Dickinson As a Poet of Nature

Answer

Discuss Dickinson as a poet of nature. 

A poet of nature is one who considers nature as his subject matter and inspiration. Emily Dickinson (1830–1886) was a renowned American poet. She explored profound themes of nature, death, love, and spirituality. Often writing from the confines of her home in Amherst, Massachusetts, she crafted vivid and unique poems, inspiring readers today. This discussion will prove Dickinson as a poet of nature.

Nature as a Source of Joy and Ecstasy: Dickinson frequently conveys her deep joy and ecstasy derived from nature. In “I taste a liquor never brewed,” she metaphorically becomes, 

Inebriate of air – am I – 

And Debauchee of Dew – 

Reeling – thro’ endless summer days – 

From inns of molten Blue –.

These lines illustrate how she revels in the beauty of the natural world. She compares her immersion in nature to being drunk on an exquisite, magical liquor.

Spiritual and Mystical Connection with Nature: Dickinson’s nature poems often extend beyond mere physical beauty. These explore spiritual and mystical experiences. In “Wild nights – Wild nights!” she imagines herself as a sailor longing to reach the harbor of her beloved. The following lines are enough to contain this.

Futile – the winds – 

To a Heart in port – 

Done with the Compass – 

Done with the Chart!

The stormy sea and wild nights are metaphors. They can be interpreted as intense spiritual longing or a yearning for divine union. The poem’s religious imagery “Rowing in Eden” suggests that nature is intertwined with spiritual fulfillment and divine ecstasy.

Interplay Between Human Emotions and Nature: Dickinson frequently uses nature as a mirror for human emotions. In “I taste a liquor never brewed,” the speaker’s delight in nature parallels the joy one might feel when indulging in life’s simple pleasures. The comparison between her ecstatic experience in nature and drunkenness reflects how deeply intertwined her emotions are with the natural world. 

Nature’s Mystical and Mysterious Power: Dickinson often portrays nature as both enchanting and mysterious. In “I taste a liquor never brewed,” nature’s beauty is intoxicating. Here, we find  some celestial beings like: 

Till Seraphs swing their snowy Hats 

And Saints – to windows run 

To see the little Tippler

Leaning against the – Sun!

These are drawn to watch the speaker revel in it. The poem personifies nature’s elements—the air, dew, and flowers—as powerful forces. These are capable of causing a transcendent, joyful intoxication. Similarly, in “Wild nights – Wild nights!” the wildness of the sea symbolizes the unpredictability and profound power of nature. This can evoke both pleasure and awe. 

Celebration of Life Through Nature: Dickinson’s poetry also celebrates life and its connection to the natural world. In “I taste a liquor never brewed,” nature is depicted as a never-ending source of joy and vitality. It is evident in the following lines. 

When ‘Landlords’ turn the drunken Bee 

Out of the Foxglove’s door – 

When Butterflies – renounce their ‘drams’ – 

I shall but drink the more!

The speaker’s declaration to drink the taste of nature continously symbolizes an eternal connection with the natural world. 

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson’s poetry illustrates her profound connection with nature. She portrays it as a source of joy, spiritual fulfillment, mystery, and emotional depth. Through vivid imagery and symbolic language, Dickinson celebrates nature as both a reflection of human experiences and a gateway to higher spiritual truths.