Literary Profile: Emily Dickinson
"The Trees like Tassels hit – and – swung – / There seemed to rise a Tune / From Miniature Creatures / Accompanying the Sun –"
Literary Interpretation: The poem opens with a dynamic visual of trees swaying like tassels in the wind. This movement is accompanied by an auditory sensation—a "Tune" produced by "Miniature Creatures" (insects and birds) that heralds the arrival of the sun, establishing a harmonious connection between light, movement, and sound.
"Far Psalteries of Summer – / Enamoring the Ear / They never yet did satisfy – / Remotest – when most fair"
Literary Interpretation: The music of summer is compared to ancient stringed instruments ("Psalteries"). This natural symphony is incredibly beautiful ("Enamoring the Ear") yet elusive; it leaves the listener longing for more, feeling most beautiful and divine when it is distant or fleeting ("Remotest – when most fair").
"The Sun shone whole at intervals – / Then Half – then utter hid – / As if Himself were optional / And had Estates of Cloud / Sufficient to enfold Him / Eternally from view – / Except it were a whim of His / To let the Orchards grow –"
Literary Interpretation: The sun is personified as a sovereign monarch who controls his own visibility. He retreats into his vast "Estates of Cloud," making his presence seem optional. The only reason he deigns to shine is a benevolent "whim" to allow the orchards to grow, emphasizing nature's absolute power over life.
"A Bird sat careless on the fence – / One gossiped in the Lane / On silver matters charmed a Snake / Just winding round a Stone –"
Literary Interpretation: Dickinson shifts focus to the minute, everyday details of nature. A bird sits indifferently on a fence, another "gossips" in the lane, and their silver songs charm a snake winding around a stone. This highlights the peaceful coexistence and lively interactions within the natural world.
"Bright Flowers slit a Calyx / And soared upon a Stem / Like Hindered Flags – Sweet hoisted – / With Spices – in the Hem –"
Literary Interpretation: The blooming of flowers is described with scientific precision ("slit a Calyx") combined with vivid metaphor. The buds are compared to "Hindered Flags" that are finally hoisted, releasing their sweet fragrance ("Spices") into the air.
"’Twas more – I cannot mention – / How mean – to those that see / Vandyke’s Delineation / Of Nature’s – Summer Day!"
Literary Interpretation: The poet concludes by asserting that the lived experience of a summer day is far too grand to be fully captured in words or art. Even the masterfully detailed paintings of Anthony van Dyck ("Vandyke's Delineation") seem "mean" (poor or inadequate) when compared to the breathtaking reality of nature itself.
| Literary Device / Colloquial Phrase | Exact Textual Example / Quote | Contextual Meaning & Subtext | Pedagogical / Stylistic Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simile | "The Trees like Tassels hit – and – swung –" | Compares the movement of tree branches in the wind to the light, swinging motion of tassels. | Establishes a visual and tactile image of nature's playful, effortless movement. |
| Personification | "A Bird sat careless on the fence – / One gossiped in the Lane" | Attributes human social behaviors ("careless", "gossiped") to birds. | Brings the natural landscape to life, portraying it as an active, vibrant community. |
| Metaphor | "Psalteries of Summer" | Compares the collective sounds of summer (insects, birds, wind) to the music of ancient stringed instruments. | Elevates the natural sounds of summer to a sacred, harmonious symphony. |
| Metaphor | "Hindered Flags" | Compares unopened flower buds on their stems to tightly wrapped, unhoisted flags. | Captures the tension and potential energy of nature just before blooming. |
The poet uses vivid, multi-sensory imagery to delineate a summer day more picturesquely than a painter. Visual images include Trees like Tassels swinging, the sun hiding behind Estates of Cloud , a bird sitting on a fence, a snake winding around a stone, and flowers opening like Hindered Flags . Auditory imagery is evoked through the Tune of Miniature Creatures and the Psalteries of Summer , creating a living, breathing canvas that transcends static paint.
The phrase Psalteries of Summer refers to the collective, harmonious sounds of nature during the summer season. A psaltery is an ancient stringed musical instrument. By using this metaphor, Dickinson suggests that the buzzing of insects, the rustling of leaves, and the singing of birds form a divine, sacred orchestra that enchants the listener's ear.
Creatures and natural elements are attributed with human qualities in several lines:
This personification adds a sense of intimacy, joy, and community to the summer day, making nature feel familiar, active, and deeply connected to the human experience.
The image of Hindered Flags describes flower buds that are tightly closed and wrapped around their stems. As they begin to bloom, they look like sweet, colorful flags being slowly hoisted and unfurled in the breeze, releasing their "Spices" (fragrance) from their hems.
The pronouns referring to the Sun ( Himself , Him , His ) are capitalized to elevate the Sun to a sovereign, deity-like status. It portrays the Sun as a majestic ruler who possesses "Estates of Cloud" and has the supreme authority to decide whether to reveal himself or remain hidden, highlighting the grand, independent power of nature.
Great poetry is born from meticulous observation, as demonstrated by Dickinson's precise details:
Both the Psaltery and the Dulcimer are ancient stringed instruments, but they differ in how they are played:
To explore more of Emily Dickinson's unique style and thematic depth, read The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson .