'First Robin' by Emily Dickinson


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I dreaded that first robin so,
But he is mastered now,
And I'm accustomed to him grown,--
He hurts a little, though.

I thought if I could only live
Till that first shout got by,
Not all pianos in the woods
Had power to mangle me.

I dared not meet the daffodils,
For fear their yellow gown
Would pierce me with a fashion
So foreign to my own.

I wished the grass would hurry,
So when 't was time to see,
He'd be too tall, the tallest one
Could stretch to look at me.

I could not bear the bees should come,
I wished they'd stay away
In those dim countries where they go:
What word had they for me?

They're here, though; not a creature failed,
No blossom stayed away
In gentle deference to me,
The Queen of Calvary.

Each one salutes me as he goes,
And I my childish plumes
Lift, in bereaved acknowledgment
Of their unthinking drums.

Editor 1 Interpretation

First Robin: A Detailed Analysis and Interpretation

Emily Dickinson's "First Robin" is a poem that evokes a sense of joy and excitement as the first sign of spring appears. In this poem, Dickinson celebrates the arrival of the robin and the hope it brings with it. The poem is a testament to Dickinson's unique style, which is characterized by her use of unconventional punctuation, her use of dashes, and her ability to convey complex emotions in simple language.

Overview of the Poem

"First Robin" has six stanzas, each containing four lines. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it has no set rhyme or meter. The lack of rhyme scheme or meter adds to the poem's sense of freedom and spontaneity, mirroring the joy and unpredictability of springtime.

Analysis and Interpretation

Springtime and Renewal

At its core, "First Robin" is a celebration of springtime and the renewal it brings. The arrival of the robin is the first sign that winter is coming to an end and that new life is on the horizon. The robin is a symbol of hope, renewal, and rebirth. Its arrival heralds the beginning of a new season and a new start.

The Use of Unconventional Punctuation

One of the most striking features of "First Robin" is the unconventional punctuation Dickinson uses throughout the poem. She uses dashes liberally, breaking up the lines to create pauses and shifts in tone. The dashes create a sense of hesitation and uncertainty, mirroring the unpredictable nature of springtime.

The Role of the Speaker

Throughout the poem, the speaker is filled with excitement and joy at the arrival of the robin. The speaker's enthusiasm is contagious, and we can feel their excitement as they describe the robin's arrival. The speaker is also a witness to the changing of the seasons, and they are attuned to the rhythms of nature.

The Use of Imagery

Dickinson's use of imagery in "First Robin" is understated yet powerful. We can see the robin's red breast and the blue sky as if we were there. The use of color in the poem is particularly effective, as it helps to create a vivid picture of springtime.

The Theme of Hope

At its core, "First Robin" is a poem about hope. The arrival of the robin is a sign that winter is coming to an end and that warmer, brighter days are ahead. The poem is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for renewal and rebirth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dickinson's "First Robin" is a celebration of springtime, renewal, and hope. The poem is characterized by its unconventional punctuation, its use of imagery, and its sense of joy and excitement. The arrival of the robin heralds the beginning of a new season and a new start, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for renewal and rebirth.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Joyful Arrival of Spring: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's "First Robin"

Spring is a season of renewal, rebirth, and rejuvenation. It is a time when the world awakens from its winter slumber, and nature bursts forth with new life. Emily Dickinson's poem "First Robin" captures the essence of this season, celebrating the arrival of the first robin as a sign of hope and joy.

The Poem

Before diving into the analysis, let's first take a look at the poem itself:

The robin is the one
That interrupts the morn
With hurried, few, express reports
When March is scarcely on.

The robin is the one
That overflows the noon
With her cherubic quantity,
An April but begun.

The robin is the one
That speechless from her nest
Submits that home and certainty
And sanctity are best.

At first glance, the poem seems simple and straightforward. It is divided into three stanzas, each describing the robin's role in a different part of the day. However, upon closer examination, the poem reveals a deeper meaning and a rich symbolism.

The Arrival of Spring

The first stanza sets the scene for the poem, describing the robin's arrival in early March. The robin is portrayed as an interrupter, a messenger who brings news of the changing season. The use of the word "interrupts" suggests that the robin's arrival is unexpected and sudden, as if it catches the speaker off guard. This is further emphasized by the phrase "when March is scarcely on," which implies that winter is still lingering and the arrival of spring is not yet expected.

However, the robin's arrival is not unwelcome. On the contrary, it is greeted with excitement and anticipation. The use of the word "express" suggests that the robin's reports are urgent and important, conveying a sense of urgency and importance. The robin is not just any bird, but a messenger of hope and renewal.

The Joy of Spring

The second stanza shifts the focus to the middle of the day, when the robin's presence is felt even more strongly. The robin is described as overflowing with a "cherubic quantity," suggesting that she is not just a bird, but a symbol of innocence and purity. The use of the word "quantity" also implies abundance and plenty, suggesting that the arrival of spring brings with it a sense of abundance and plenty.

The phrase "An April but begun" further emphasizes the idea of new beginnings and fresh starts. April is traditionally associated with spring, and the fact that it has just begun suggests that there is still much to look forward to. The robin's presence is a reminder that there is always hope, even in the darkest of times.

The Sanctity of Home

The final stanza brings the poem to a close, focusing on the robin's nest and the sense of security and sanctity it provides. The robin is described as "speechless," suggesting that she does not need words to convey her message. Her very presence is enough to communicate the importance of home and family.

The use of the word "submits" is interesting, as it suggests a sense of surrender or acceptance. The robin is not just protecting her nest, but submitting to the idea that home and family are the most important things in life. This is further emphasized by the use of the words "certainty" and "sanctity," which suggest a sense of security and holiness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's "First Robin" is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the hope and joy it brings. The robin is not just a bird, but a symbol of renewal and rebirth. Her presence is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and a new beginning.

The poem is also a reminder of the importance of home and family. The robin's nest is a sanctuary, a place of security and sanctity. In a world that is often chaotic and uncertain, the poem reminds us that there is still a place where we can find peace and comfort.

Overall, "First Robin" is a beautiful and uplifting poem that captures the essence of spring and the joy it brings. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and a new beginning.

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