'Nature , the gentlest mother,' by Emily Dickinson


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Nature, the gentlest mother,
Impatient of no child,
The feeblest or the waywardest,
Her admonition mild

In forest and the hill
By traveller is heard,
Restraining rampant squirrel
Or too impetuous bird.

How fair her conversation,
A summer afternoon,--
Her household, her assembly;
And when the sun goes down

Her voice among the aisles
Incites the timid prayer
Of the minutest cricket,
The most unworthy flower.

When all the children sleep
She turns as long away
As will suffice to light her lamps;
Then, bending from the sky

With infinite affection
And infiniter care,
Her golden finger on her lip,
Wills silence everywhere.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Nature, the Gentlest Mother by Emily Dickinson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Oh, Emily Dickinson! A name that is synonymous with poetry that delves deep into the human experience, exploring emotions that are often left unspoken. Her poem, "Nature, the Gentlest Mother," is no exception. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, and literary devices used in this poem, and how they contribute to its meaning and impact.

The Poem

First, let's take a look at the poem itself.

Nature, the gentlest mother, Impatient of no child, The feeblest or the waywardest, Her admonition mild

In forest and the hill By traveller is heard, Restraining rampant squirrel Or too impetuous bird.

How fair her conversation, A summer afternoon,— Her household, her assembly; And when the sun goes down

Her voice among the aisles Incites the timid prayer Of the minutest cricket, The most unworthy flower.

When all the children sleep She turns as long away As will suffice to light her lamps; Then, bending from the sky,

With infinite affection And infiniter care, Her golden finger on her lip, Wills silence everywhere.

Themes

One of the main themes in this poem is the idea of nature as a nurturing mother figure. Dickinson personifies nature as a gentle and patient mother who is not quick to scold or punish her children, no matter how wayward they may be. This theme is further emphasized through the use of imagery and literary devices such as alliteration and rhyme, which create a soothing and calming effect.

Another theme in the poem is the idea of the interconnectedness of all living things. Dickinson's use of imagery, such as the "rampant squirrel" and "too impetuous bird," suggests that all creatures are connected and that nature has a role in keeping them in balance. This theme is also reinforced through the use of repetition, such as the repetition of the word "her" throughout the poem, which emphasizes the idea of nature as a unifying force.

Imagery

Dickinson's use of imagery in this poem is particularly striking. She paints a vivid picture of nature as a gentle and patient mother who is always there to guide and protect her children. This is seen in lines such as "Nature, the gentlest mother, / Impatient of no child," which create a sense of warmth and comfort.

The imagery of the forest and the hill is also significant, as it suggests a natural and peaceful setting that is free from the chaos of the human world. The contrast between this natural setting and the "timid prayer / Of the minutest cricket" creates a sense of harmony and balance that is both comforting and inspiring.

Literary Devices

In addition to her use of imagery, Dickinson also employs several literary devices that contribute to the overall impact of the poem. For example, the use of alliteration in lines such as "Her household, her assembly" creates a sense of unity and harmony that reinforces the theme of interconnectedness.

The use of rhyme is also significant, as it creates a rhythmic and musical quality to the poem that reinforces its soothing and calming effect. This is seen in lines such as "The feeblest or the waywardest, / Her admonition mild," where the rhyme and rhythm create a sense of balance and harmony.

Interpretation

Overall, "Nature, the Gentlest Mother" is a poem that celebrates the beauty and nurturing power of nature. Through her use of imagery, literary devices, and themes, Dickinson creates a sense of harmony and balance that is both comforting and inspiring. The poem encourages the reader to appreciate the natural world and to recognize the interconnectedness of all living things.

At the same time, the poem also suggests a sense of warning. Dickinson's use of imagery, such as the "rampant squirrel" and "too impetuous bird," suggests that nature has a role in keeping all living things in balance. If we fail to recognize this interconnectedness, we risk upsetting the delicate balance of nature and causing harm to ourselves and the world around us.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Nature, the Gentlest Mother" is a beautiful and evocative poem that celebrates the power and beauty of nature. Through her use of imagery, literary devices, and themes, Dickinson creates a sense of harmony and balance that is both soothing and inspiring. The poem encourages us to appreciate the natural world and recognize the interconnectedness of all living things, while also reminding us of the importance of respecting the delicate balance of nature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Nature, the Gentlest Mother: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Poem

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of the 19th century, was known for her unique style of writing that often explored themes of nature, death, and spirituality. In her poem "Nature, the Gentlest Mother," Dickinson portrays nature as a nurturing and gentle force that provides solace and comfort to those who seek it.

The poem begins with the line "Nature, the gentlest mother," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Dickinson personifies nature as a motherly figure, one who is kind and caring towards her children. This image of nature as a mother is further reinforced in the second line, where Dickinson describes nature as "Impatient of no child."

Here, Dickinson suggests that nature is accepting of all beings, regardless of their flaws or imperfections. This idea is further emphasized in the third line, where Dickinson writes, "The feeblest or the waywardest." By using the word "feeblest," Dickinson is referring to those who are weak or vulnerable, while "waywardest" refers to those who are stubborn or difficult to manage. By including both of these groups, Dickinson suggests that nature is all-encompassing and does not discriminate against anyone.

The fourth line of the poem, "Her admonition mild," further reinforces the idea of nature as a gentle and nurturing force. The word "admonition" suggests that nature is providing guidance or advice, but the use of the word "mild" suggests that this guidance is given in a gentle and non-threatening way. This image of nature as a gentle guide is further reinforced in the fifth line, where Dickinson writes, "In forest and the hill." Here, Dickinson suggests that nature is present everywhere, providing guidance and comfort to all who seek it.

The sixth line of the poem, "By traveller be heard," suggests that nature's message is available to all who are willing to listen. This idea is further reinforced in the seventh line, where Dickinson writes, "Restraining rampant squirrel." Here, Dickinson suggests that nature is not only a gentle guide but also a disciplinarian, keeping the natural world in balance and harmony.

The eighth line of the poem, "But never harsh word," further reinforces the idea of nature as a gentle and nurturing force. Dickinson suggests that nature is not punitive or judgmental, but rather provides guidance and support in a non-threatening way.

The final two lines of the poem, "Nor rudely will she bid us / Adieu, / But softly be dismissed," suggest that nature is not only a gentle and nurturing force but also a source of comfort and solace. Dickinson suggests that nature provides a peaceful and gentle departure, allowing us to leave this world in a calm and serene manner.

Overall, Emily Dickinson's poem "Nature, the Gentlest Mother" portrays nature as a nurturing and gentle force that provides solace and comfort to those who seek it. By personifying nature as a motherly figure, Dickinson suggests that nature is all-encompassing and accepting of all beings, regardless of their flaws or imperfections. This image of nature as a gentle guide and disciplinarian is further reinforced by Dickinson's use of language, which suggests that nature provides guidance and support in a non-threatening way. Ultimately, Dickinson suggests that nature is a source of comfort and solace, providing a peaceful and gentle departure from this world.

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