'The Sky is low—the Clouds are mean' by Emily Dickinson
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The Sky is low—the Clouds are mean.
A Travelling Flake of Snow
Across a Barn or through a Rut
Debates if it will go—
A Narrow Wind complains all Day
How some one treated him
Nature, like Us is sometimes caught
Without her Diadem.
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Sky is low—the Clouds are mean: A Critical Interpretation
"The Sky is low—the Clouds are mean" is a poem written by Emily Dickinson, an American poet, in the 19th century. As with many of Dickinson's poems, this poem too is full of ambiguity, symbolism, and hidden meanings. The poem consists of four stanzas, each with two lines and follows a rhyme scheme of ABAB.
A Quick Overview
At first glance, the poem seems to be describing a dreary and depressing scene of a cloudy day. The speaker claims that the sky is low and the clouds are mean. However, as one reads further, it becomes clear that there is much more to this poem than just a description of the weather.
The Sky is Low
The very first line of the poem, "The Sky is low," is striking. The speaker suggests that the sky is not just overcast or cloudy, but low. This description brings to mind a feeling of oppression or confinement. The sky is not free to expand and soar high, but is instead forced to stay close to the earth.
The word "low" could also be interpreted as a metaphor for the speaker's mood or state of mind. Perhaps the speaker is feeling down or depressed, and the low sky reflects this emotional state.
The Clouds are Mean
The second line of the first stanza, "the Clouds are mean," is equally enigmatic. The word "mean" has multiple connotations - it could mean cruel, petty, or even average. In this case, it seems to suggest that the clouds are not just boring, but actively hostile or aggressive.
The use of the word "mean" is interesting, as it is not a word we would normally associate with clouds. However, Dickinson often uses unexpected words to create a sense of surprise and ambiguity in her poetry.
The Heavens seem to be in a Conspiracy
The second stanza of the poem further reinforces the idea that something ominous is happening. The speaker claims that the "Heavens seem to be in a Conspiracy." This statement is intriguing, as it suggests that there is some sort of organized effort taking place in the sky.
The use of the word "Conspiracy" is also significant, as it implies that there is something secretive or hidden happening. The speaker seems to be suggesting that there is more than meets the eye, and that the cloudy sky is a sign of something darker lurking beneath the surface.
A Landscape of Despair
In the third stanza, the speaker describes the landscape around them as "desolate." This word carries connotations of abandonment and loneliness. The use of the word "desolate" suggests that the speaker is feeling isolated and alone, and that the dreary weather is a reflection of this emotional state.
The speaker also describes the "Hills — like a Table" and the "Miles of Stumbling — Gray." These descriptions further reinforce the idea that the landscape is bleak and barren. The use of the word "stumbling" is interesting, as it suggests that the speaker is having trouble navigating through this landscape.
The Owls have been Vocal
In the final stanza, the speaker claims that the "Owls have been vocal." This statement is intriguing, as it suggests that the speaker is not alone in this desolate landscape. The use of the word "vocal" implies that the owls are making their presence known, and perhaps even offering some sort of comfort or companionship to the speaker.
The final line of the poem, "Very near — yet Coarser," is ambiguous. It is not clear what the speaker is referring to when they say "very near." However, the use of the word "coarser" suggests that whatever is nearby is not as refined or gentle as the owls.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Sky is low—the Clouds are mean" is a complex and enigmatic poem that offers much more than a simple description of the weather. Through its use of unexpected words, symbolism, and hidden meanings, the poem explores themes of isolation, despair, and hidden danger.
The poem leaves many questions unanswered, such as: What is the conspiracy in the heavens? What is "very near" to the speaker? However, it is precisely this ambiguity that makes the poem so compelling. Overall, "The Sky is low—the Clouds are mean" is a testament to Emily Dickinson's talent for weaving together intricate and thought-provoking poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Sky is low—the Clouds are mean is a classic poem written by Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned poets of the 19th century. The poem is a beautiful portrayal of nature and its changing moods. It is a short but powerful piece of literature that captures the essence of the sky and the clouds in a unique way.
The poem begins with the line, "The Sky is low—the Clouds are mean." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The sky is described as low, which could mean that it is close to the ground or that it is heavy and oppressive. The clouds are described as mean, which could mean that they are angry or cruel. This line creates a sense of foreboding and sets the stage for the rest of the poem.
The second line of the poem reads, "A travelling flake of snow." This line is interesting because it contrasts with the first line. The snowflake is light and delicate, while the sky and clouds are heavy and mean. This contrast creates a sense of tension and uncertainty. The snowflake is also described as "travelling," which could mean that it is moving quickly or that it is on a journey. This line creates a sense of movement and change.
The third line of the poem reads, "Across a barn or through a rut." This line is interesting because it describes the path of the snowflake. The snowflake is not just falling randomly, but it is following a specific path. The path is described as going "across a barn or through a rut," which creates a sense of familiarity and comfort. The snowflake is not lost or alone, but it is following a path that is familiar to it.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "Debates if it will go." This line is interesting because it personifies the snowflake. The snowflake is not just a piece of snow, but it is a living thing that is capable of making decisions. The snowflake is described as "debating" whether or not it will continue on its journey. This line creates a sense of uncertainty and indecision.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "A narrow wind complains all day." This line is interesting because it describes the wind as "narrow." This could mean that the wind is weak or that it is confined to a small space. The wind is also described as "complaining," which creates a sense of negativity and dissatisfaction. This line creates a sense of discomfort and unease.
The sixth line of the poem reads, "How some one treated him." This line is interesting because it introduces the idea of someone treating the wind poorly. This line creates a sense of mystery and intrigue. Who treated the wind poorly? Why did they do it? This line creates a sense of curiosity and interest.
The seventh line of the poem reads, "Nature, like us, is sometimes caught." This line is interesting because it compares nature to humans. This line creates a sense of empathy and understanding. Just like humans, nature can be caught in difficult situations. This line creates a sense of connection and unity.
The eighth line of the poem reads, "Without her little kinsman." This line is interesting because it refers to the snowflake as the "little kinsman" of nature. This line creates a sense of family and belonging. The snowflake is not just a random piece of snow, but it is a part of nature's family. This line creates a sense of warmth and comfort.
The ninth line of the poem reads, "To be found when it is sought." This line is interesting because it refers to the snowflake as something that can be found. This line creates a sense of hope and possibility. The snowflake is not lost forever, but it can be found if it is sought after. This line creates a sense of optimism and positivity.
The final line of the poem reads, "The silence of the morning sky." This line is interesting because it refers to the sky as silent. This line creates a sense of peace and tranquility. The sky is not just low and mean, but it is also silent and calm. This line creates a sense of resolution and closure.
In conclusion, The Sky is low—the Clouds are mean is a classic poem that captures the essence of nature and its changing moods. The poem is a beautiful portrayal of the sky and the clouds in a unique way. The poem creates a sense of tension, uncertainty, and discomfort, but it also creates a sense of warmth, comfort, and hope. The poem is a powerful piece of literature that reminds us of the beauty and complexity of nature.
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