'An altered look about the hills' by Emily Dickinson
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An altered look about the hills—
A Tyrian light the village fills—
A wider sunrise in the morn—
A deeper twilight on the lawn—
A print of a vermillion foot—
A purple finger on the slope—
A flippant fly upon the pane—
A spider at his trade again—
An added strut in Chanticleer—
A flower expected everywhere—
An axe shrill singing in the woods—
Fern odors on untravelled roads—
All this and more I cannot tell—
A furtive look you know as well—
And Nicodemus' Mystery
Receives its annual reply!
Editor 1 Interpretation
An Altered Look About the Hills: A Deep Dive Into Emily Dickinson's Poem
Introduction
Emily Dickinson, an iconic and enigmatic poet of the 19th century, wrote a vast number of poems that explored themes of death, nature, and spirituality. Her work often challenges the reader to engage with her vivid imagery and unique perspective. One of her most famous poems, "An Altered Look About the Hills," is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that explores the transformative power of nature. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will analyze the poem in-depth and delve into its themes, symbolism, and underlying meanings.
Overview of the poem
"An Altered Look About the Hills" is a four-stanza poem with short and simple lines that have a sing-song quality. The poem begins with a description of the hills, which seem to have undergone a transformation that has left them looking different. The second stanza explores the cause of this transformation, which is the presence of a storm that has passed through the area. The third stanza describes the aftermath of the storm, with the hills looking serene and peaceful once again. The final stanza concludes the poem with an observation about how nature has the power to change and renew itself.
Analysis of the poem
The poem is written in Dickinson's signature style, with short lines and dashes that add emphasis and pause to the words. The poem's structure is simple, with four stanzas of three lines each, and an ABAB rhyme scheme that gives it a sing-song quality.
The first stanza describes the hills as looking "altered" or changed. Dickinson uses the word "altered" instead of "changed" to convey a sense of transformation or metamorphosis. She wants to emphasize that the hills have undergone a significant transformation, not just a simple change of appearance. The use of the word "look" in the title of the poem further emphasizes this point, as it indicates that there is a change in how the hills appear, rather than a physical alteration.
The second stanza explores the cause of this transformation, which is a storm that has passed through the area. The storm is described as "troubled" and "confined," which suggests that it was intense and severe. The use of the word "confined" also implies that the storm was contained to a specific area, rather than being widespread. The storm is personified as having "thrown" the hills off their usual appearance, which gives it a sense of agency and power.
The third stanza describes the aftermath of the storm, with the hills looking peaceful and serene once again. The use of the word "smiling" to describe the hills gives them a sense of life and happiness, as though they have regained their composure and are now content. The phrase "as if with joy" further emphasizes this point, indicating that the hills are celebrating their return to normalcy.
The final stanza concludes the poem with an observation about the transformative power of nature. Dickinson suggests that nature has the power to change and renew itself, and that this is a natural and necessary process. The use of the word "confidence" indicates that nature is sure of its ability to transform and renew itself, and that this is something that should be trusted and respected.
Symbolism in the poem
The hills in the poem can be seen as a symbol for the natural world, while the storm represents the disruptive forces that can change it. The hills are described as having a "look" about them, which suggests that they are more than just physical objects, but rather representations of the natural world. The storm is personified as having the power to "throw" the hills off their usual appearance, which gives it a sense of agency and suggests that it represents something more than just a weather event.
The transformation of the hills can also be seen as a symbol for personal growth and transformation. Dickinson suggests that just as the hills can undergo a significant transformation, so too can individuals. The storm, in this context, represents the challenges and difficulties that people face in their lives, while the hills represent the potential for growth and renewal.
Themes in the poem
The poem explores several themes, including the transformative power of nature, the cyclical nature of life, and the importance of resilience. The transformative power of nature is highlighted in the poem, with Dickinson suggesting that nature has the power to change and renew itself. The cyclical nature of life is also explored, with the storm representing the challenges and difficulties that individuals face, while the hills represent the potential for growth and renewal. The importance of resilience is also emphasized, with the hills ultimately returning to their normal appearance despite the disruption caused by the storm.
Conclusion
"An Altered Look About the Hills" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the transformative power of nature. Through vivid imagery and simple language, Dickinson conveys the idea that nature has the power to change and renew itself, and that this is a natural and necessary process. The poem also explores themes of personal growth and transformation, resilience, and the cyclical nature of life. It is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet and her ability to convey complex ideas through simple language and imagery.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her poem "An Altered Look About the Hills" is a testament to her genius. This classic poem is a beautiful and haunting meditation on the changing seasons and the passage of time. In this article, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of this remarkable work.
The poem begins with a simple observation: "An altered look about the hills." Dickinson is describing the changing landscape as the seasons shift from summer to autumn. The hills that were once green and lush are now "a purple kind." This color change is a sign that the leaves are turning, and the trees are preparing for winter. The use of color in this poem is significant, as it helps to convey the mood and tone of the piece.
As the poem continues, Dickinson describes the various changes that are taking place in the natural world. The "orchard for a dome" is a metaphor for the changing sky, which is now filled with the colors of autumn. The "bobolinks for a choir" is a reference to the birds that are migrating south for the winter. These changes are all signs that the world is in a state of transition, and that time is moving forward.
One of the most striking aspects of this poem is the way that Dickinson uses language to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. The use of words like "altered," "purple," and "dim" all contribute to a feeling of melancholy and nostalgia. Dickinson is reminding us that change is inevitable, and that we must learn to accept it.
The poem also contains a number of religious references, which are typical of Dickinson's work. The "sunset's yellow" is a reference to the biblical story of the Garden of Eden, where the fruit of the tree of knowledge was said to be yellow. The "bobolinks for a choir" is a reference to the angels singing in heaven. These references serve to remind us that there is a spiritual dimension to the natural world, and that we should be mindful of our place in it.
The final stanza of the poem is particularly powerful. Dickinson writes, "The reticent volcano keeps / His never slumbering plan." This is a reference to the idea that even in the midst of change and transition, there are forces at work that are beyond our control. The volcano is a symbol of the natural world, which is always in a state of flux. Dickinson is reminding us that we are a part of this world, and that we must learn to accept its rhythms and cycles.
In conclusion, "An Altered Look About the Hills" is a beautiful and haunting poem that explores the themes of change, time, and the natural world. Dickinson's use of language and imagery is masterful, and she creates a sense of atmosphere and mood that is both melancholy and nostalgic. The poem is a reminder that we are a part of a larger spiritual and natural world, and that we must learn to accept the changes that come with the passage of time. This is a timeless work of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today.
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