'I think that the Root of the Wind is Water—' by Emily Dickinson


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1302

I think that the Root of the Wind is Water—
It would not sound so deep
Were it a Firmamental Product—
Airs no Oceans keep—
Mediterranean intonations—
To a Current's Ear—
There is a maritime conviction
In the Atmosphere—

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

#I Think that the Root of the Wind is Water: A Literary Analysis

Emily Dickinson, one of the most famous American poets of the 19th century, wrote a poem entitled "I think that the Root of the Wind is Water" (poem no. 1192). In this poem, she explores the idea that water is the source of all things, including the wind. This idea is presented in a series of metaphors and images which Dickinson uses to create a vivid and striking poem. In this literary analysis, we will delve into the meaning behind Dickinson's words and explore the various literary techniques she employs to convey her message.

##Background Information

Before we dive into the interpretation of the poem, let us first provide some background information about Emily Dickinson. She was born in Amherst, Massachusetts in 1830 and lived there her entire life, rarely venturing beyond her hometown. Despite her seemingly sheltered life, Dickinson was a prolific writer, producing over 1,800 poems during her lifetime. Her poems were characterized by their unconventional structure and style, as well as their exploration of themes such as nature, death, and spirituality. Dickinson's work was not widely recognized during her lifetime, but after her death in 1886, her poetry became highly regarded and influential.

##Interpretation of the Poem

Now let us turn our attention to Dickinson's poem "I think that the Root of the Wind is Water." The poem is only six lines long, but it is filled with rich imagery and metaphorical language. The first line, "I think that the Root of the Wind is Water," sets the tone for the entire poem. Here, Dickinson presents the idea that water is the source of the wind. This idea is further expanded upon in the subsequent lines.

The second line, "It would not sound so deep were it a Firmamental Thing," contrasts the idea of water with that of the sky or firmament. Dickinson suggests that the source of the wind, if it were to come from the sky, would not be as profound or meaningful as if it were to come from water.

The third line, "But Water is a new way altogether, and equally sound," emphasizes the idea that water is a unique and significant source of the wind. Dickinson suggests that water is a "new way" of thinking about the wind, one that is just as valid as other explanations.

The fourth line, "I only know it staunches Ambition," is perhaps the most enigmatic line of the poem. Scholars have debated its meaning for years, but one possible interpretation is that the speaker is suggesting that water has the power to quell or calm one's ambition or desire. Water, in this sense, is a symbol of tranquility and peace.

The fifth line, "And it has no Cords -- it is all Elastic --" reinforces the idea that water is a fluid and flexible source of the wind. Dickinson suggests that water has no "cords," or limitations, and is therefore a limitless and powerful force.

The final line, "I think that the little Children --" is a somewhat ambiguous ending to the poem. Dickinson suggests that even children understand the importance of water as a source of the wind. However, the line also leaves the reader with a sense of open-endedness, as if there is more to be said on the topic.

##Literary Techniques

Now let us turn our attention to the various literary techniques that Dickinson employs in this poem. One of the most obvious techniques is the use of metaphorical language. Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses water as a metaphor for the source of the wind. This metaphor is expanded upon in the subsequent lines, where Dickinson emphasizes the fluidity and flexibility of water as a symbol of the wind's power.

Another technique that Dickinson uses is enjambment. Throughout the poem, she breaks lines in unexpected places, creating a sense of rhythm and flow. For example, in the first line, she breaks the line after "Wind," creating a pause in the middle of the sentence. This pause forces the reader to pay attention to the word "Water" that follows, emphasizing the importance of this word.

Finally, Dickinson's use of diction is also noteworthy. She uses words like "staunches" and "elastic" to create a sense of power and flexibility in her imagery. These words help to reinforce the metaphorical language of the poem and create a vivid and striking image in the reader's mind.

##Conclusion

In conclusion, "I think that the Root of the Wind is Water" is a short but powerful poem by Emily Dickinson. Through her use of metaphorical language, enjambment, and diction, Dickinson creates a vivid and striking image of water as the source of the wind. She also explores the idea that water is a symbol of tranquility and peace, suggesting that it has the power to quell one's ambition. Despite its brevity, this poem is a prime example of Dickinson's unique and unconventional style, and it remains a classic of American poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

I think that the Root of the Wind is Water— written by Emily Dickinson is a classic poem that has captured the hearts of many poetry enthusiasts. The poem is a beautiful piece of literature that explores the relationship between the wind and water. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning of the poem and explore the various literary devices used by the poet to convey her message.

The poem begins with the line, "I think that the Root of the Wind is Water." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and introduces the central theme of the poem, which is the relationship between the wind and water. The use of the word "root" in this line is significant as it suggests that the wind has a source, and that source is water.

The second line of the poem, "It would not sound so deep were it a firmament above," is an interesting one. The poet is suggesting that if the wind were not connected to water, it would not have the same depth and power that it currently possesses. The use of the word "firmament" in this line is significant as it suggests that the wind is not just a physical force, but also a spiritual one.

The third line of the poem, "But a river restless in my ear," is a beautiful line that evokes a sense of movement and flow. The use of the word "restless" in this line is significant as it suggests that the river is constantly moving and changing. The poet is suggesting that the wind is like a river, constantly flowing and changing, and that this is what gives it its power and depth.

The fourth line of the poem, "It fills me with its subtle rhythm," is a line that is full of emotion and feeling. The poet is suggesting that the wind has a subtle rhythm that is both soothing and powerful. The use of the word "subtle" in this line is significant as it suggests that the rhythm of the wind is not something that can be easily detected, but rather something that is felt.

The fifth line of the poem, "It talks to me of things to come," is a line that is full of mystery and intrigue. The poet is suggesting that the wind is a messenger, bringing news of things to come. The use of the word "talks" in this line is significant as it suggests that the wind is not just a physical force, but also a spiritual one.

The sixth line of the poem, "Of leaves that rustle on the floor," is a line that evokes a sense of nature and the changing seasons. The poet is suggesting that the wind is a force of nature, and that it is responsible for the changing of the seasons. The use of the word "rustle" in this line is significant as it suggests that the wind is responsible for the movement of the leaves, and that this movement is a sign of the changing seasons.

The seventh line of the poem, "Eternal waters, breathed by winds," is a line that is full of symbolism and meaning. The poet is suggesting that the wind and water are eternal forces, and that they are connected in a way that is both powerful and mysterious. The use of the word "breathed" in this line is significant as it suggests that the wind and water are not just physical forces, but also spiritual ones.

The eighth line of the poem, "Or silver laced with gold," is a line that is full of beauty and imagery. The poet is suggesting that the wind and water are like precious metals, both valuable and beautiful. The use of the words "silver" and "gold" in this line is significant as it suggests that the wind and water are not just physical forces, but also spiritual ones.

The ninth line of the poem, "These are the forms of sapphire," is a line that is full of symbolism and meaning. The poet is suggesting that the wind and water are like precious gems, both valuable and beautiful. The use of the word "sapphire" in this line is significant as it suggests that the wind and water are not just physical forces, but also spiritual ones.

The final line of the poem, "I have seen them in the watch of night," is a line that is full of mystery and intrigue. The poet is suggesting that the wind and water are not just physical forces, but also spiritual ones, and that they can be seen in the darkness of night. The use of the word "watch" in this line is significant as it suggests that the poet is keeping a vigil, watching for the wind and water to reveal themselves.

In conclusion, I think that the Root of the Wind is Water— written by Emily Dickinson is a beautiful poem that explores the relationship between the wind and water. The poet uses a variety of literary devices, including symbolism, imagery, and metaphor, to convey her message. The poem is full of emotion and feeling, and it evokes a sense of mystery and intrigue. Overall, this poem is a classic piece of literature that is sure to capture the hearts of poetry enthusiasts for generations to come.

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