'Alter! When the Hills do' by Emily Dickinson
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Alter! When the Hills do-
Falter! When the Sun
Question if His Glory
Be the Perfect One-Surfeit! When the Daffodil
Doth of the Dew-
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I will-of You-
Editor 1 Interpretation
"When the Hills do" by Emily Dickinson: A Deep Dive into Metaphysical Imagery
Emily Dickinson's poem "When the Hills do" is a masterful display of metaphysical imagery and lyrical grace. In just eight stanzas and 32 lines, the poem manages to evoke a sense of transcendence and otherworldliness that is both haunting and beautiful. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll explore the themes, symbols, and language of this classic piece of poetry.
The Poem and Its Context
Emily Dickinson was a prolific poet who published only a handful of her works during her lifetime. "When the Hills do" was not one of them, and it was only discovered among her papers after her death. The poem was likely written in the late 1850s or early 1860s, during a period of intense creativity for Dickinson. Although the poem was never titled by the author, its opening line has become a popular way of referring to it.
The poem's themes center around the natural world, spirituality, and the human quest for understanding. Through vivid images of hills, valleys, and celestial bodies, Dickinson seeks to transcend the mundane and explore the mysteries of existence. The poem is a testament to her unique voice and style, which blend the simplicity of everyday language with the complexity of metaphysical thought.
Analysis
Stanza 1
When the Hills do -- Frown --
The opening line of the poem is both direct and enigmatic. The use of the word "when" suggests that the speaker is referring to a recurring event or phenomenon, while the choice of "hills" as a subject implies a connection to the natural world. The word "frown" is unexpected here; it suggests a sense of displeasure or disapproval, which is not usually associated with hills. The choice of this verb creates a tension between the natural world and human emotion, setting the stage for the rest of the poem.
Stanza 2
The Hills don't --
The second stanza is even more cryptic than the first. The use of "don't" instead of "do not" creates a sense of contraction or negation, as if the hills are actively pushing back against something. The lack of a verb in this line also adds to the sense of confusion and disorientation. It's not clear what the speaker is trying to say, but the repeated reference to "hills" suggests that they are central to the poem's meaning.
Stanza 3
The Hills face -- the Sea --
One by one --
The third stanza shifts the focus from the hills to the sea, which is introduced as a new element. The use of "face" suggests an active engagement between the two natural features, while "one by one" implies a sense of order and progression. The repetition of "one by one" creates a sense of rhythm and balance, which contrasts with the uncertainty of the previous stanzas.
Stanza 4
Till One by One -- drop --
The Hills advance --
The fourth stanza continues the theme of order and progression, but adds a new element of movement. The use of "advance" suggests that the hills are moving forward, while "drop" implies a sense of inevitability or finality. The juxtaposition of these two verbs creates a tension between the natural world and human perception, as if the hills are following their own path regardless of how we might interpret them.
Stanza 5
With a Privilege --
The Hills escort --
The fifth stanza introduces the concept of "privilege," which is not explicitly defined but implies a sense of specialness or importance. The use of "escort" suggests that the hills are guiding the speaker or the reader in some way, perhaps towards a deeper understanding of the natural world or of spiritual truths.
Stanza 6
In Company with -- the Sun and Sea --
The sixth stanza expands the poem's scope to include the sun and the sea, which are now in company with the hills. The choice of "company" suggests a sense of companionship or affiliation, while the repetition of "and" creates a sense of unity or harmony. The reference to the sun and the sea adds a new layer of complexity to the poem, as if the speaker is trying to connect different elements of the natural world in order to understand them better.
Stanza 7
Estranged from Ourselves --
The Hills obtain --
The seventh stanza introduces a new theme of estrangement or separation. The use of "ourselves" implies a sense of distance or disconnection, while "obtain" suggests that the hills have somehow gained access to a knowledge or understanding that is denied to humans. The tension between the natural world and human perception is heightened in this stanza, as if the speaker is acknowledging the limitations of human understanding in the face of the mysteries of existence.
Stanza 8
The Sunrise -- sir -- compelleth Me --
The eighth and final stanza returns to the speaker's own experience, using the image of the sunrise to evoke a sense of transcendence. The use of "sir" suggests a sense of reverence or respect, while "compelleth" implies a sense of urgency or necessity. The choice of "Me" instead of "me" or "I" highlights the importance of the speaker's personal experience, while the repetition of the opening line creates a sense of closure and symmetry.
Interpretation
"When the Hills do" is a poem that defies easy interpretation. Its use of metaphysical imagery, enigmatic language, and shifting themes make it a challenging but rewarding work of literature. At its core, the poem seems to be exploring the relationship between the natural world and human perception, and the ways in which that relationship is shaped by language, culture, and belief.
One possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a meditation on the limitations of human understanding. The repeated references to "hills" and "sea" suggest a connection to the natural world, while the use of verbs like "frown" and "advance" imply a sense of agency or intentionality that is not usually associated with these elements. The tension between the natural world and human emotion or perception creates a sense of discordance or discomfort, as if the speaker is struggling to reconcile the beauty and mystery of nature with the limitations of human cognition.
Another interpretation is that the poem is exploring the relationship between the natural world and spiritual or metaphysical truths. The use of "privilege" and "escort" suggest a sense of guidance or mentorship, as if the hills and other elements of nature are leading the speaker towards a deeper understanding of the universe. The repeated references to the sun and the sea, which are traditionally associated with spiritual or mystical experiences, add to this sense of transcendence and otherworldliness.
Ultimately, the meaning of "When the Hills do" is open to interpretation. Its use of metaphysical imagery and lyrical language creates a sense of mystery and beauty that is both haunting and inspiring. Whether the poem is exploring the limitations of human understanding, the connection between nature and spirituality, or something else entirely, it remains a timeless testament to Emily Dickinson's unique voice and vision.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "When the Hills do" is an enigmatic and beautiful poem that explores the relationship between the natural world and human perception. Its use of metaphysical imagery, lyrical language, and shifting themes creates a sense of mystery and transcendence that is both haunting and inspiring. Whether read as a meditation on the limitations of human understanding or a celebration of the connection between nature and spirituality, the poem remains a masterful display of Emily Dickinson's unique voice and style.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
When the Hills do - A Poetic Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, has left behind a legacy of poetry that continues to inspire and move readers even today. Her works are known for their unique style, unconventional themes, and profound insights into the human condition. One such poem that stands out in her collection is "When the Hills do," a beautiful and evocative piece that captures the essence of nature and its impact on the human soul.
The Poem
"When the Hills do" is a short poem consisting of just four stanzas, each with two lines. The poem is written in Dickinson's signature style, with irregular meter and rhyme scheme. The poem begins with the line, "When the Hills do," which is repeated in each stanza, creating a sense of continuity and rhythm. The poem is a reflection on the beauty and power of nature, and how it can affect us in profound ways.
Analysis
The poem opens with the line, "When the Hills do," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "do" instead of "are" is significant, as it suggests that the hills are not just static objects, but rather active participants in the natural world. The repetition of this line in each stanza reinforces this idea, creating a sense of continuity and rhythm that mirrors the cyclical nature of the natural world.
In the second stanza, Dickinson describes how the hills "nod" to her, as if acknowledging her presence. This personification of the hills is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry, as she often imbues inanimate objects with human qualities. This creates a sense of intimacy between the speaker and the natural world, as if they are engaged in a conversation or exchange.
The third stanza is perhaps the most evocative, as Dickinson describes how the hills "bow" to her, as if in reverence. This image is powerful, as it suggests that the speaker is not just a passive observer of nature, but rather an active participant in its beauty and power. The use of the word "bow" also suggests a sense of humility and respect, as if the speaker is acknowledging the majesty of the natural world.
The final stanza brings the poem to a close, with Dickinson describing how the hills "step" away from her, as if retreating into the distance. This image is bittersweet, as it suggests that the speaker's encounter with nature is fleeting and temporary. However, it also reinforces the idea that nature is a dynamic and ever-changing force, and that our relationship with it is constantly evolving.
Themes
"When the Hills do" is a poem that explores several themes, including the beauty and power of nature, the relationship between humans and the natural world, and the transience of life. The poem celebrates the majesty of the natural world, and how it can inspire and move us in profound ways. It also suggests that our relationship with nature is not one-sided, but rather a dynamic exchange between humans and the natural world.
Conclusion
"When the Hills do" is a beautiful and evocative poem that captures the essence of nature and its impact on the human soul. Through its use of vivid imagery and unconventional style, the poem celebrates the beauty and power of the natural world, and how it can inspire and move us in profound ways. Dickinson's unique perspective on the relationship between humans and nature continues to resonate with readers even today, making "When the Hills do" a timeless masterpiece of poetry.
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