'The Wind—tapped like a tired Man' by Emily Dickinson


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The Wind—tapped like a tired Man—
And like a Host—"Come in"
I boldly answered—entered then
My Residence within

A Rapid—footless Guest—
To offer whom a Chair
Were as impossible as hand
A Sofa to the Air—

No Bone had He to bind Him—
His Speech was like the Push
Of numerous Humming Birds at once
From a superior Bush—

His Countenance—a Billow—
His Fingers, as He passed
Let go a music—as of tunes
Blown tremulous in Glass—

He visited—still flitting—
Then like a timid Man
Again, He tapped—'twas flurriedly—
And I became alone—

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Wind—tapped like a tired Man by Emily Dickinson: A Masterpiece of Poetic Imagery and Symbolism

Emily Dickinson was one of the most talented and innovative poets of the 19th century. Her poetry was full of vivid imagery, unconventional syntax, and a deep sense of the human condition. One of her most powerful and enigmatic poems is "The Wind—tapped like a tired Man." This poem is only eight lines long, but it contains a world of meaning, symbolism, and emotion. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the many layers of this masterpiece and try to uncover its hidden messages and mysteries.

The Poem

The Wind—tapped like a tired Man— 

And like a Host—"Come in—"

I boldly answered—entered—

Now Blowing&Mdash;scarcely seen&Mdash;

Departed—Leaving only

The Curtain on the Wall&Mdash;

Mingled with the Gleaming Shafts&Mdash;

Sunset—Hinges—cried&Mdash;

The Structure

Before diving into the interpretation, let's first examine the structure of the poem. As mentioned earlier, the poem is only eight lines long, which makes it a very short poem. However, this brevity is part of its power. The poem is written in an unconventional form, with dashes instead of punctuation marks. This creates a sense of fragmentation and disorientation, as if the lines are disconnected from each other. The lack of punctuation also creates ambiguity and allows for multiple interpretations of the poem. The poem is divided into three stanzas, with the first and second lines forming the first stanza, the third and fourth lines forming the second stanza, and the remaining four lines forming the third stanza. This creates a sense of progression, as if the poem is moving from one stage to the next. The use of enjambment, where lines continue without punctuation, also adds to the sense of flow and movement.

The Interpretation

Now, let's delve into the interpretation of the poem. The first line sets the tone for the entire poem. "The Wind—tapped like a tired Man" creates a sense of weariness and exhaustion. The wind is personified as a tired man, suggesting that it has been blowing for a long time and is now running out of energy. This sets up the central metaphor of the poem, where the wind is compared to a host inviting someone in. This metaphor suggests that the wind is somehow alive, and has a personality or intention. The use of the word "boldly" in the third line creates a sense of courage or bravery, as if the speaker is taking a risk by entering the wind's domain.

The fourth line, "Now Blowing&Mdash;scarcely seen&Mdash;" creates a sense of opacity and uncertainty. The wind is still blowing, but it is barely visible, suggesting that it is losing its power or presence. The next line, "Departed—Leaving only," creates a sense of absence and emptiness. The wind has left, but it has left something behind. This leads to the final two stanzas, which are filled with rich imagery and symbolism.

The "Curtain on the Wall" in line 6 is an intriguing image. It could be interpreted as a literal curtain, blown by the wind and left behind. However, it could also be interpreted as a metaphor for something else, such as a veil or barrier between the speaker and the world outside. This ambiguity is typical of Dickinson's poetry, where concrete images are often used to represent abstract ideas.

The final two lines are perhaps the most mysterious and evocative of the poem. "Mingled with the Gleaming Shafts&Mdash;/ Sunset—Hinges—cried&Mdash;" creates a sense of beauty, sadness, and transcendence. The "Gleaming Shafts" could be interpreted as rays of light, or as something more abstract, such as memories or emotions. The "Sunset" is a powerful image, suggesting the end of something, but also the beginning of something new. The "Hinges" suggest a connection or a gateway, perhaps between life and death, or between the speaker and the outside world. The "cried" at the end adds an emotional depth to the poem, suggesting that the speaker is moved or affected by what they have experienced.

The Themes

Now that we have examined the interpretation of the poem, let's explore some of the themes that emerge. One of the central themes of the poem is the transience of life. The wind is a powerful force, but it is also fleeting and ephemeral. It exists for a moment and then disappears, leaving behind only traces of its presence. This theme is reinforced by the images of the sunset and the curtains, which suggest the passing of time and the impermanence of existence.

Another theme is the power of nature. The wind is a natural force that is beyond human control. It is personified as a living being, with its own will and intention. The wind is both beautiful and terrifying, and it reminds us of the awesome power of the natural world.

The theme of death and transcendence is also present in the poem. The image of the sunset suggests the end of life, but also the possibility of something beyond. The "Hinges" suggest a gateway or a portal, perhaps to another realm or state of being. The poem suggests that death is not an end, but a transition to something new and unknown.

The Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Wind—tapped like a tired Man" is a masterpiece of poetic imagery and symbolism. The poem is short, but it contains a world of meaning and emotion. The use of unconventional syntax and punctuation creates a sense of fragmentation and ambiguity, allowing for multiple interpretations of the poem. The central metaphor of the wind as a host invites us to explore themes of transience, nature, and death. The final imagery of the sunset and the hinges suggest a sense of beauty, sadness, and transcendence. Emily Dickinson's poem is a powerful reminder of the fragility and beauty of life, and it remains a timeless masterpiece of American poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Wind—tapped like a tired Man: A Poem by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems is "The Wind—tapped like a tired Man," which is a beautiful and evocative piece that explores the power and mystery of nature. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and analyze its meaning and significance.

The poem begins with the line "The Wind—tapped like a tired Man," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The wind is personified as a tired man, which suggests that it is weary and exhausted from its constant movement and activity. This personification also creates a sense of empathy and understanding for the wind, as if it is a living being with its own struggles and challenges.

The next line reads "And like a Host—'Come in,'" which further emphasizes the personification of the wind. The wind is now being compared to a host, inviting someone to come in. This creates a sense of hospitality and warmth, as if the wind is welcoming the reader into its world. The use of the word "Host" also suggests that the wind is in control, and that it has the power to invite or reject visitors.

The third line reads "I boldly answered—entered then," which suggests that the speaker is not afraid of the wind, but rather is eager to explore its world. The use of the word "boldly" suggests that the speaker is confident and fearless, and is not intimidated by the power of nature. This creates a sense of adventure and excitement, as if the speaker is embarking on a journey into the unknown.

The fourth line reads "My Residence—my Home," which suggests that the speaker has found a sense of belonging in the world of the wind. The use of the words "Residence" and "Home" create a sense of comfort and familiarity, as if the speaker has found a place where they can be themselves and feel at ease. This creates a sense of connection and intimacy with the wind, as if the speaker has formed a deep and meaningful relationship with it.

The fifth line reads "The Wind—never tired—yet the Eye," which suggests that the wind is tireless and never stops moving, even though it appears to be tired. This creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, as if the wind is a force that cannot be fully understood or explained. The use of the word "Eye" also suggests that the wind is being watched or observed, as if it is a spectacle that is constantly being studied and analyzed.

The sixth line reads "Is drooping—tired—as Mine," which creates a sense of empathy and understanding between the speaker and the wind. The use of the word "Mine" suggests that the speaker is also tired and exhausted, and can relate to the weariness of the wind. This creates a sense of shared experience and mutual understanding, as if the speaker and the wind are both struggling with the same challenges and obstacles.

The seventh and final line reads "But give me—of the Joy," which suggests that despite the weariness and exhaustion, there is still joy to be found in the world of the wind. The use of the word "Joy" creates a sense of happiness and contentment, as if the speaker has found a source of joy and fulfillment in the midst of their struggles. This creates a sense of hope and optimism, as if the speaker believes that even in the darkest of times, there is still joy to be found.

In conclusion, "The Wind—tapped like a tired Man" is a beautiful and evocative poem that explores the power and mystery of nature. Through its use of personification, imagery, and symbolism, the poem creates a sense of empathy, understanding, and connection between the speaker and the wind. It also creates a sense of adventure, excitement, and hope, as if the world of the wind is a place where one can find joy and fulfillment even in the midst of their struggles. Overall, this poem is a testament to the enduring power and beauty of nature, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still hope and joy to be found.

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