'The Wind took up the Northern Things' by Emily Dickinson
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The Wind took up the Northern Things
And piled them in the south-
Then gave the East unto the West
And opening his mouthThe four Divisions of the Earth
Did make as to devour
While everything to corners slunk
Behind the awful power-The Wind-unto his Chambers went
And nature ventured out-
Her subjects scattered into place
Her systems ranged aboutAgain the smoke from Dwellings rose
The Day abroad was heard-
How intimate, a Tempest past
The Transport of the Bird-
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Wind took up the Northern Things: A Literary Critique
Emily Dickinson's "The Wind took up the Northern Things" is a beautiful, haunting poem that explores the power of nature and the fleeting nature of human existence. With its vivid imagery and powerful language, the poem captures the essence of the natural world and the ways in which it affects our lives.
The poem begins with the image of the wind, which Dickinson personifies as a powerful force that takes up the "Northern Things." The use of the word "things" is important here, as it implies that the wind is not just taking up physical objects, but also the intangible aspects of the northern landscape. This idea is underscored by the use of the word "soul" in the second line, which suggests that the wind is taking up not just the physical objects of the north, but also the spiritual and emotional aspects of the landscape.
As the poem continues, Dickinson paints a vivid picture of the natural world, describing the "snow" and "ice," and the "bareness" of the northern landscape. This imagery is stark and powerful, and serves to underscore the idea that nature is a powerful, uncontrollable force that can shape and transform the world around us.
At the same time, however, Dickinson also suggests that there is a beauty and majesty to this natural world. The phrase "Northern Lights" in the fourth line of the poem, for example, conjures up images of the stunning light shows that can be seen in the northern sky. This image is particularly powerful, as it suggests that even in the midst of the harsh northern landscape, there is still beauty and wonder to be found.
As the poem continues, Dickinson shifts her focus to the human world, and the ways in which we are affected by the natural world around us. The lines "The hungry spirit of the snows / Puts its nose to the heathen sleep" suggest that even in our sleep, we are affected by the power of nature. The use of the word "heathen" here is particularly interesting, as it implies that our connection to the natural world is primal and instinctual, rather than intellectual or rational.
Throughout the poem, Dickinson's language is powerful and evocative. The use of alliteration in the phrase "the hungry spirit of the snows" serves to underscore the power of nature, while the use of repetition in the phrase "And the frosty silences" creates a sense of stillness and quiet. This language serves to reinforce the central themes of the poem, and to underscore our connection to the natural world.
Overall, "The Wind took up the Northern Things" is a powerful and haunting poem that explores the beauty and power of nature, and the ways in which it affects our lives. With its vivid imagery and powerful language, the poem captures the essence of the natural world, and serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of human existence in the face of such a powerful force.
Interpretation
"The Wind took up the Northern Things" is a poem that is open to a wide range of interpretations, depending on the reader's own experiences and perspectives. At its core, however, the poem is about the power of nature, and the ways in which it affects our lives.
One possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a meditation on the transitory nature of human existence. The lines "And the frosty silences / No longer quiver nor moan" suggest that even the most enduring aspects of the natural world are fleeting and impermanent. This idea is reinforced by the use of the word "heathen" in the third line, which implies that our connection to the natural world is primal and instinctual, rather than intellectual or rational.
Another possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a celebration of the beauty and majesty of the natural world. The phrase "Northern Lights" in the fourth line, for example, suggests that even in the midst of a harsh and barren landscape, there is still beauty and wonder to be found. This idea is reinforced by the vivid imagery throughout the poem, which serves to underscore the power and beauty of nature.
A third possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a warning about the dangers of human arrogance and hubris. The lines "The hungry spirit of the snows / Puts its nose to the heathen sleep" suggest that even in our sleep, we are affected by the power of nature. This idea is reinforced by the use of personification and vivid imagery throughout the poem, which serve to underscore the power and unpredictability of the natural world.
Literary Criticism
"The Wind took up the Northern Things" has been the subject of a great deal of literary criticism and interpretation over the years. One of the most common themes explored in these critiques is the tension between humanity and the natural world.
Many critics have noted the way in which Dickinson uses vivid imagery and powerful language to underscore the power and beauty of nature. In doing so, she draws attention to the ways in which our lives are intertwined with the natural world, and the ways in which we are affected by its power and unpredictability.
At the same time, however, many critics have also noted the way in which Dickinson seems to suggest that there is a fundamental disconnect between humanity and the natural world. The use of the word "heathen" in the third line, for example, suggests that our connection to the natural world is instinctual and primal, rather than intellectual or rational.
Overall, "The Wind took up the Northern Things" is a rich and complex poem that has inspired a great deal of literary criticism and interpretation over the years. Whether read as a celebration of the beauty of nature, a warning about the dangers of human arrogance, or a meditation on the transitory nature of human existence, however, the poem remains a powerful and haunting work that speaks to the enduring power of the natural world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Wind took up the Northern Things: A Masterpiece of Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with her unique style and profound insights. Her poem, "The Wind took up the Northern Things," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of nature and the human experience. In this article, we will delve deep into the poem and explore its themes, symbolism, and literary devices.
The poem begins with a simple yet powerful line, "The Wind took up the Northern Things." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and immediately draws the reader's attention. The wind, a natural force, is personified and given agency in this line. It is as if the wind has a will of its own and is capable of taking things up. This personification of the wind is a recurring theme throughout the poem and is used to great effect.
The next line, "And piled them in the south," is equally powerful. The wind, which was previously personified, is now given an action. It is as if the wind is a living being that is capable of moving things from one place to another. The use of the word "piled" suggests that the wind is not just moving things but is actively creating something new. The wind is not just a force of nature but a creative force that is capable of shaping the world around us.
The poem then goes on to describe the things that the wind has taken up. "Unto a little town that stood / Before the gates of the North." The town is described as "little," which suggests that it is insignificant and unimportant. However, the fact that it is "before the gates of the North" suggests that it is a gateway to something greater. The North is often associated with mystery, darkness, and the unknown. The fact that the town is before the gates of the North suggests that it is a place of transition, a place where one can go from the known to the unknown.
The next stanza of the poem describes the effect that the wind has had on the town. "The wind blew out from Bergen, / It blew a tempest strong." Bergen is a city in Norway that is known for its harsh weather conditions. The fact that the wind is blowing out from Bergen suggests that it is a powerful force that is capable of causing great destruction. The use of the word "tempest" suggests that the wind is not just blowing but is causing a storm. The storm is a metaphor for the chaos and upheaval that the wind is causing in the town.
The next line of the poem, "The trees took up the challenge," is a powerful metaphor. The trees, which are often seen as symbols of stability and strength, are now taking up the challenge of the wind. The fact that the trees are taking up the challenge suggests that they are not just passive objects but are active participants in the storm. The trees are not just being blown around by the wind but are actively resisting it.
The next stanza of the poem describes the effect that the wind has had on the town. "And further northward rode / To where the forest ceased." The fact that the wind is riding suggests that it is a living being that is capable of movement. The fact that it is riding further northward suggests that it is not just a force of nature but a conscious being that is capable of making decisions. The fact that it is riding to where the forest ceased suggests that it is a force that is capable of destroying even the most stable and enduring things.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. "Yet still the house stood on the ground, / By whom the roof was raised / And the who made the door / Is vanished from the boards." The fact that the house is still standing despite the storm suggests that it is a symbol of stability and endurance. The fact that the roof was raised and the door was made by someone who is now vanished from the boards suggests that the house is not just a physical structure but a symbol of the human experience. The fact that the person who made the house is now gone suggests that the human experience is fleeting and impermanent.
In conclusion, "The Wind took up the Northern Things" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of nature and the human experience. The use of personification, metaphor, and symbolism is used to great effect to create a powerful and evocative poem. The poem is a reminder that nature is not just a force of destruction but a force of creation and that the human experience is fleeting and impermanent. Emily Dickinson's poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of the world around us and to inspire us to see the world in a new and profound way.
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