'Nature-the Gentlest Mother is' by Emily Dickinson


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Nature-the Gentlest Mother is,
Impatient of no Child-
The feeblest-or the waywardest-
Her Admonition mild-In Forest-and the Hill-
By Traveller-be heard-
Restraining Rampant Squirrel-
Or too impetuous Bird-How fair Her Conversation-
A Summer Afternoon-
Her Household-Her Assembly-
And when the Sung go down-Her Voice among the Aisles
Incite 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

Emily Dickinson's Nature: The Gentlest Mother

As someone who loves poetry and nature, I find Emily Dickinson's poem "Nature-the Gentlest Mother" to be a masterpiece that captures the essence of the natural world in a way that is both beautiful and profound. In this 14-line poem, Dickinson uses a range of poetic devices to explore the relationship between nature and humanity, and to celebrate the power and goodness of the natural world.

At the heart of the poem is the image of nature as a mother - a gentle and nurturing force that cares for and sustains all living things. Dickinson begins by describing nature as "the Gentlest Mother" who "imparts her blessing" to all who seek her. This image of nature as a mother is a powerful one, evoking feelings of warmth, comfort, and protection. It reminds us that just as a mother cares for her children, so too does nature care for all living things, providing us with everything we need to survive and thrive.

One of the most striking things about this poem is the way Dickinson uses language to create a sense of intimacy and closeness between the reader and nature. She describes how nature "takes the child" and leads them "by the hand" into the "land of nod" - a place of rest and tranquility. This image of nature as a guide or mentor is a powerful one, suggesting that we can learn from the natural world and find peace and solace within it.

Throughout the poem, Dickinson also uses a range of metaphors and similes to describe nature. She compares nature to a "Gentlest Mother" and a "Patient, lowly Nurse" who "lifts her lap" to provide us with shelter and comfort. These images create a sense of tenderness and care, suggesting that nature is not just an impersonal force, but a loving and nurturing presence that we can turn to in times of need.

At the same time, however, Dickinson also acknowledges the power and majesty of nature. She describes how nature "roars" and "flashes" with "her thunderbolts" - a reminder that nature can also be a force to be reckoned with. This tension between the gentle and nurturing side of nature and its more powerful and destructive aspects is one of the key themes of the poem, and one that Dickinson explores in a nuanced and complex way.

Another striking aspect of this poem is the way Dickinson uses sound to create a sense of rhythm and movement. The poem is full of alliteration, assonance, and other sound patterns that create a sense of flow and harmony. For example, in the opening lines, Dickinson uses the repetition of the 's' sound to create a sense of softness and gentleness:

Nature-the Gentlest Mother is,
Impatient of no Child -
The feeblest - or the waywardest -

This creates a sense of calm and reassurance, as if the poem itself is a soothing balm for the soul.

Overall, I believe that "Nature-the Gentlest Mother" is a beautiful and moving poem that celebrates the power and goodness of the natural world. Through rich and evocative language, Dickinson brings the beauty and wonder of nature to life, reminding us of its power to heal, comfort, and inspire us. Whether we are seeking solace in times of trouble, or simply looking to reconnect with the natural world around us, this poem is a powerful reminder of the deep and abiding connection between humanity and the natural world.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The beauty of nature has always been a source of inspiration for poets throughout history. Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated American poets, was no exception. In her poem "Nature-the Gentlest Mother," Dickinson portrays nature as a nurturing and caring mother who provides comfort and solace to her children. The poem is a beautiful tribute to the power and majesty of nature, and it is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet.

The poem begins with the line "Nature-the Gentlest Mother is," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Dickinson personifies nature as a mother, which is a common literary device used to convey a sense of nurturing and care. The use of the word "gentlest" emphasizes the idea that nature is a kind and loving mother who cares for her children.

The second line of the poem, "Impatient of no child," further emphasizes the idea that nature is a patient and caring mother. The use of the word "impatient" is interesting because it is usually associated with negative emotions such as frustration or annoyance. However, in this context, it is used to convey the idea that nature is always there for her children, no matter what. She is never too busy or too preoccupied to care for them.

The third line of the poem, "The feeblest or the waywardest," is particularly powerful because it suggests that nature cares for all of her children, regardless of their strengths or weaknesses. This line is a reminder that nature is not selective in her love and care. She provides for all of her children equally, no matter what their circumstances may be.

The fourth line of the poem, "Her admonition mild," is interesting because it suggests that nature is not only a caring mother but also a wise one. The word "admonition" implies that nature provides guidance and advice to her children, but in a gentle and loving way. This line is a reminder that nature is not only a source of comfort but also a source of wisdom.

The fifth line of the poem, "In forest and the hill," is significant because it suggests that nature is not confined to one particular place. She is everywhere, in the forests and the hills, and she provides comfort and solace to all who seek it. This line is a reminder that nature is not only a physical entity but also a spiritual one.

The sixth line of the poem, "By traveller is understood," is interesting because it suggests that nature is a universal language that is understood by all. No matter where we come from or what language we speak, we can all appreciate the beauty and majesty of nature. This line is a reminder that nature is a unifying force that brings people together.

The seventh line of the poem, "Respect the smallest door," is significant because it suggests that nature is not only a source of comfort and solace but also a source of humility. The word "smallest" implies that even the smallest and most insignificant things in nature are worthy of our respect and admiration. This line is a reminder that nature is not only grand and majestic but also humble and unassuming.

The eighth line of the poem, "Ah! Could I but ride indefinite," is interesting because it suggests that nature is a source of inspiration and wonder. The word "ride" implies that nature is a journey that we can embark on, and the word "indefinite" suggests that this journey is endless and infinite. This line is a reminder that nature is not only a physical entity but also a spiritual one.

The ninth line of the poem, "As doth the meadow bee," is significant because it suggests that nature is not only a source of inspiration and wonder but also a source of purpose and meaning. The word "meadow" implies that nature is a place where we can find our place in the world, and the word "bee" suggests that we can find our purpose by working in harmony with nature. This line is a reminder that nature is not only a source of beauty but also a source of meaning and purpose.

The final line of the poem, "And butterfly its bed," is interesting because it suggests that nature is not only a source of inspiration and wonder but also a source of comfort and rest. The word "bed" implies that nature is a place where we can find rest and rejuvenation, and the word "butterfly" suggests that we can find beauty and grace in this rest. This line is a reminder that nature is not only a source of inspiration and wonder but also a source of comfort and rest.

In conclusion, "Nature-the Gentlest Mother" is a beautiful tribute to the power and majesty of nature. Dickinson portrays nature as a nurturing and caring mother who provides comfort and solace to her children. The poem is a reminder that nature is not only a physical entity but also a spiritual one, and that it is a source of inspiration, wonder, meaning, and purpose. Dickinson's skill as a poet is evident in the way she uses language to convey these ideas, and her use of personification and metaphor is particularly effective in conveying the idea that nature is a loving and caring mother. Overall, "Nature-the Gentlest Mother" is a beautiful and inspiring poem that reminds us of the beauty and majesty of the natural world.

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