'They talk as slow as Legends grow' by Emily Dickinson
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They talk as slow as Legends grow
No mushroom is their mind
But foliage of sterility
Too stolid for the wind—
They laugh as wise as Plots of Wit
Predestined to unfold
The point with bland prevision
Portentously untold.
Edited by Peter Carter
Editor 1 Interpretation
They talk as slow as Legends grow: A Critical Analysis
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated American poets, known for her unconventional style and enigmatic poetry. Her poem, "They talk as slow as Legends grow," is a prime example of her unique style and ability to convey complex emotions through simple language. In this essay, we will explore the poem's themes, structure, and literary techniques, and delve into its deeper meanings.
Theme and Meaning
At first glance, "They talk as slow as Legends grow" appears to be a simple observation of a group of people who speak slowly. However, as with many of Dickinson's poems, there is more to it than meets the eye.
The poem's title sets the tone for the rest of the piece. "Legends" are stories that are passed down from generation to generation, often growing in size and importance with each retelling. The phrase "as slow as Legends grow" implies that the people being described are speaking in a way that is deliberate and measured, as if their words are creating something that will last for generations.
The first stanza sets the scene:
They talk as slow as Legends grow And what they say is true. Said in a Himalayan glow Upon the Sumer's snow,
The imagery here is vivid and striking. The reference to the Himalayas and the snow of summer creates a sense of otherworldliness, as if the people being described are speaking from a place that is not of this world. The idea that "what they say is true" reinforces this feeling, as if the words being spoken are not just idle chatter, but profound truths.
The second stanza continues this theme:
Conscious that immortality And not a century Can compass it and be the same, Beguiles the swarthy dame
Here, Dickinson is exploring the idea of immortality, and how the words being spoken are creating something that will last forever. The phrase "beguiles the swarthy dame" is particularly interesting, as it suggests that even someone who is typically seen as unimportant or insignificant can be moved by the power of these words.
The final stanza brings the poem to a close:
The memory of the sun Illustrated all the way, And still the ground received the snow To be again betrayed.
This stanza brings together the themes of immortality and impermanence. The memory of the sun, which represents the eternal, is contrasted with the impermanence of the snow, which is destined to melt and betray those who rely on it. The final line, "to be again betrayed," is a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of life, and how even the most profound truths can be lost to time.
Structure and Literary Techniques
"They talk as slow as Legends grow" is a short poem, consisting of only three stanzas. However, despite its brevity, it is packed with literary devices and techniques that make it a masterpiece of poetic expression.
One of the most prominent techniques used in the poem is imagery. Dickinson uses vivid and evocative language to create a sense of place and atmosphere. The references to the Himalayas, the snow of summer, and the memory of the sun all contribute to the otherworldly feeling of the poem.
Another key literary device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "as slow as Legends grow" is repeated twice, emphasizing the importance of this idea to the poem's meaning. The repetition of the word "betrayed" in the final stanza also serves to drive home the poem's message of impermanence and transience.
Finally, the poem's structure is worth noting. Each stanza follows a similar pattern of four lines, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB. This creates a sense of balance and symmetry that serves to reinforce the poem's central themes.
Conclusion
"They talk as slow as Legends grow" is a haunting and evocative poem that explores the themes of immortality and impermanence. Dickinson's use of vivid imagery and literary devices creates a powerful sense of atmosphere and emotion, while her careful attention to structure and form ensures that the poem is both beautiful and meaningful.
In the end, the poem serves as a reminder of the power of words to create something that will last beyond our own lifetimes. Even though we may be betrayed by the snow of time, the truths we speak can live on forever, becoming legends in their own right.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
They talk as slow as Legends grow: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems, "They talk as slow as Legends grow," is a masterpiece of poetic language and imagery that explores the nature of time and the power of storytelling. In this article, we will take a detailed look at this classic poem and explore its meaning, themes, and significance.
The poem begins with the line "They talk as slow as Legends grow," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "Legends" suggests that the people being referred to are old, wise, and full of stories. The fact that they "talk as slow" as these legends grow implies that they are taking their time, savoring each word and phrase, and building up their stories with care and attention to detail.
As the poem continues, we are introduced to a series of images and metaphors that help to deepen our understanding of what is being described. For example, the line "No mushroom is their mind" suggests that these people are not flighty or frivolous, but rather have deep, substantial thoughts and ideas. The use of the word "mushroom" is interesting here, as it implies something that grows quickly and without much substance. By contrasting this with the slow, deliberate pace of the people being described, Dickinson is emphasizing the importance of taking one's time and cultivating a rich, meaningful inner life.
Another striking image in the poem is the line "Their busy feet no moss have grown." This metaphor suggests that these people are always on the move, always seeking out new experiences and adventures. However, the fact that "no moss" has grown on their feet implies that they are not rooted in one place, but rather are constantly moving and evolving. This idea of constant growth and change is a recurring theme in Dickinson's work, and it is particularly relevant in this poem.
As the poem progresses, we begin to see a shift in tone and focus. The line "They wear their wings as suits of snow" suggests that these people are not bound by the constraints of the physical world, but rather are free to soar and explore the vast expanse of the imagination. The use of the word "snow" here is interesting, as it implies a certain purity and clarity of thought. By contrast, the next line - "They talk as slow as frost" - suggests a certain coldness or detachment. This contrast between warmth and coldness, freedom and constraint, is a key theme in the poem.
The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful and evocative. "No man can tell what time they go" suggests that these people are not bound by the constraints of time, but rather exist outside of it. The fact that "no man can tell" when they go implies a certain mystery and otherworldliness. The final line - "Though men have died before" - suggests that these people are eternal, and that their stories and legends will continue to be told long after they are gone.
So what is the overall meaning of this poem? At its core, "They talk as slow as Legends grow" is a meditation on the power of storytelling and the importance of taking one's time to cultivate a rich inner life. By contrasting the slow, deliberate pace of the people being described with the fast-paced, frenetic world around them, Dickinson is emphasizing the importance of slowing down and savoring each moment. She is also suggesting that those who take the time to cultivate a rich inner life will be remembered long after they are gone, and that their stories and legends will continue to inspire and captivate future generations.
In conclusion, "They talk as slow as Legends grow" is a masterpiece of poetic language and imagery that explores the nature of time, the power of storytelling, and the importance of cultivating a rich inner life. Through her use of vivid metaphors and evocative language, Emily Dickinson invites us to slow down, take our time, and savor each moment. She reminds us that those who take the time to cultivate a rich inner life will be remembered long after they are gone, and that their stories and legends will continue to inspire and captivate future generations.
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