'The Symptom of the Gale-' by Emily Dickinson

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The Symptom of the Gale-
The Second of Dismay-
Between its Rumor and its Face-
Is almost Revelry-The Houses firmer root-
The Heavens cannot be found-
The Upper Surfaces of things
Take covert in the Ground-The Mem'ry of the Sun
Not Any can recall-
Although by Nature's sterling Watch
So scant an interval-And when the Noise is caught
And Nature looks around-
"We dreamed it"? She interrogates-
"Good Morning"-We propound?

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Symptom of the Gale: A Masterpiece of Poetry

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literary history. Her works have been studied, dissected, and praised for their depth, beauty, and complex themes. "The Symptom of the Gale" is an exceptional piece of literature that showcases Dickinson's mastery of language and her ability to convey deep emotions. In this essay, we will explore the various themes and literary devices used in "The Symptom of the Gale" and the significance of this poem in Dickinson's body of work.

The Poem

Before we delve into the interpretation of the poem, let us first take a look at the poem itself:

The Symptom of the Gale

As Birds go out at Noon - Our doors stood open wide - Hand in Hand as we walked The Town beside -

O God of Sight and Sound Keep open my narrow Mind - That I may read the sign Posts of my native Land -

So went the Walking-tide Till now in twilight thrown - As Orient waters - indicate The Sunrise - gone -

In this short poem, Dickinson captures the essence of life and its fleeting nature. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with its own distinct message. The first stanza describes the scene of birds flying out at noon, and the doors of houses being open. This signifies the beginning of a new journey, as the birds embark on their daily hunt, and the doors of houses open up to the world.

The second stanza is a prayer to God, asking him to keep the speaker's mind open, so that she can read the signs of her native land. This could be interpreted as a plea for enlightenment, or for clarity of thought.

The final stanza describes the end of the journey, as the walking-tide comes to an end, and the sun sets. The reference to Orient waters indicates that the journey has ended, and a new day has begun.

Themes

One of the most prominent themes in "The Symptom of the Gale" is the theme of nature. Dickinson frequently uses natural imagery in her poetry, and this poem is no exception. The image of birds flying out at noon represents the cyclical nature of life, and how everything has a beginning and an end. The open doors of houses signify the openness of the world, and the limitless possibilities that are available to us.

Another important theme in this poem is that of spirituality. The prayer to God in the second stanza suggests that the speaker is aware of her limitations, and is seeking divine assistance in order to gain a deeper understanding of the world.

Finally, the theme of time is also present in this poem. The walking-tide represents the passage of time, and the fact that everything eventually comes to an end. The reference to the Orient waters indicates that a new day has begun, and that there are always new opportunities and experiences waiting for us.

Literary Devices

Dickinson was a master of literary devices, and "The Symptom of the Gale" is no exception. One of the most prominent literary devices in this poem is alliteration. The repeated use of the letter "w" in the first stanza creates a sense of rhythm and musicality, which adds to the overall beauty of the poem.

Another important literary device in this poem is imagery. The image of birds flying out at noon, and the open doors of houses, creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind, and helps to convey the themes of the poem. The reference to Orient waters also creates a sense of visual imagery, and helps to convey the idea of a new day beginning.

Finally, the use of metaphor is also present in this poem. The walking-tide is a metaphor for the passage of time, and the reference to the sign posts of the native land is a metaphor for the search for meaning and enlightenment.

Interpretation

"The Symptom of the Gale" is a powerful poem that deals with complex themes and ideas. The poem can be interpreted in many different ways, depending on the reader's perspective. One interpretation is that the poem is a meditation on the cyclical nature of life, and how everything has a beginning and an end. The image of birds flying out at noon represents the start of a new journey, while the walking-tide represents the passage of time.

Another interpretation is that the poem is a prayer for enlightenment. The reference to God in the second stanza suggests that the speaker is seeking divine assistance in order to gain a deeper understanding of the world. The prayer for an open mind suggests that the speaker is aware of her limitations, and is seeking guidance in order to overcome them.

Finally, the reference to the sign posts of the native land can be interpreted as a metaphor for the search for meaning and purpose in life. The speaker is seeking guidance in order to find her place in the world, and to understand the meaning of her existence.

Significance

"The Symptom of the Gale" is a significant poem in Dickinson's body of work, as it showcases her mastery of language and her ability to convey complex themes and ideas in a concise and beautiful manner. The use of natural imagery, literary devices, and metaphors creates a vivid and powerful picture in the reader's mind, and helps to convey the deeper meaning of the poem.

Furthermore, the themes of nature, spirituality, and time are all present in this poem, and are recurring themes in Dickinson's work. The poem can be seen as a reflection of Dickinson's own search for meaning and enlightenment, and her desire to understand the world around her.

In conclusion, "The Symptom of the Gale" is a masterpiece of poetry that showcases Emily Dickinson's talent and mastery of language. The poem is a powerful meditation on the cyclical nature of life, the search for meaning and enlightenment, and the passage of time. It is a significant work in Dickinson's body of work, and continues to be celebrated and studied by readers and scholars alike.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her work continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems, "The Symptom of the Gale," is a haunting and evocative piece that explores the power of nature and the human spirit.

At its core, "The Symptom of the Gale" is a poem about the destructive power of a storm. Dickinson uses vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to convey the sense of chaos and upheaval that a gale can bring. The opening lines of the poem set the tone for what is to come:

The wind begun to rock the grass With threatening tunes and low He threw a menace at the earth A menace at the sky.

These lines immediately establish the sense of danger and foreboding that permeates the poem. The wind is personified as a malevolent force, throwing threats at both the earth and the sky. The use of the word "menace" is particularly effective, as it suggests a sense of impending doom that hangs over the entire poem.

As the poem progresses, Dickinson continues to use vivid imagery to convey the power of the storm. She describes the wind as "a lion's voice," and the grass as "a frightened mouse." These metaphors are both powerful and evocative, and they help to create a sense of tension and drama that draws the reader in.

One of the most striking aspects of "The Symptom of the Gale" is the way in which Dickinson uses the storm as a metaphor for the human condition. Throughout the poem, she suggests that the chaos and upheaval of the storm are a reflection of the turmoil that exists within the human soul. This is perhaps most evident in the following lines:

The leaves unhooked themselves from trees And started all abroad; The dust did scoop itself like hands And throw away the road.

Here, Dickinson suggests that the storm is a kind of release, a way for the natural world to express the same kind of turmoil that humans feel inside. The leaves and dust are personified as if they have a will of their own, and they are described as "throwing away" the road. This suggests a sense of rebellion and defiance, as if the natural world is rejecting the order and structure imposed upon it by humans.

At the same time, however, Dickinson suggests that there is a kind of beauty in this chaos. She describes the storm as "a symphony of wind," and suggests that it is a kind of music that only the most sensitive souls can hear. This idea is perhaps best expressed in the following lines:

The storm subsided, shot its last And then the skies were still; The winds and woods put out their tongues, The waters clapped their hands.

Here, Dickinson suggests that the storm has a kind of cathartic effect, allowing the natural world to express itself in a way that is both powerful and beautiful. The image of the winds and woods "putting out their tongues" is particularly striking, as it suggests a sense of joy and celebration that is almost childlike in its exuberance.

Overall, "The Symptom of the Gale" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the complex relationship between nature and the human spirit. Through her use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, Dickinson creates a sense of drama and tension that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged from start to finish. At the same time, however, she also suggests that there is a kind of beauty in chaos, and that the storm can be a kind of release that allows us to express ourselves in ways that are both powerful and profound. It is this combination of drama and beauty that makes "The Symptom of the Gale" such a timeless and enduring work of poetry.

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