Wild Nights! Wild Nights as a Mystic Poem

Answer

How can “Wild Nights! Wild Nights” be considered a mystic poem? Or, Show the religious elements in this poem. 

Emily Dickinson’s (1830 – 1886) poem “Wild Nights – Wild Nights!” (1891) is often viewed as a mystic poem. The poem explores deep spiritual themes. Though at first glance, the poem may seem to focus on romantic love, it also reflects the poet’s inner spiritual journey and connection with a higher power. Here are ways in which this poem can be considered mystic.

Union with God: The speaker’s wish to be with “thee” can be understood as a longing to connect with a higher power, like God. The lines, 

“Were I with thee 

Wild nights should be 

Our luxury!” 

This suggests that being together would bring great joy. This is similar to how a soul feels when close to God. This strong desire to be close to God is a common theme in mystic poetry.

Spiritual Navigation: In the second stanza, the imagery of “the Compass” and “the Chart” symbolizes the tools one uses to navigate life’s spiritual journey. The speaker expresses a desire to abandon these tools. She says,

“Done with the Compass – 

Done with the Chart!” 

This reflects a mystic’s journey beyond ordinary guidance. This moves towards a more profound connection with the divine, where external tools are no longer needed.

The Sacred Eden: In the final stanza, the speaker conveys the desire to reach a spiritual paradise. She states,

“Rowing in Eden –

Ah – the Sea!

Might I but moor – tonight –

In thee!”

Eden symbolizes a place of pure, divine love. The speaker’s wish to be there reflects a mystic’s desire to return to a state of spiritual purity and closeness with God.

In short, through its exploration of union, spiritual guidance, and divine paradise, Emily Dickinson’s “Wild Nights – Wild Nights!” is considered a mystic poem. The poem explores themes of spiritual longing and connection with the divine.