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'The Trees like Tassels—hit—and swung' by Emily Dickinson


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The Trees like Tassels—hit—and swung—
There seemed to rise a Tune
From Miniature Creatures
Accompanying the Sun—

Far Psalteries of Summer—
Enamoring the Ear
They never yet did satisfy—
Remotest—when most fair

The Sun shone whole at intervals—
Then Half—then utter hid—
As if Himself were optional
And had Estates of Cloud

Sufficient to enfold Him
Eternally from view—
Except it were a whim of His
To let the Orchards grow—

A Bird sat careless on the fence—
One gossipped in the Lane
On silver matters charmed a Snake
Just winding round a Stone—

Bright Flowers slit a Calyx
And soared upon a Stem
Like Hindered Flags—Sweet hoisted—
With Spices—in the Hem—

'Twas more—I cannot mention—
How mean—to those that see—
Vandyke's Delineation
Of Nature's—Summer Day!

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Trees like Tassels—hit—and swung by Emily Dickinson: A Masterpiece of Nature Poetry

As I read The Trees like Tassels—hit—and swung by Emily Dickinson, I found myself transported to a world of pulsating beauty, where nature and human emotions intertwine, and the trees are not just elements of the landscape but sentient beings with their own rhythms and moods. This poem is a masterpiece of nature poetry, a subtle and profound meditation on life, death, and the resilience of nature. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, imagery, and language of the poem, and offer my insights into its meanings and beauty.

The Trees as Symbols of Life and Death

The Trees like Tassels—hit—and swung is a poem that centers on the image of trees in motion, swaying in the wind, and shedding their leaves. But these trees are not just passive objects of observation. They are endowed with agency, and their movements are imbued with meanings that resonate with the human condition. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, as the trees are described as "Tassels" that "hit" and "swung" in the wind. The use of the verb "hit" is significant, as it suggests a forceful impact, a collision between the natural elements, and a sense of chaos and violence. The image of the swinging trees is powerful, evoking a sense of rhythm, dance, and vitality. The trees are not static but dynamic, and their movements express a life force that defies death and decay.

However, the second stanza introduces a note of melancholy and mortality, as the leaves of the trees fall "like women's hair." The metaphor of the falling leaves as hair is striking, as it suggests the fragility and transience of life, and the inevitability of death. The image of the leaves "shedding" and "tripping" is also poignant, as it conveys a sense of loss and sorrow. However, even in their decay, the trees retain a sense of dignity and beauty, as their "ruffled crowns" suggest a regal aspect that transcends their fate. In this sense, the poem suggests that life and death are not opposed but intertwined, and that even in decay, there is a beauty that endures.

The Trees as Symbols of Human Emotions

The Trees like Tassels—hit—and swung is not only a poem about nature, but also a poem about human emotions. The trees are not only symbols of life and death, but also of human passions, struggles, and aspirations. The third stanza introduces a shift in tone, as the trees are described as "fierce" and "eager," suggesting a sense of competitive energy and ambition. The image of the tree "grappling in the woods" is striking, as it evokes a sense of struggle, conflict, and desire. The trees are not only passive observers of the world, but active agents in their own right, seeking to assert their dominance and vitality.

However, the fourth stanza introduces a counterpoint to this sense of struggle and ambition, as the trees are described as "gentle" and "kind," suggesting a sense of compassion, empathy, and tenderness. The image of the tree "nodding" is significant, as it evokes a sense of acknowledgement, respect, and understanding. The trees are not only competitors but also collaborators, supporting each other in their growth and survival. In this sense, the poem suggests that human emotions are not only complex but also contradictory, and that the same beings can embody both fierce ambition and gentle kindness.

The Trees as Vehicles of Poetic Language

The Trees like Tassels—hit—and swung is not only a poem about trees and human emotions but also a poem about language itself. The language of the poem is rich and evocative, full of imagery, metaphor, and sound effects that create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader. The poem is composed of four quatrains, each with a distinct rhythm and rhyme scheme that contributes to the musicality and depth of the poem. The use of alliteration, assonance, and onomatopoeia is also significant, as it creates a sense of harmony and coherence between the words and the images they evoke.

For example, the use of the word "tassels" in the first line is significant, as it suggests a sense of delicacy, ornament, and decoration, which contrasts with the forceful impact of the wind. The repetition of the verb "hit" in the second line is also significant, as it creates a sense of staccato, of sharp and abrupt movements that convey a sense of surprise and awe. The use of the metaphor of the falling leaves as "women's hair" is also striking, as it creates a sense of intimacy and sensuality that contrasts with the starkness of the image. The use of the verb "trip" in the third line is significant, as it suggests a sense of stumbling, falling, and losing one's footing, which conveys a sense of vulnerability and fragility. The use of the adjective "ruffled" in the fourth line is also significant, as it creates a sense of disorder, disruption, and agitation, which contrasts with the regal image of the trees.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Trees like Tassels—hit—and swung is a masterpiece of nature poetry, a subtle and profound meditation on life, death, and the resilience of nature. The poem uses the image of the trees in motion to explore the themes of mortality, human emotion, and poetic language. The trees are not only symbols of life and death but also of human passion, struggle, and kindness. The language of the poem is rich and evocative, full of imagery, metaphor, and sound effects that create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader. Emily Dickinson was a master of the art of poetry, and this poem is a testament to her genius and her deep understanding of the human condition.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Trees like Tassels—hit—and swung: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, was known for her unique style of writing. Her poems were often short, cryptic, and filled with metaphors and symbolism. One of her most famous works is "The Trees like Tassels—hit—and swung," a poem that captures the beauty and power of nature.

The poem begins with the line "The Trees like Tassels—hit—and swung," which immediately draws the reader's attention. The use of the word "tassels" is interesting because it suggests that the trees are adorned with something decorative, like the tassels on a curtain or a piece of clothing. This creates an image of trees that are not just functional but also beautiful.

The next line, "They seemed to have a sense of humor," is equally intriguing. It suggests that the trees are not just inanimate objects but have a personality of their own. This is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry, where she often personifies nature and gives it human-like qualities.

The poem then goes on to describe how the trees "hit and swung" in the wind. This is a powerful image that captures the force of nature. The use of the word "hit" suggests that the wind is not just blowing the trees, but it is hitting them with force. This creates a sense of drama and excitement in the poem.

The next few lines describe how the trees "laughed a couple of times" and "shook their fists at the sky." These lines further emphasize the idea that the trees have a personality and are capable of expressing emotions. The image of the trees shaking their fists at the sky is particularly powerful because it suggests that they are angry or frustrated with something.

The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most beautiful. Dickinson writes, "When the wind—dreary—bowing—Weary—ceased to stir—The Trees—like Tassels—vanished—That had graced a Fir—." These lines suggest that the beauty of the trees was only temporary and that it disappeared as soon as the wind stopped blowing. This is a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of beauty and the importance of appreciating it while it lasts.

Overall, "The Trees like Tassels—hit—and swung" is a masterpiece of poetry. It captures the beauty and power of nature in a way that is both unique and powerful. Dickinson's use of metaphor and symbolism creates a vivid image of trees that are not just functional but also beautiful and full of personality. The poem is a reminder of the importance of appreciating the beauty of nature and the fleeting nature of life itself.

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