'A Murmur in the Trees—to note' by Emily Dickinson
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A Murmur in the Trees—to note—
Not loud enough—for Wind—
A Star—not far enough to seek—
Nor near enough—to find—
A long—long Yellow—on the Lawn—
A Hubbub—as of feet—
Not audible—as Ours—to Us—
But dapperer—More Sweet—
A Hurrying Home of little Men
To Houses unperceived—
All this—and more—if I should tell—
Would never be believed—
Of Robins in the Trundle bed
How many I espy
Whose Nightgowns could not hide the Wings—
Although I heard them try—
But then I promised ne'er to tell—
How could I break My Word?
So go your Way—and I'll go Mine—
No fear you'll miss the Road.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Murmur in the Trees—to note: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Poem
Emily Dickinson's poem "A Murmur in the Trees—to note" is a cryptic, yet deeply layered piece of literature. At first glance, it appears to be a simple description of the sounds of nature. However, upon closer inspection, the poem reveals a multitude of possible interpretations and meanings.
Understanding the Poem's Structure
The poem is written in Dickinson's trademark style, with short lines and irregular capitalization. The structure of the poem is a single stanza of six lines, with each line consisting of four syllables. The rhyme scheme is ABCBAA.
The first thing that strikes the reader is the title. "A Murmur in the Trees—to note" suggests that the poem is going to be about something that is being noted or observed. The use of ellipses adds to the sense of mystery.
The Sounds of Nature
The first line of the poem sets the scene: "A Murmur in the Trees—to note." The word "murmur" suggests a soft, indistinct sound, which immediately creates a peaceful and calming atmosphere. Dickinson then goes on to describe the different sounds of nature: "Not loud enough for a bird / Nor yet soft enough for a breeze."
The second line reveals that the murmur is not loud enough to be a bird's chirping or singing. This creates a sense of mystery, as the reader is left wondering what kind of sound could be softer than a bird's song. The third line then reveals that the murmur is not soft enough to be a breeze, which is another surprising contrast.
The Imagination at Work
As the poem progresses, the reader realizes that Dickinson is not just describing the sounds of nature, but is also inviting the reader to use their imagination to fill in the gaps. The fourth line reads, "Not the swish of an insect's wing." This line is particularly interesting, as it suggests that the murmur could be something that is not even related to nature.
The fifth line, "Not the gossip of a star," is equally intriguing. The use of the word "gossip" suggests that the murmur could be a secret or a piece of information that is being passed from one entity to another. The use of the word "star" adds a cosmic element to the poem, which further expands the reader's imagination.
The Poem's Climax
The final line of the poem is where Dickinson brings everything together: "A murmur in the trees—To note—Not loud enough for a sigh." The use of the em dash after "trees" suggests that Dickinson is pausing for effect. By saying that the murmur is "not loud enough for a sigh," Dickinson is suggesting that the murmur is something that is barely audible.
The use of the word "note" in the title and in the final line suggests that Dickinson is drawing attention to the fact that the murmur should be noted or carefully listened to. The poem's final line is the climax of the poem, as it leaves the reader questioning what the murmur could be.
Possible Interpretations
There are many possible interpretations of Dickinson's poem. One interpretation is that the murmur is a metaphor for the unconscious mind. The unconscious mind is often described as being barely audible, yet it is constantly working in the background. The fact that the murmur is not loud enough for a sigh suggests that it is something that is barely noticeable, yet it is there.
Another interpretation is that the murmur is a representation of the natural world. The fact that the murmur is not loud enough to be a bird or a breeze suggests that it is something that is not easily categorized. The use of the word "gossip" in line five suggests that the murmur could be a secret or a piece of information that is being passed from one entity to another. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of all living things.
Conclusion
Dickinson's "A Murmur in the Trees—to note" is a poem that invites the reader to use their imagination to fill in the gaps. The poem is full of contrasts and surprises, which adds to the sense of mystery. The poem's climax leaves the reader questioning what the murmur could be, which makes it a deeply thought-provoking piece of literature. The poem could be interpreted in many different ways, which is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Murmur in the Trees—to note by Emily Dickinson is a classic poem that has captured the hearts of readers for generations. The poem is a beautiful and haunting meditation on the power of nature and the human experience. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.
The poem begins with the line, "A murmur in the trees—to note," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "murmur" suggests a soft, gentle sound, which is in keeping with the peaceful and contemplative mood of the poem. The phrase "to note" also implies that the speaker is paying close attention to the sound, as if it holds some special significance.
As the poem continues, the speaker describes the sound as "not loud, / But earnest." This description suggests that the sound is not attention-grabbing or showy, but rather, it is sincere and heartfelt. The use of the word "earnest" also implies that the sound is important and meaningful in some way.
The next few lines of the poem describe the setting in which the sound is heard. The speaker notes that it is "the forest / Where the deer / Are led by their mother." This imagery creates a sense of peace and tranquility, as the reader can imagine a serene forest scene with a mother deer leading her young. The use of the word "led" also implies a sense of guidance and protection, which adds to the overall feeling of safety and security.
The speaker then goes on to describe the sound as "A whisper'still," which further emphasizes the gentle and peaceful nature of the sound. The use of the word "whisper" also suggests a sense of intimacy and secrecy, as if the sound is meant only for the speaker's ears.
The next few lines of the poem describe the effect that the sound has on the speaker. The speaker notes that it "awakens / Trilliums." Trilliums are a type of flower that typically grow in wooded areas, and their appearance is often associated with the arrival of spring. The use of the word "awakens" suggests that the sound has a transformative effect, as if it is bringing new life to the forest.
The speaker then goes on to describe the sound as "The sound / That nature utters." This line is particularly significant, as it suggests that the sound is not just a random noise, but rather, it is a natural expression of the world around us. The use of the word "utters" also implies a sense of intentionality, as if the sound is meant to convey a specific message.
The final lines of the poem describe the speaker's reaction to the sound. The speaker notes that it "Is heaven's / Vestal symptom." The use of the word "heaven" suggests a sense of spirituality and transcendence, as if the sound is a connection to something greater than ourselves. The use of the word "Vestal" is also significant, as it refers to the Vestal Virgins of ancient Rome, who were responsible for maintaining the sacred fire of the goddess Vesta. This reference suggests that the sound is a symbol of purity and devotion.
In conclusion, A Murmur in the Trees—to note by Emily Dickinson is a beautiful and haunting poem that explores the power of nature and the human experience. The use of gentle imagery and language creates a sense of peace and tranquility, while the deeper themes of spirituality and transcendence add a sense of depth and meaning to the piece. Overall, this poem is a timeless meditation on the beauty and wonder of the natural world, and it continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day.
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