'Dew—is the Freshet in the Grass—' by Emily Dickinson


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Dew—is the Freshet in the Grass—
'Tis many a tiny Mill
Turns unperceived beneath our feet
And Artisan lies still—

We spy the Forests and the Hills
The Tents to Nature's Show
Mistake the Outside for the in
And mention what we saw.

Could Commentators on the Sign
Of Nature's Caravan
Obtain "Admission" as a Child
Some Wednesday Afternoon.

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dew—is the Freshet in the Grass: A Close Reading of Emily Dickinson's Poem

Introduction

Emily Dickinson is one of the most enigmatic and intriguing poets in the history of American literature. She is known for her unconventional style, her metaphysical themes, and her profound insights into the human condition. In this essay, I will focus on one of her lesser-known poems, "Dew—is the Freshet in the Grass," and offer a close reading of the text. I will analyze the poem's structure, imagery, and symbolism, and explore its possible meanings and interpretations.

The Poem

Dew—is the Freshet in the Grass—

Dew—is the Freshet in the Grass— 'Tis many a tiny Mill Turns unperceived beneath our feet And Artisan lies still—

We spy the Forests and the Hills The Tents to Nature's Show Mistake the Outside for the in And mention what we saw.

Could Commentators on the Sign Of Nature's Caravan Observe the Czars—must die— Nor comment on the Man—

Structure

The poem consists of four quatrains, with an ABCB rhyme scheme. The first three stanzas describe the natural world and our limited perception of it, while the final stanza introduces a metaphorical interpretation of the previous lines. The poem is compact and concise, with each line contributing to the overall meaning and effect of the text. The brevity of the poem is typical of Dickinson's style, which is characterized by its economy and precision of language.

Imagery

The poem is rich in imagery, which creates a vivid and evocative picture of the natural world. The first two lines of the poem compare dew to a freshet in the grass, a small stream or rivulet. This image suggests the abundance and vitality of nature, which is often hidden from view. The next line introduces the metaphor of the mill, which turns unperceived beneath our feet. This image suggests the intricate and complex workings of nature, which operate at a level beyond our perception. The fourth line of the first stanza introduces the artisan, who lies still. This image suggests the creativity and intelligence of nature, which is often overlooked or underestimated.

The second stanza shifts the focus to the human perspective, as we spy the forests and hills and mistake the outside for the in. This image suggests our limited perception of the natural world, which we see only in terms of its external appearance. The third stanza introduces the commentators on the sign of nature's caravan, who observe the czars and comment on their mortality. This image suggests the transience and impermanence of human power and authority, which is subject to the same laws of nature as everything else.

Symbolism

The poem is rich in symbolism, which contributes to its deeper meanings and implications. The image of dew as a freshet in the grass can be interpreted as a symbol of the life force that animates all of nature, and which is often hidden and unperceived. The metaphor of the mill can be interpreted as a symbol of the intricate and complex workings of the universe, which operate according to their own laws and principles. The image of the artisan lying still can be interpreted as a symbol of the creativity and intelligence of nature, which is often dormant or latent.

The image of the forests and hills can be interpreted as a symbol of the natural world, which is vast and mysterious. The metaphor of mistaking the outside for the in can be interpreted as a symbol of our limited perspective, which fails to recognize the inner reality of things. The commentators on the sign of nature's caravan can be interpreted as a symbol of the human tendency to interpret and explain the natural world, but which often fails to grasp its deeper meanings and implications.

The final stanza introduces a metaphorical interpretation of the previous lines, as the czars are compared to man. This image suggests the mortality and impermanence of human power and authority, which is subject to the same laws of nature as everything else. The poem thus offers a critique of human arrogance and hubris, and suggests that we need to adopt a more humble and reverential attitude towards the natural world.

Interpretation

The poem can be interpreted in a number of ways, depending on one's perspective and reading of the text. One possible interpretation is that it is a celebration of the natural world, and a call to appreciate its beauty and mystery. The poem suggests that nature is alive and vibrant, and that it operates according to its own laws and principles. The image of the artisan lying still suggests that nature possesses a creativity and intelligence that is often overlooked or underestimated. The metaphor of the mill suggests that nature is a complex and intricate system, which operates beyond our perception.

Another possible interpretation is that the poem is a critique of human arrogance and hubris, and a warning of the consequences of our destructive behavior towards the natural world. The image of the czars and the commentators suggests that human power and authority are subject to the same laws of nature as everything else, and that we need to adopt a more humble and reverential attitude towards the natural world. The poem suggests that our limited perspective and our failure to recognize the inner reality of things is a major obstacle to our understanding of the natural world.

Conclusion

"Dew—is the Freshet in the Grass" is a powerful and evocative poem that offers a profound and insightful reflection on the natural world and our place in it. The poem is rich in imagery and symbolism, which contributes to its deeper meanings and implications. The poem can be interpreted in a number of ways, depending on one's perspective and reading of the text. The poem celebrates the beauty and mystery of nature, while also critiquing human arrogance and hubris. Ultimately, the poem suggests that we need to adopt a more humble and reverential attitude towards the natural world, if we are to fully appreciate its richness and complexity.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Dew—is the Freshet in the Grass—written by Emily Dickinson is a classic poem that captures the essence of nature in a beautiful and profound way. As a renowned poet, Dickinson has a unique way of expressing her thoughts and emotions through her works, and this poem is no exception. In this analysis, we will explore the meaning and significance of this poem and how it relates to Dickinson's life and experiences.

The poem begins with the line "Dew—is the Freshet in the Grass—" which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The word "dew" is a metaphor for the freshness and purity of nature, while "freshet" refers to a stream or flow of water. Dickinson is comparing the dew to a stream of water flowing through the grass, which creates a beautiful and serene image in the reader's mind.

The second line of the poem, "‘Tis many a tiny Mill," further emphasizes the metaphor of the freshet. Dickinson is suggesting that the dew is like a mill, grinding away at the grass and creating a new life. This line also highlights the importance of the small things in life, as the tiny mills are what make up the larger picture.

The third line of the poem, "Escaping to the Mill," is a continuation of the metaphor of the freshet. Dickinson is suggesting that the dew is escaping to the mill, which is a metaphor for the cycle of life. The dew is being absorbed by the grass, which will eventually die and become part of the earth, creating new life in the process.

The fourth line of the poem, "Its soundless Wheels go round—" is a beautiful and profound statement about the cycle of life. Dickinson is suggesting that the cycle of life is silent, yet it is constantly moving and evolving. The wheels of the mill are turning, but there is no sound, which is a metaphor for the silent and constant movement of life.

The fifth line of the poem, "‘Tis Circumference adjusts," is a continuation of the metaphor of the mill. Dickinson is suggesting that the circumference of the mill adjusts to the flow of the freshet, which is a metaphor for the way that life adapts and changes to the circumstances around it. The circumference of the mill is constantly changing, just as life is constantly changing and adapting to the world around it.

The sixth line of the poem, "It has an alter-ego," is a fascinating statement that adds depth and complexity to the poem. Dickinson is suggesting that the freshet has an alter-ego, which is a metaphor for the duality of life. Life is not just one thing, but rather a complex and multifaceted entity that is constantly changing and evolving.

The seventh and final line of the poem, "That disappears at Dawn—" is a poignant and beautiful statement about the fleeting nature of life. Dickinson is suggesting that the freshet disappears at dawn, which is a metaphor for the transience of life. Life is fleeting and temporary, and we must cherish every moment that we have.

Overall, Dew—is the Freshet in the Grass— is a beautiful and profound poem that captures the essence of nature and the cycle of life. Dickinson's use of metaphors and imagery creates a vivid and powerful image in the reader's mind, and her message about the importance of cherishing every moment of life is both poignant and inspiring.

In terms of Dickinson's life and experiences, it is clear that she had a deep appreciation for nature and the beauty of the world around her. Her poetry often reflects her love of nature and her fascination with the cycle of life, and this poem is no exception. Dickinson's own life was marked by tragedy and loss, and it is possible that her appreciation for the fleeting nature of life was influenced by these experiences.

In conclusion, Dew—is the Freshet in the Grass— is a classic poem that continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day. Dickinson's use of metaphors and imagery creates a powerful and profound message about the cycle of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's talent as a poet and her deep appreciation for the beauty of the world around her.

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