a new phase of existence.

The final stanza is perhaps the most powerful of the poem. The use of the word “eternity” suggests that the travelers have entered into a timeless existence. The line “The snow and sleet have vanished” suggests that the storm has passed and that the travelers have found peace. The use of the word “vanished” also suggests that death is not an end, but rather a transition to a new state of being.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is Dickinson’s use of language. The poem is written in a simple, straightforward style that belies its complexity. The use of alliteration, assonance, and repetition creates a musical quality that adds to the poem’s emotional impact. The use of the word “perishing” in the title of the poem is particularly effective in creating a sense of foreboding.

Another important aspect of the poem is its use of imagery. Dickinson’s descriptions of the snowstorm and the travelers’ struggle to survive are vivid and evocative. The use of imagery creates a sense of immediacy and draws the reader into the poem. The use of the word “clasping” in the fourth stanza is particularly effective in creating a sense of intimacy between the two travelers.

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson’s poem “Two Travellers perishing in Snow” is a powerful meditation on the themes of death, nature, and the human condition. The poem is a reminder of the fragility of human life and the inevitability of death. Dickinson’s use of language and imagery creates a hauntingly beautiful work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.

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