'A drop fell on the apple tree' by Emily Dickinson


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A drop fell on the apple tree
Another on the roof;
A half a dozen kissed the eaves,
And made the gables laugh.

A few went out to help the brook,
That went to help the sea.
Myself conjectured, Were they pearls,
What necklaces could be!

The dust replaced in hoisted roa
The birds jocoser sung;
The sunshine threw his hat away,
The orchards spangles hung.

The breezes brought dejected
And bathed them in the glee;
The East put out a single flag,
And signed the fete away.


Editor 1 Interpretation

A Drop Fell on the Apple Tree: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Are you looking for a poem that captures the beauty of nature and the fleeting moments in life? Look no further than Emily Dickinson's "A Drop Fell on the Apple Tree." In just three stanzas, Dickinson uses vivid imagery and metaphor to explore the themes of transience, mortality, and the beauty of the natural world. Let's dive into this poem and see what makes it a classic.

Background

Before we analyze the poem, let's take a brief look at Dickinson's life and work. Emily Dickinson was a reclusive poet who lived in Amherst, Massachusetts in the mid-19th century. Despite her isolation, she wrote over 1,800 poems, most of which were discovered and published after her death in 1886. Dickinson is now considered one of America's greatest poets, known for her unique style and her ability to capture the complexities of the human experience.

"A Drop Fell on the Apple Tree" was published posthumously in 1890. Like many of Dickinson's poems, it is untitled, and the title we know it by today was assigned by editors. The poem is written in Dickinson's signature style, with short lines and irregular capitalization and punctuation. It is also notable for its use of metaphor and imagery to convey deeper meanings.

Analysis

Let's take a closer look at the poem stanza by stanza.

A Drop fell on the Apple Tree—
Another—on the Roof—
A Half a Dozen kissed the Eaves—
And made the Gables laugh—

Dickinson begins the poem with a simple description of raindrops falling on an apple tree and a roof. The image is vivid, and the reader can almost hear the sound of the raindrops hitting the surfaces. However, even in these first lines, there is a sense of transience and impermanence. The raindrops are described as isolated events, and they come and go quickly. The use of the word "kissed" to describe the raindrops on the eaves adds a sense of delicacy and intimacy to the scene. The raindrops are not just falling, they are touching and leaving a mark.

A Drop fell on the Apple Tree—
Another—on the Roof—
A Half a Dozen kissed the Eaves—
And made the Gables laugh—
A few went out to help the Brook,
That went to help the Sea—

In the second stanza, Dickinson expands on the image of the raindrops. Some of the raindrops go to help the brook, which in turn helps the sea. This is a metaphor for the interconnectedness of all things in nature. Dickinson is suggesting that even the smallest events, like a raindrop falling on an apple tree, have an impact on the larger world. The use of personification in the line "And made the Gables laugh" adds a playful tone to the poem and emphasizes the idea of the raindrops having agency.

A Drop fell on the Apple Tree—
Another—on the Roof—
And the requisite Blue Bird—sang
That Hour—the World—if tune—

In the final stanza, Dickinson introduces a new element to the scene: a bluebird singing. The bluebird is described as "requisite," suggesting that its presence is necessary to complete the scene. The bird's song is a contrast to the sound of the raindrops, but it also adds to the beauty of the moment. The line "That Hour—the World—if tune—" is one of the most famous in the poem. It suggests that the beauty of the natural world can momentarily bring order and harmony to a chaotic world. The use of the word "if" adds a sense of uncertainty and impermanence to the moment, reminding the reader that these moments of beauty are fleeting.

Interpretation

So what does this poem mean? Like many of Dickinson's poems, "A Drop Fell on the Apple Tree" is open to interpretation. However, there are a few themes and ideas that emerge from the poem.

One of the main themes of the poem is transience. The raindrops are described as isolated events that come and go quickly. The bluebird's song is beautiful, but it is also fleeting. Dickinson is suggesting that even the most beautiful moments in life are temporary. This theme is reinforced by the use of personification and metaphor. The raindrops, the bluebird, and the apple tree all have agency and are able to impact the world around them, but they are also subject to the forces of nature and time.

Another theme of the poem is the beauty of the natural world. Dickinson uses vivid imagery and metaphor to paint a picture of a moment of beauty in nature. The raindrops, the apple tree, the bluebird, and the brook are all described in a way that emphasizes their beauty and their contribution to the larger world. The poem also suggests that moments of beauty in nature can bring order and harmony to a chaotic world.

Finally, the poem can be read as a meditation on mortality. The fleeting nature of the raindrops and the bluebird's song is a reminder that life is short and that everything is subject to the forces of time and nature. However, the poem also suggests that even in the face of mortality, there is still beauty to be found in the natural world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "A Drop Fell on the Apple Tree" is a classic poem that captures the beauty and transience of the natural world. Dickinson's use of metaphor and imagery creates a vivid scene that is both beautiful and fleeting. The poem is open to interpretation, but themes of transience, the beauty of the natural world, and mortality emerge from the text. Whether you're a fan of poetry or just looking for a moment of beauty in a chaotic world, "A Drop Fell on the Apple Tree" is a poem that is sure to resonate.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has the power to transport us to another world, to make us feel emotions we never thought possible, and to inspire us in ways we never imagined. Emily Dickinson's "A drop fell on the apple tree" is a perfect example of this. In just a few short lines, Dickinson manages to capture the beauty and wonder of nature, while also exploring deeper themes of life and death.

The poem begins with a simple image: a drop of water falling on an apple tree. But even in this opening line, Dickinson manages to create a sense of mystery and wonder. Why is this drop of water so important? What does it mean for the apple tree? As we read on, we begin to understand that this drop of water is not just any drop of water - it is a symbol of life itself.

As the poem continues, Dickinson describes how the drop of water "ran into a spider's web." This image is both beautiful and haunting. On the one hand, we can imagine the way the water glistens in the sunlight as it runs down the delicate threads of the web. On the other hand, we are reminded of the fragility of life, and how easily it can be snatched away.

But Dickinson doesn't stop there. She goes on to describe how the spider "held it there, / Stood grinning at the fool." This image is both chilling and profound. The spider, with its cold, calculating eyes, seems to be mocking the drop of water, as if to say, "You thought you could escape me, but you were wrong." And yet, at the same time, we are reminded of the power of nature, and how even the smallest creatures can have a profound impact on the world around them.

As the poem comes to a close, Dickinson leaves us with a final image: "Drop, drop, / in the name of the bee." This line is both beautiful and mysterious. What does it mean for the drop of water to fall "in the name of the bee"? Is the bee a symbol of life, or of death? Or is it simply a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things in nature?

Ultimately, what makes "A drop fell on the apple tree" such a powerful poem is its ability to capture the beauty and complexity of nature in just a few short lines. Dickinson's use of imagery and symbolism is masterful, and her ability to explore deeper themes of life and death is truly remarkable. Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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