'An awful Tempest mashed the air' by Emily Dickinson


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An awful Tempest mashed the air-
The clouds were gaunt, and few-
A Black-as of a Spectre's Cloak
Hid Heaven and Earth from view.The creatures chuckled on the Roofs-
And whistled in the air-
And shook their fists-
And gnashed their teeth-
And swung their frenzied hair.The morning lit-the Birds arose-
The Monster's faded eyes
Turned slowly to his native coast-
And peace-was Paradise!

Editor 1 Interpretation

#An Awful Tempest Mashed the Air: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Emily Dickinson’s “An Awful Tempest Mashed the Air” is a poem that exemplifies her unique poetic style and her ability to convey deep thoughts and emotions through vivid imagery and metaphorical language. In this poem, Dickinson explores the theme of the power of nature and its ability to both destroy and renew life.

The poem begins with the line “An awful Tempest mashed the air,” immediately setting a dark and ominous tone. The use of the word “mashed” is especially effective in conveying the violent force of the storm. The choice of the word “awful” is also significant, as it suggests that the storm is not only destructive but also inspires fear and terror in those who witness it.

The second stanza continues the description of the storm, with the speaker likening it to a “deafening noise” that shakes the very ground beneath their feet. This line is particularly effective in conveying the chaotic and overwhelming nature of the storm, as it suggests that it is not only affecting the air but also the earth itself.

The third stanza introduces the image of a “sudden hush,” which provides a momentary respite from the chaos of the storm. However, this calm is short-lived, as the speaker notes that the storm soon returns with renewed force. This is symbolic of the cyclical nature of nature, which can both destroy and renew life in equal measure.

The final stanza brings the poem to a close, with the speaker reflecting on the power of the storm and its impact on the natural world. The line “The trees writhe, and the houses crouch,” is particularly effective in conveying the idea that even the most solid and permanent structures can be affected by the power of nature. The final line, “The sea subsides, and Heaven is bare,” is a powerful ending to the poem, as it suggests that even the great expanse of the sea can be calmed by the force of the storm.

Overall, “An Awful Tempest Mashed the Air” is a powerful and evocative poem that showcases Emily Dickinson’s skill as a poet. Through her use of vivid imagery and metaphorical language, she explores the theme of nature’s destructive and renewing power. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of Dickinson’s poetry and its ability to resonate with readers even today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

An Awful Tempest Mashed the Air: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, is known for her unique style of writing that often explores the themes of death, nature, and spirituality. Her poem, "An Awful Tempest Mashed the Air," is a classic example of her exceptional talent in capturing the essence of nature and its power.

The poem begins with the line, "An awful tempest mashed the air," immediately setting the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "awful" creates a sense of fear and dread, while "tempest" suggests a violent storm. The word "mashed" is also an interesting choice, as it implies a forceful, destructive action.

The second line, "The clouds were gaunt and few," paints a vivid picture of the sky during the storm. The word "gaunt" suggests a lack of substance or vitality, while "few" implies that the storm is isolated or contained. This creates a sense of desolation and loneliness, as if the storm is a force unto itself.

The third line, "A black, as of a spectre's cloak," is a powerful image that evokes a sense of darkness and foreboding. The use of the word "spectre" suggests a ghostly presence, while "cloak" implies a sense of concealment or secrecy. This creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, as if the storm is hiding something.

The fourth line, "Hung brooding, o'er the face of day," continues the theme of darkness and foreboding. The use of the word "brooding" suggests a sense of contemplation or deep thought, while "o'er the face of day" implies that the storm is obscuring the light. This creates a sense of oppression and suffocation, as if the storm is suffocating the world.

The fifth line, "And the lightning looked like lances," is a powerful image that evokes a sense of violence and aggression. The use of the word "lances" suggests a weapon, while "lightning" implies a sudden, explosive force. This creates a sense of danger and threat, as if the storm is attacking the world.

The sixth line, "Held by Titans in their hands," is a fascinating image that suggests a sense of power and control. The use of the word "Titans" implies a sense of mythological strength, while "hands" suggests a sense of manipulation or domination. This creates a sense of awe and wonder, as if the storm is a force beyond human understanding.

The seventh line, "Not afraid to die was he," is a powerful statement that suggests a sense of bravery and courage. The use of the word "he" implies a sense of individuality or personhood, while "not afraid to die" suggests a sense of acceptance or resignation. This creates a sense of admiration and respect, as if the storm is a force to be reckoned with.

The eighth line, "But O, at the summons of the storm," is a fascinating image that suggests a sense of obedience or submission. The use of the word "summons" implies a sense of authority or command, while "storm" suggests a sense of power or force. This creates a sense of humility and respect, as if the storm is a force to be obeyed.

The ninth line, "He put his trust in me," is a powerful statement that suggests a sense of faith or belief. The use of the word "trust" implies a sense of reliance or dependence, while "me" suggests a sense of personal connection or relationship. This creates a sense of intimacy and closeness, as if the storm is a force that can be trusted.

The final line, "And took his offer'd hand," is a powerful image that suggests a sense of acceptance or surrender. The use of the word "offer'd" implies a sense of generosity or kindness, while "hand" suggests a sense of connection or touch. This creates a sense of peace and resolution, as if the storm is a force that can be embraced.

In conclusion, "An Awful Tempest Mashed the Air" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of nature and its power. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Emily Dickinson creates a sense of fear, awe, and wonder that is both captivating and inspiring. This poem is a testament to her exceptional talent and her ability to capture the beauty and complexity of the world around us.

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