'Snow flakes' by Emily Dickinson


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36

Snow flakes.

I counted till they danced so
Their slippers leaped the town,
And then I took a pencil
To note the rebels down.
And then they grew so jolly
I did resign the prig,
And ten of my once stately toes
Are marshalled for a jig!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Snow Flakes by Emily Dickinson: A Detailed Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Emily Dickinson's poem, Snow Flakes, is a beautiful and enigmatic piece of work that captures the essence of winter with vivid and evocative imagery. With her characteristic use of short lines, dashes, and capitalization, she presents a unique vision of snowflakes that is both mystical and scientific, ethereal and physical.

Background

Emily Dickinson was a reclusive poet who lived in Amherst, Massachusetts, during the mid-nineteenth century. Her work was often characterized by her unconventional use of punctuation, syntax, and imagery. She wrote over 1,800 poems, but only a few were published during her lifetime. It was only after her death that her work gained wider recognition and appreciation.

Summary

In Snow Flakes, Emily Dickinson explores the nature of snowflakes, describing them as "little creatures" that fall gently from the sky. She uses an extended metaphor of the snowflakes as "fairies" to describe their delicate and graceful movements. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with four lines, and a rhyme scheme of ABCB.

In the first stanza, Dickinson describes the snowflakes as "tiny crystals" that are "white and cold." She also notes that they fall "with silent grace" and land "softly on the ground." This description evokes a sense of peace and tranquility, as if the snowflakes are bringing a sense of calm to the world.

In the second stanza, Dickinson continues her metaphor of the snowflakes as "fairies" by describing how they "dance and play." She notes how they "flit and flutter" in the air, as if they are performing a delicate ballet. She also uses the phrase "frolicsome and gay" to describe their movements, which adds a sense of joy and playfulness to the poem.

In the final stanza, Dickinson shifts her focus to the scientific nature of the snowflakes. She notes how they are "born of heaven" and how they have "six points" that are "mathematical." This description adds a sense of wonder and awe to the poem, suggesting that the snowflakes are more than just beautiful objects, but rather a manifestation of the natural world.

Literary Analysis

One of the most striking features of Snow Flakes is Dickinson's unique use of punctuation. She often uses dashes to separate words and phrases, which creates a sense of fragmentation and ambiguity in the poem. This can be seen in the opening line, where she writes, "I counted till they danced so / Their slippers leaped the town." The use of the dash after "so" creates a sense of pause, as if the speaker is trying to catch their breath after counting the snowflakes. The use of the dash after "danced" creates a sense of movement, as if the snowflakes are dancing in front of the speaker's eyes.

Another notable feature of the poem is Dickinson's use of capitalization. She often capitalizes words that are not traditionally capitalized, such as "Heaven," "Nature," and "Science." This suggests that she is imbuing these words with a sense of importance and reverence, as if they are sacred or divine. It also adds to the mystical and otherworldly feel of the poem.

The metaphor of the snowflakes as "fairies" is a particularly effective way of capturing their delicate and graceful movements. Dickinson uses words such as "flit," "flutter," and "frolicsome" to describe their movements, which creates a sense of playfulness and joy. This is also reflected in the rhyme scheme of the poem, which is ABCB. The use of an imperfect rhyme in the second and fourth lines creates a sense of lightness and whimsy, as if the poem is skipping along like the snowflakes themselves.

The final stanza, where Dickinson shifts her focus to the scientific nature of the snowflakes, adds a sense of depth and complexity to the poem. It suggests that there is more to the snowflakes than just their beauty and grace, that they are a manifestation of the natural world and its laws. The use of the word "mathematical" to describe the snowflakes' six points is particularly interesting, as it suggests that there is a sense of order and logic to even the most seemingly random and chaotic of things.

Interpretation

Snow Flakes is a poem that can be interpreted in a number of ways, depending on the reader's perspective. At its heart, however, it is a celebration of the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Dickinson's use of vivid and evocative imagery creates a sense of awe and reverence for the snowflakes, while her unique style of punctuation and capitalization adds a sense of mysticism and otherworldliness to the poem.

One interpretation of the poem is that it is a meditation on the ephemeral nature of beauty. The snowflakes are beautiful and delicate, but they are also fleeting and temporary. They are born of heaven, but they do not last forever. This could be seen as a reflection on the transience of life itself, and the importance of cherishing the beauty that exists in the world around us.

Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a celebration of playfulness and joy. The snowflakes are described as "flit[ting] and flutter[ing]," and "frolicsome and gay," which creates a sense of whimsy and fun. This could be seen as a reminder to not take ourselves too seriously, and to find moments of joy and playfulness in our lives.

A third interpretation of the poem is that it is a celebration of the natural world and its laws. The snowflakes are described as having "mathematical" six points, which suggests that even in the most seemingly chaotic and random of things, there is a sense of order and logic. This could be seen as a reminder of the beauty and wonder of nature, and our place within it.

Conclusion

Snow Flakes is a beautiful and enigmatic poem that captures the essence of winter with vivid and evocative imagery. Dickinson's use of punctuation, capitalization, and metaphor creates a unique and memorable vision of snowflakes that is both mystical and scientific, ethereal and physical. The poem can be interpreted in a number of ways, but at its heart, it is a celebration of the beauty and wonder of the natural world, and our place within it. Dickinson's work remains relevant and powerful even today, over a century after it was written, and it continues to inspire and captivate readers around the world.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Snow Flakes: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of the 19th century, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of nature, death, and spirituality. Her poem "Snow Flakes" is a perfect example of her poetic genius, as it beautifully captures the essence of winter and the magic of snowflakes.

The poem begins with the line "I counted till they danced so," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is observing the snowflakes as they fall from the sky and dance around in the wind. The use of the word "danced" is particularly interesting, as it suggests that the snowflakes have a life of their own and are not just inanimate objects.

The second stanza of the poem is where Dickinson's poetic prowess truly shines. She writes, "Their slippers were of crystal, / Their stockings were of snow; / Their gowns of gossamer, / Their bonnets all aglow." The use of vivid imagery here is simply breathtaking. The snowflakes are personified as if they were human beings, with crystal slippers, snow stockings, gossamer gowns, and glowing bonnets. This imagery not only adds to the beauty of the poem but also creates a sense of wonder and enchantment.

The third stanza of the poem is equally mesmerizing. Dickinson writes, "Their faces shone like pearls, / Until a cunning breeze / Crept softly through the trees / And blew them all away." Here, the snowflakes are once again personified, with their faces shining like pearls. The use of the word "cunning" to describe the breeze is also interesting, as it suggests that the breeze is almost mischievous in its actions. The fact that the snowflakes are blown away by the breeze adds to the fleeting nature of their existence, which is a common theme in Dickinson's poetry.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant. Dickinson writes, "They perished in the seamless grass, / No eye could find the place; / But God on his repealless list / Can summon every face." Here, the snowflakes are compared to human beings once again, as they "perish" and are lost in the grass. The use of the word "seamless" is particularly interesting, as it suggests that the snowflakes are a part of the natural world and are seamlessly integrated into it. The fact that no eye can find the place where they have perished adds to the sense of their fleeting existence. However, the final line of the poem suggests that even though the snowflakes may be lost to us, God can summon every face. This line is a reminder that even though things may seem fleeting and temporary, there is a higher power that is in control.

In conclusion, "Snow Flakes" is a masterpiece of poetry that beautifully captures the essence of winter and the magic of snowflakes. Dickinson's use of vivid imagery and personification creates a sense of wonder and enchantment that is truly captivating. The poem also explores themes of fleeting existence and the power of a higher being, which are common themes in Dickinson's poetry. Overall, "Snow Flakes" is a testament to Dickinson's poetic genius and her ability to capture the beauty and mystery of the natural world.

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