'The Mountains—grow unnoticed' by Emily Dickinson


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The Mountains—grow unnoticed—
Their Purple figures rise
Without attempt—Exhaustion—
Assistance—or Applause—

In Their Eternal Faces
The Sun—with just delight
Looks long—and last—and golden—
For fellowship—at night—

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Mountains—Grow Unnoticed: A Mysterious Poem by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson’s poetry is often characterized by its enigmatic nature, and "The Mountains—Grow Unnoticed" is no exception. This poem is a lyrical meditation on the nature of growth and the passage of time, and it is full of rich imagery and symbolism that invite readers to explore its deeper meanings. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will attempt to unravel some of the mysteries of this poem, and offer some insights into what Dickinson might have been trying to convey.

A First Reading: Awe at the Mountains

One of the first things that strikes me about this poem is the way it opens. "The Mountains—grow unnoticed," Dickinson writes, as if she is making an observation that is both surprising and profound. The image of mountains growing unnoticed seems almost impossible: how can something as enormous and majestic as a mountain go unnoticed? And yet, the poem seems to suggest, this is precisely what happens. The growth of mountains is slow and gradual, and it often takes place over such a long period of time that it goes unnoticed by human beings.

Dickinson’s language is full of awe and wonder as she contemplates the mountains. She speaks of their "majesty," their "grandeur," and their "sublime" beauty. She seems to be suggesting that the mountains are a kind of natural wonder that are beyond human comprehension. They are something that inspires awe and reverence in us, even as we struggle to understand them.

Growth and Change

As the poem progresses, Dickinson begins to explore the idea of growth and change more deeply. She writes:

Their purple figures rise

Without attempt, without pretense,

In stupendous innocence,

Until, by and by,

Their majestic mouths condense

In a reluctant mist.

Here, Dickinson seems to be suggesting that the growth of the mountains is both effortless and inevitable. They rise without "attempt" or "pretense," and they do so in a state of "stupendous innocence." The mountains are not trying to be anything other than what they are; they simply exist, and their existence is enough to inspire awe and wonder in us.

But even as Dickinson celebrates the mountains’ growth, she recognizes that change is inevitable. The mountains eventually become shrouded in mist, their "majestic mouths condense / In a reluctant mist." This image of the mist seems to suggest that even the mountains must eventually give way to the passage of time. They are not invincible; they are subject to the same forces of change and decay that affect all things.

Symbolism and Interpretation

One of the things that makes this poem so fascinating is its rich symbolism. Dickinson employs a number of metaphors and images that invite readers to explore the poem’s deeper meanings. For example, the mountains themselves might be seen as a symbol for something larger and more profound. They might represent the natural world, or the passage of time itself. Alternatively, the mountains might be seen as a symbol for something more personal, such as our own sense of awe and wonder at the world around us.

Another important symbol in the poem is the mist that eventually shrouds the mountains. The mist might be seen as a metaphor for the passage of time, or for the way that we sometimes lose sight of things that once inspired us. The mist might also be seen as a symbol for the unknowable and mysterious aspects of the world around us. Just as the mist obscures the mountains, so too do the mysteries of the universe often elude our understanding.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Poetry

"The Mountains—Grow Unnoticed" is a powerful poem that invites readers to explore some of the most profound questions of existence. Through her use of rich imagery and enigmatic language, Emily Dickinson invites us to contemplate the nature of growth, change, and the passage of time. She also invites us to confront the mystery and wonder of the world around us, and to recognize that there are some things that are beyond our understanding.

As a reader, I find this poem both challenging and inspiring. It reminds me of the power of poetry to capture the essence of the world around us, and to offer insights into the mysteries of existence. It also reminds me of the importance of awe and wonder in our lives, and of the need to cultivate a sense of reverence for the natural world. Ultimately, "The Mountains—Grow Unnoticed" is a testament to the enduring power of poetry, and to the ways in which it can help us to make sense of our world.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Mountains—grow unnoticed: A Deep Dive into Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated American poets of the 19th century, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of nature, death, and spirituality. Her poem, "The Mountains—grow unnoticed," is a prime example of her ability to capture the essence of nature and its relationship with human existence.

At first glance, the poem appears to be a simple observation of the growth of mountains. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Dickinson is using the mountains as a metaphor for the human experience. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the poem and explore its underlying themes and meanings.

The poem begins with the line, "The Mountains—grow unnoticed." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and immediately captures the reader's attention. The use of the word "unnoticed" suggests that the growth of the mountains is a slow and gradual process that goes unnoticed by most people. This is a metaphor for the way in which human beings often fail to recognize the subtle changes that occur in their own lives.

The second line of the poem reads, "Their Purple figures rise." The use of the word "purple" is significant because it is a color that is often associated with royalty and nobility. This suggests that the mountains are majestic and powerful, much like the human spirit. The use of the word "figures" is also interesting because it implies that the mountains have a physical presence, almost as if they are alive.

The third line of the poem reads, "Without attempt—Without assistance." This line suggests that the growth of the mountains is a natural process that occurs without any external help or intervention. This is a metaphor for the way in which human beings must rely on their own inner strength and resilience to overcome the challenges of life.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "In the Autumn—hills." This line suggests that the growth of the mountains is a cyclical process that occurs over time. The use of the word "Autumn" is significant because it is a season of change and transformation. This is a metaphor for the way in which human beings must also undergo periods of change and transformation in order to grow and evolve.

The fifth line of the poem reads, "Grow unnoticed—till they're seen." This line is a repetition of the opening line and reinforces the idea that the growth of the mountains is a slow and gradual process that goes unnoticed until it is too late. This is a metaphor for the way in which human beings often fail to appreciate the small moments of growth and change in their lives until they have already passed.

The final line of the poem reads, "Rare—when they're understood." This line suggests that the true nature and significance of the mountains can only be understood by a select few. This is a metaphor for the way in which the human experience is often misunderstood or overlooked by others.

Overall, "The Mountains—grow unnoticed" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of growth, transformation, and the human experience. Through her use of metaphor and imagery, Emily Dickinson is able to capture the essence of nature and its relationship with human existence. This poem serves as a reminder to appreciate the small moments of growth and change in our lives and to recognize the power and majesty of the human spirit.

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