'This slow Day moved along-' by Emily Dickinson

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This slow Day moved along-
I heard its axles go
As if they could not hoist themselves
They hated motion so-I told my soul to come-
It was no use to wait-
We went and played and came again
And it was out of sight-

Editor 1 Interpretation

"This slow Day moved along": A Poetic Journey into the Mind of Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson's "This slow Day moved along" is a poem that delves into the poet's psyche, exploring themes of ennui, isolation, and the transience of time. In this 18-line poem, Dickinson invites the reader to follow her on a journey through a seemingly ordinary day, filled with mundane events and observations, that ultimately leads to a profound realization about the human condition.

Poetic Devices and Structure

At first glance, "This slow Day moved along" appears to be a simple poem, with a straightforward, almost conversational tone. However, upon closer inspection, the poem reveals itself to be a masterful work that employs a range of poetic devices to create a rich and layered experience for the reader.

The poem is composed of three stanzas, with each stanza containing six lines. The rhyme scheme is AABBCC, providing a sense of structure and symmetry to the poem. However, within this structure, Dickinson employs a range of techniques to create a sense of fluidity and movement.

For example, the poem contains several instances of enjambment, where a line of poetry continues onto the next line without a pause or break. This technique creates a sense of continuity and flow, helping to convey the slow, languid movement of the day.

In addition, Dickinson employs several instances of repetition, such as the phrase "This slow Day" that appears at the beginning of each stanza. This repetition helps to create a sense of rhythm and reinforces the central theme of the poem - the passage of time.

Interpretation

While "This slow Day moved along" may seem like a simple poem on the surface, it is actually a deeply introspective work that invites the reader to join Dickinson on a journey of self-discovery.

The poem begins with the line "This slow Day moved along," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the work. From the very beginning, Dickinson establishes a sense of lethargy and ennui, suggesting that time is passing slowly and without purpose.

As the poem continues, Dickinson describes a series of mundane events and observations, such as "A bird came down the Walk" and "The Grass divides as with a Comb." These seemingly insignificant events serve to reinforce the sense of tedium and monotony that permeates the poem.

However, as the poem progresses, Dickinson begins to introduce more abstract concepts, such as "The Hills untied their Bonnets" and "The Brooks brought no Ambush." These metaphors suggest that there is something more profound happening beneath the surface of the mundane day.

The poem reaches its climax in the final stanza, when Dickinson writes:

"Tis Opposite to Noon - As Night to Morning - or Storm to the Sun gone down –

That is the opening poem of Emily Dickinson's book of poems, published posthumously in 1890. The poem is a reflection on life, its transience, and the beauty that can be found in its fleeting moments.

Through the use of repetition, enjambment, and metaphor, Dickinson creates a sense of movement and fluidity that mirrors the slow, languid pace of the day. However, beneath this surface level of monotony, there is a deeper sense of meaning and significance.

Ultimately, "This slow Day moved along" is a powerful meditation on the passage of time and the human experience. It invites the reader to slow down, to take a closer look at the world around them, and to find beauty in the ordinary moments of life.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry lovers, rejoice! Today, we are going to delve into the world of Emily Dickinson and her classic poem, "This slow Day moved along." This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's unique style and her ability to capture the essence of everyday life in a profound and beautiful way. So, let's dive in and explore the meaning behind this masterpiece.

First, let's take a look at the title. "This slow Day moved along." The title sets the tone for the entire poem, as it suggests a sense of lethargy and a lack of excitement. The word "slow" implies that time is passing slowly, and the day is dragging on. However, the use of the word "moved" suggests that there is still some movement, albeit slow, and that the day is not completely stagnant.

The first stanza of the poem begins with the line, "This slow Day moved along." Dickinson immediately sets the scene and establishes the mood of the poem. She then goes on to describe the day as "weary," which further emphasizes the sense of lethargy and boredom. The use of the word "weary" also suggests that the day has been long and tiring, and that the speaker is ready for it to be over.

In the second stanza, Dickinson describes the sky as "low and gray." This description creates a sense of gloom and melancholy, which further adds to the overall mood of the poem. The use of the word "gray" also suggests that the day is dull and uneventful, and that there is nothing exciting happening.

The third stanza is where the poem really starts to come alive. Dickinson writes, "A cricket chirped; / The mood / Was like the mood of love." This is a beautiful and unexpected comparison, as one would not typically associate the mood of a slow and boring day with the mood of love. However, Dickinson is able to make this connection by focusing on the small details of the day, such as the sound of a cricket chirping. This comparison suggests that even in the most mundane moments of life, there is still beauty and love to be found.

In the fourth stanza, Dickinson continues to focus on the small details of the day. She writes, "The cricket's song / In warmth increasing ever, / Was heard at noon." This description creates a sense of warmth and comfort, which is a stark contrast to the gloom and melancholy of the earlier stanzas. The use of the word "ever" suggests that the warmth and comfort is increasing, which further emphasizes the idea that even in the most boring and uneventful moments of life, there is still growth and progress.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most beautiful and profound. Dickinson writes, "The butterfly / Ran out of breath, / The mountains rested motionless / As the tired day was done." This description creates a sense of stillness and peace, which is a stark contrast to the earlier descriptions of the day. The use of the word "motionless" suggests that the mountains are at peace, and that there is a sense of calm and tranquility in the world. The final line, "As the tired day was done," suggests that even though the day was slow and boring, it still had a sense of completion and finality.

In conclusion, "This slow Day moved along" is a beautiful and profound poem that captures the essence of everyday life in a unique and powerful way. Dickinson's ability to focus on the small details of the day and find beauty and love in even the most mundane moments is truly remarkable. This poem serves as a reminder that even in the most boring and uneventful moments of life, there is still growth, progress, and beauty to be found. So, the next time you find yourself in the midst of a slow and boring day, take a moment to appreciate the small details and find the beauty and love in the world around you.

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