'I 'll tell you how the sun rose, --' by Emily Dickinson

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I'll tell you how the sun rose, --
A ribbon at a time.
The steeples swam in amethyst,
The news like squirrels ran.

The hill untied their bonnets,
The bobolinks begun.
Then I said softly to myself,
"That must have been the sun!"
...................................

But how he set, I know not.
There seemed a purple stile
Which little yellow boys and girls
Were climbing all the while

Till when they reached the other side,
A dominie in gray
Put gently up the evening bars, --
And led the flock away.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Analysis of Emily Dickinson's "I'll tell you how the sun rose"

Introduction

Emily Dickinson, one of the most prominent poets of the 19th century, is known for her unique, unconventional style of writing. Her poem "I'll tell you how the sun rose" is a perfect example of her innovative use of language and imagery. In this poem, she describes the sunrise in a way that is both simple and profound. Dickinson's ability to capture the essence of a moment with precision and elegance is showcased in this poem.

Poetic Devices

The use of metaphor, alliteration, and repetition are prominent in "I'll tell you how the sun rose". One of the most striking metaphors in the poem is the comparison of the sun to a "ribbon at a time". The image of the sun unfurling like a ribbon is a beautiful and imaginative way of describing the sunrise. This metaphor is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the importance of the image.

The use of alliteration in the poem is also noteworthy. The repetition of the "s" sound in "softly stepped a star" and "shone upon the floor" creates a gentle, soothing effect. The repetition of the "t" sound in "till morning's beam" and "the timid sight" adds a sense of urgency and excitement to the poem. These sounds help to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem.

Repetition is another important poetic device that is used in this poem. The repetition of the phrase "I'll tell you" at the beginning of each stanza gives the poem a sense of structure and cohesion. This repetition also emphasizes the importance of the speaker's message.

Interpretation

The central theme of "I'll tell you how the sun rose" is the beauty of nature and the power of observation. Dickinson's ability to see the world in a unique and profound way is evident in this poem. She is able to capture the essence of the sunrise with such precision that the reader feels as if they are experiencing it themselves. The use of metaphor and imagery allows Dickinson to convey her message in a way that is both simple and profound.

The repetition of the phrase "I'll tell you" suggests that the speaker is trying to convey a message to the reader. The message is one of wonder and awe at the beauty of nature. The speaker is urging the reader to take notice of the world around them, to appreciate the beauty that is often overlooked.

In the final stanza, the speaker says "I'll tell you how the sun rose - A ribbon at a time". This line is particularly poignant because it suggests that the sun rises slowly, almost imperceptibly. This image of the sun unfurling like a ribbon emphasizes the importance of taking notice of the small things in life. The sun may rise every day, but each sunrise is unique and beautiful in its own way.

Conclusion

Emily Dickinson's "I'll tell you how the sun rose" is a beautiful and profound poem that celebrates the beauty of nature. Through her use of metaphor, alliteration, and repetition, Dickinson is able to convey her message in a way that is both simple and profound. The poem urges the reader to take notice of the world around them, to appreciate the beauty that is often overlooked. The final stanza, with its image of the sun unfurling like a ribbon, emphasizes the importance of taking notice of the small things in life. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's ability to capture the essence of a moment with precision and elegance.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

"I'll tell you how the sun rose" by Emily Dickinson: A Masterpiece of Nature Poetry

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated American poets, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores themes of death, love, and nature. In her poem "I'll tell you how the sun rose," she beautifully captures the essence of a new day dawning, and the beauty of nature that surrounds us.

The Poem

I'll tell you how the sun rose, -- A ribbon at a time. The steeples swam in amethyst, The news like squirrels ran. The hills untied their bonnets, The bobolinks begun. Then I said softly to myself, "That must have been the sun!"

But how he set, I know not. There seemed a purple stile Which little yellow boys and girls Were climbing all the while Till when they reached the other side, A dominie in gray Put gently up the evening bars, And led the flock away.

Analysis

The poem is a beautiful description of the sunrise, and the way in which nature comes to life as the day begins. The opening lines, "I'll tell you how the sun rose, -- A ribbon at a time," immediately draw the reader in, creating a sense of anticipation for what is to come.

The use of personification in the second line, "The steeples swam in amethyst," is particularly striking. It gives the impression that the buildings are alive and moving, adding to the sense of wonder and magic that surrounds the sunrise.

The third line, "The news like squirrels ran," is a clever metaphor for the way in which information spreads quickly, much like the way squirrels scurry around gathering nuts. This line also adds a sense of movement and energy to the poem.

The fourth line, "The hills untied their bonnets," is another example of personification, and it creates a vivid image of the hills coming to life as the sun rises. The use of the word "bonnets" is particularly effective, as it conjures up images of women removing their hats as they enter a room, adding to the sense of ceremony and celebration that surrounds the sunrise.

The fifth line, "The bobolinks begun," is a reference to a type of bird that is known for its beautiful song. This line adds to the sense of joy and celebration that surrounds the sunrise, as the birds begin to sing and the world comes to life.

The final two lines of the first stanza, "Then I said softly to myself, / 'That must have been the sun!'" are particularly effective. They create a sense of wonder and awe, as the speaker realizes the beauty of what they are witnessing.

The second stanza of the poem is a stark contrast to the first. It describes the sunset, and the way in which the day comes to a close. The use of the word "purple" to describe the sky is particularly effective, as it creates a sense of calm and tranquility.

The third line of the second stanza, "Which little yellow boys and girls / Were climbing all the while," is a reference to the way in which children play and explore the world around them. This line adds a sense of innocence and playfulness to the poem.

The fourth line, "Till when they reached the other side, / A dominie in gray," is a reference to a teacher or religious figure who is responsible for leading the children away. This line adds a sense of finality to the poem, as the day comes to a close and the children are led away.

Conclusion

"I'll tell you how the sun rose" is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of nature and the way in which the world comes to life as the day begins. Emily Dickinson's use of personification, metaphor, and vivid imagery creates a sense of wonder and awe, and the contrast between the sunrise and sunset adds a sense of finality to the poem. Overall, "I'll tell you how the sun rose" is a masterpiece of nature poetry that continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day.

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