'The morns are meeker than they were' by Emily Dickinson
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The morns are meeker than they were—
The nuts are getting brown—
The berry's cheek is plumper—
The Rose is out of town.
The Maple wears a gayer scarf—
The field a scarlet gown—
Lest I should be old fashioned
I'll put a trinket on.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Morns are Meeker Than They Were: An In-Depth Literary Criticism
I am thrilled to delve into the intricate and breathtaking world of Emily Dickinson's poetry. Among her many works, "The Morns are Meeker Than They Were" stands out as a stunning piece that captures the essence of nature's beauty and its impact on the human soul. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices employed by Dickinson to create a mesmerizing piece of art.
Background Information
Before we dive into the poem itself, let us first examine the context and background surrounding it. Emily Dickinson was born in 1830 in Amherst, Massachusetts, and lived a reclusive life, rarely venturing out of her home. Despite her isolation, she wrote over 1800 poems, many of which were published posthumously. Her poetry is known for its unconventional style, which deviated from the traditional forms of the time.
"The Morns are Meeker Than They Were" was likely written in the 1860s, a period when Dickinson was at the height of her poetic creativity. The poem's title is significant in that it suggests a sense of nostalgia or longing for a past that is no longer present. The word "morn" refers to morning, a time of new beginnings and fresh starts, suggesting that something has changed or been lost.
Themes
One of the predominant themes in the poem is the transience of nature and the inevitability of change. Dickinson opens the poem with the line, "The morns are meeker than they were," which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the comparative "than they were" implies that something has changed, and that change is not necessarily positive. The word "meeker" suggests a sense of timidity or subduedness, which contrasts with the vibrancy and energy associated with morning.
Another theme that emerges is the idea of the sublime, or the overwhelming sense of awe and wonder that nature can inspire in us. Dickinson writes, "The orchard for a dome, / The glory that was Rome," which juxtaposes the natural world with the grandeur of human civilization. By comparing the orchard to a dome, she suggests that nature can be just as awe-inspiring as any man-made structure. Similarly, the juxtaposition of the orchard with the "glory" of Rome suggests that nature can be just as powerful and enduring as human achievements.
A third theme that emerges in the poem is the idea of mortality and the role that nature plays in reminding us of our own impermanence. Dickinson writes, "The birds fled from the tree," which suggests that the birds are leaving because they know that winter is coming and that they must migrate to survive. This contrasts with the human desire for permanence and stability, and reminds us that we are subject to the same cycles of birth, growth, and decay as the natural world.
Symbols
In addition to the themes that emerge in the poem, there are also several symbols that Dickinson employs to deepen the poem's meaning. One of the most prominent symbols is the orchard, which represents the natural world and its power to inspire awe and wonder. Dickinson writes, "The orchard for a dome," which suggests that the trees and their branches create a natural canopy that is just as majestic as any man-made structure.
Another symbol that emerges in the poem is the bird, which represents freedom, movement, and the fleeting nature of life. Dickinson writes, "The birds fled from the tree," which suggests that the birds are leaving because they know that winter is coming and that they must migrate to survive. This reinforces the idea of mortality and reminds us that life is fleeting and impermanent.
A third symbol that emerges in the poem is the sun, which represents light, warmth, and the promise of a new day. Dickinson writes, "The sunrise shakes the grass," which suggests that the sun is a powerful force that can awaken and invigorate the natural world.
Literary Devices
Dickinson's poetry is known for its unconventional style and its use of literary devices to convey her unique vision of the world. In "The Morns are Meeker Than They Were," she employs several literary devices to create a mesmerizing and memorable piece of art.
One of the most striking literary devices that she employs is the use of imagery, or the creation of vivid mental pictures that evoke the senses. Dickinson writes, "The sunrise shakes the grass," which is a powerful image that suggests the power and energy of the sun. Similarly, the line, "The birds fled from the tree," creates a visual image of birds taking flight and leaving the safety of their home.
Another literary device that Dickinson employs is metaphor, or the use of one thing to represent another. Dickinson writes, "The orchard for a dome," which creates a metaphorical comparison between the natural world and the grandeur of human architecture. This reinforces the theme of nature's power and its ability to inspire awe and wonder.
A third literary device that Dickinson employs is personification, or the attribution of human qualities to non-human entities. Dickinson writes, "The sunrise shakes the grass," which suggests that the sun is a living entity with the power to create movement and change. Similarly, the line, "The birds fled from the tree," suggests that the birds are making a conscious decision to leave their home, as if they have human agency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Morns are Meeker Than They Were" is a stunning piece of poetry that captures the transience of nature, the power of the sublime, and the inevitability of mortality. Through her use of symbols, themes, and literary devices, Emily Dickinson creates a vivid and memorable portrait of the natural world and its impact on the human soul. As a reader, I am left with a renewed appreciation for the beauty and power of nature, and a deep admiration for the timeless artistry of Emily Dickinson.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Morns Are Meeker Than They Were: A Poem of Nature and Time
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 is "The Morns Are Meeker Than They Were," a beautiful and evocative piece that explores the passage of time and the changing of the seasons. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem, analyzing its themes, structure, and language to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.
The poem begins with the line "The morns are meeker than they were," immediately setting a tone of quiet reflection and contemplation. The word "meeker" suggests a softening or gentleness, and this is reinforced by the use of the word "morns" instead of "mornings." By using this archaic term, Dickinson creates a sense of timelessness and nostalgia, as if we are looking back on a bygone era.
The second line continues this theme of change and transformation, stating that "The nuts are getting brown." Here, Dickinson is referring to the changing of the seasons, as autumn gives way to winter and the leaves begin to fall from the trees. The image of the "nuts getting brown" is a vivid and sensory one, evoking the sights, sounds, and smells of the natural world.
The third line introduces a new element to the poem, as Dickinson writes, "The berry's cheek is plumper." This line is notable for its use of personification, as the berry is given human-like qualities such as a "cheek" and the ability to become "plumper." This personification serves to further emphasize the theme of change and growth, as the berry ripens and becomes more full and vibrant.
The fourth line returns to the theme of time, stating that "The rose is out of town." This line is a bit more cryptic than the previous ones, and its meaning is open to interpretation. Some readers may see it as a metaphor for the passing of youth and beauty, as the rose (a symbol of love and passion) has left the scene. Others may interpret it as a reference to the changing of the seasons, as the rose is no longer in bloom and has retreated into dormancy.
The fifth and final line of the first stanza brings the poem full circle, as Dickinson writes, "Lest I should be old-fashioned." Here, the speaker acknowledges the passage of time and the changing of the seasons, but also expresses a desire to remain relevant and modern. This line is a reminder that even as we reflect on the past and appreciate the beauty of nature, we must also embrace the present and look to the future.
The second stanza of the poem continues the theme of change and transformation, as Dickinson writes, "Lest I should be 'the fashion'." Here, the speaker is once again expressing a desire to avoid being seen as old-fashioned or out of touch. The use of quotation marks around the phrase "the fashion" suggests a sense of irony or skepticism, as if the speaker is questioning the value of following trends and fads.
The second line of the second stanza introduces a new image, as Dickinson writes, "I'll put a trinket on." This line is notable for its use of the first-person perspective, as the speaker takes action to avoid being seen as old-fashioned. The word "trinket" suggests something small and insignificant, perhaps a piece of jewelry or a decorative accessory. This line is a reminder that even small changes can have a big impact on how we are perceived by others.
The third line of the second stanza returns to the theme of nature, as Dickinson writes, "So prudent be, and wise." Here, the speaker is offering advice to the reader, urging them to be cautious and thoughtful in their actions. The use of the words "prudent" and "wise" suggests a sense of maturity and responsibility, as if the speaker is encouraging the reader to make wise choices and avoid reckless behavior.
The fourth and final line of the second stanza brings the poem to a close, as Dickinson writes, "They won't then wear me 'out of sight'." Here, the speaker is expressing a desire to remain relevant and visible, even as time marches on and fashions change. The use of the phrase "out of sight" suggests a fear of being forgotten or overlooked, and the speaker is determined to avoid this fate.
In terms of structure, "The Morns Are Meeker Than They Were" is a two-stanza poem with an ABAB rhyme scheme. This simple and straightforward structure allows the poem's themes and imagery to take center stage, without any distracting or extraneous elements. The use of enjambment (continuing a sentence or phrase across multiple lines) also adds to the poem's sense of flow and continuity, as if the words are flowing naturally and effortlessly.
In terms of language, Dickinson's use of imagery and metaphor is particularly noteworthy. The poem is filled with vivid and sensory descriptions of the natural world, from the "meeker" morns to the "plumper" berries. These images serve to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, as if the speaker is yearning for a simpler and more innocent time. The use of personification (giving human-like qualities to non-human objects) is also effective, as it allows the speaker to imbue the natural world with a sense of life and vitality.
In conclusion, "The Morns Are Meeker Than They Were" is a beautiful and evocative poem that explores the themes of time, nature, and change. Through its vivid imagery, simple structure, and thoughtful language, the poem offers a powerful meditation on the passage of time and the importance of staying relevant and engaged in the world around us. Whether read as a celebration of nature or a cautionary tale about the dangers of becoming old-fashioned, this classic poem continues to resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds.
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