'How lonesome the Wind must feel Nights—' by Emily Dickinson
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How lonesome the Wind must feel Nights—
When people have put out the Lights
And everything that has an Inn
Closes the shutter and goes in—
How pompous the Wind must feel Noons
Stepping to incorporeal Tunes
Correcting errors of the sky
And clarifying scenery
How mighty the Wind must feel Morns
Encamping on a thousand dawns
Espousing each and spurning all
Then soaring to his Temple Tall—
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
How Lonesome The Wind Must Feel Nights: An Interpretation of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most enigmatic and fascinating poets in the history of American literature. Her poetry, characterized by its brevity, depth, and intensity, has captivated and challenged readers for over a century. Among her most famous poems is "How lonesome the Wind must feel Nights," a haunting meditation on the loneliness of the natural world. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the various themes, images, and symbols that make this poem a timeless masterpiece.
The Poem
Before delving into the analysis of the poem, let's first read it in its entirety:
How lonesome the Wind must feel Nights When people have put out the Lights And everything that has an Inn Closes the shutter and goes in — How pompous the Wind must feel Noons Stepping to incorporeal Tunes Correcting errors of the sky And clarifying scenery
On the surface, the poem seems simple and straightforward. It consists of two stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza describes how the wind must feel on lonely nights when everything around it shuts down, and the second stanza portrays the wind as a proud and powerful force that corrects the sky's mistakes and clarifies the scenery. However, as with most of Dickinson's poetry, there is much more beneath the surface.
The Themes
One of the central themes of the poem is loneliness, particularly the loneliness of the natural world. The wind, as a natural phenomenon, doesn't have the company of other winds, and it is left alone to roam the earth at night. This idea of solitude is reinforced by the image of people putting out their lights and closing their shutters, suggesting a world that is shutting down and retreating into itself.
Another theme that emerges from the poem is the power of nature. The wind is portrayed as an entity that has agency and purpose, stepping to "incorporeal tunes" and correcting the sky's errors. This personification of the wind gives it a sense of intelligence and intentionality, as if it is a living creature with a mind of its own.
Finally, the poem touches on the idea of perception and how it can be shaped by one's perspective. The wind is described as feeling lonesome at night and pompous during the day, but it is unclear whether these emotions are actually felt by the wind or merely projected onto it by humans. This uncertainty adds to the poem's overall sense of mystery and ambiguity.
The Images
One of the most striking images in the poem is that of the wind feeling "lonesome" at night. The word "lonesome" has a particularly poignant connotation, suggesting a profound sense of sadness and isolation. By using this word, Dickinson humanizes the wind and makes it relatable to the reader, who may also feel lonesome at times.
Another powerful image in the poem is that of people putting out their lights and closing their shutters. This image creates a sense of finality and closure, suggesting that the world is shutting down for the night and that all activity is ceasing. This image is juxtaposed with the wind's continued movement and presence, emphasizing the idea of the natural world as a separate and independent entity.
The image of the wind stepping to "incorporeal tunes" is also intriguing, as it suggests a sense of rhythm and purpose that is beyond our human comprehension. This image elevates the wind to a higher level of importance and suggests that it is part of a larger cosmic dance.
Finally, the image of the wind "correcting errors of the sky" adds a sense of responsibility and duty to the wind's character. This image suggests that the wind is not just a passive force, but an active participant in the natural world who is constantly working to maintain its balance and harmony.
The Symbols
One of the most significant symbols in the poem is the wind itself. The wind is a powerful and dynamic force that can be both destructive and life-giving. By using the wind as a symbol, Dickinson taps into the larger forces of nature and the cosmos, suggesting that there is a larger order at work that we cannot fully understand.
The night and day symbols also play a crucial role in the poem. Night is associated with loneliness, darkness, and closure, while day is associated with pomp, power, and clarity. These symbols create a sense of duality and contrast, emphasizing the idea that the world is made up of opposing forces that balance each other out.
Finally, the image of the wind correcting the sky's errors can be seen as a metaphor for the human desire for control and order. We often try to impose our will on the natural world, but Dickinson suggests that nature has its own order and logic that we cannot fully comprehend.
The Interpretation
So what does "How lonesome the Wind must feel Nights" ultimately mean? Like most of Dickinson's poetry, the answer is open to interpretation. However, one possible reading is that the poem is a meditation on the human condition and our relationship to the natural world. The wind, as a powerful but lonely force, can be seen as a metaphor for the human soul, which is also powerful but often feels isolated and alone.
The contrast between night and day can be seen as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of life, with its ups and downs and moments of clarity and confusion. The wind's role in correcting the sky's errors can be seen as a reminder that we are not in control of everything, and that there is a larger order at work that we cannot fully understand.
Ultimately, "How lonesome the Wind must feel Nights" is a poem that invites us to contemplate our relationship to the natural world and our place in the larger scheme of things. It is a poem that speaks to the human desire for connection and understanding, and the eternal mystery of the universe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "How lonesome the Wind must feel Nights" is a classic Emily Dickinson poem that explores themes of loneliness, power, perception, and the natural world. Through its vivid images and symbols, the poem invites us to contemplate our place in the cosmos and our relationship to the forces that govern it. Like most of Dickinson's poetry, the poem is open to interpretation and rewards careful reading and contemplation.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
How Lonesome the Wind Must Feel Nights: A Poetic Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers even today. One of her most famous poems is "How Lonesome the Wind Must Feel Nights," a hauntingly beautiful piece that explores the loneliness and isolation that can be felt in the dead of night. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and analyze its themes, imagery, and language.
The poem begins with the line "How lonesome the Wind must feel Nights," immediately setting the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "lonesome" is particularly effective, as it conveys a sense of deep sadness and isolation. The fact that the wind is the subject of the poem is also significant, as it is a natural element that is often associated with freedom and movement. However, in this context, the wind is portrayed as a lonely and isolated figure, highlighting the theme of loneliness that runs throughout the poem.
The second line of the poem reads, "When people have put out the Lights." This line is significant because it suggests that the wind is only lonely at night when people have turned off their lights and gone to bed. This creates a sense of contrast between the bustling, busy world of the daytime and the quiet, still world of the night. The fact that the wind is only lonely at night suggests that it is a time when people are most vulnerable to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
The third line of the poem reads, "And everything is dark and still." This line is particularly effective in creating a sense of atmosphere and mood. The use of the word "dark" suggests a sense of foreboding and danger, while the word "still" suggests a sense of quiet and calm. Together, these two words create a sense of tension and unease, as if something is about to happen.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "So lonely must the Wind feel Nights." This line is a repetition of the first line, but with a slight variation. The use of the word "so" emphasizes the depth of the wind's loneliness, suggesting that it is a profound and all-encompassing feeling. The repetition of the first line also serves to reinforce the theme of loneliness and isolation.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "When people have gone to bed." This line is significant because it suggests that the wind is only lonely when people are asleep. This creates a sense of contrast between the busy, active world of the daytime and the quiet, still world of the night. The fact that the wind is only lonely when people are asleep suggests that it is a time when people are most vulnerable to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
The sixth line of the poem reads, "And the windows have all been shut." This line is significant because it suggests that the wind is unable to enter people's homes and be a part of their lives. The use of the word "shut" suggests a sense of closure and finality, as if the wind is being excluded from something important. This creates a sense of tension and conflict between the wind and the people who have shut their windows.
The seventh line of the poem reads, "And the doors have been bolted tight." This line is significant because it suggests that the wind is unable to enter people's homes and be a part of their lives. The use of the word "bolted" suggests a sense of security and protection, as if the people are trying to keep something out. This creates a sense of tension and conflict between the wind and the people who have bolted their doors.
The eighth line of the poem reads, "So lonely must the Wind feel Nights." This line is a repetition of the first and fourth lines, but with a slight variation. The use of the word "so" emphasizes the depth of the wind's loneliness, suggesting that it is a profound and all-encompassing feeling. The repetition of the first and fourth lines also serves to reinforce the theme of loneliness and isolation.
The ninth and final line of the poem reads, "When it is left outside." This line is significant because it suggests that the wind is being excluded from something important. The use of the word "left" suggests a sense of abandonment and neglect, as if the wind is being ignored or forgotten. This creates a sense of sympathy and compassion for the wind, as it is portrayed as a lonely and isolated figure.
In conclusion, "How Lonesome the Wind Must Feel Nights" is a hauntingly beautiful poem that explores the themes of loneliness and isolation. Through its use of imagery and language, the poem creates a sense of atmosphere and mood that is both powerful and evocative. Emily Dickinson's mastery of language and poetic form is on full display in this classic piece, and it continues to inspire and captivate readers even today.
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