April
By Emily Dickinson
An altered look about the hills;
A Tyrian light the village fills;
A wider sunrise in the dawn;
A deeper twilight on the lawn;
A print of a vermilion foot;
A purple finger on the slope;
A flippant fly upon the pane;
A spider at his trade again;
An added strut in chanticleer;
A flower expected everywhere;
An axe shrill singing in the woods;
Fern-odors on untravelled roads, —
All this, and more I cannot tell,
A furtive look you know as well,
And Nicodemus' mystery
Receives its annual reply.
Poem Analysis:
"April" by Emily Dickinson is a concise yet evocative poem that celebrates the arrival of spring. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and the subtle nuances of Dickinson's portrayal of this transformative season.
- A Seasonal Transformation: The poem begins by highlighting the transformative power of April. Dickinson describes an "altered look about the hills" and a "Tyrian light" that fills the village. These phrases convey the idea that with the arrival of April, there is a noticeable change in the landscape. The mention of a "wider sunrise" and a "deeper twilight" suggests that the days are becoming longer and the light is more vibrant, signifying the shift from the darkness of winter to the brightness of spring.
- Vivid Imagery: Dickinson employs vivid imagery to paint a picture of spring's arrival. She uses colors such as "Tyrian," "vermilion," and "purple" to evoke the vibrant and colorful aspects of this season. The image of a "purple finger on the slope" suggests the emergence of flowers and the renewal of life. The poem also portrays various natural phenomena, from a "flippant fly" on the window pane to a "spider at his trade again." These details create a sensory experience for the reader, immersing them in the sights and sounds of spring.
- The Arrival of Life: One of the central themes of the poem is the arrival of life and vitality that accompanies spring. Dickinson describes a "print of a vermilion foot" and a "flower expected everywhere." These images symbolize the awakening of nature and the proliferation of new life. Spring is portrayed as a time of rebirth and growth, where flowers bloom, insects become active, and animals exhibit new behaviors, such as the "added strut in chanticleer" (the rooster).
- Nicodemus' Mystery: The poem ends with a reference to "Nicodemus' mystery" and its "annual reply." Nicodemus was a Pharisee who came to Jesus by night in the New Testament, seeking enlightenment. In the context of the poem, Nicodemus' mystery may symbolize the spiritual or mysterious aspects of nature and life that are renewed and answered each year with the arrival of spring. It suggests that spring brings not only physical changes but also a sense of wonder and spiritual awakening.
"April" by Emily Dickinson is a concise yet richly layered poem that celebrates the transformative power of spring. Through vivid imagery and subtle symbolism, Dickinson portrays the arrival of life, color, and vitality in nature. The poem invites readers to appreciate the beauty and mystery of this season, where the natural world undergoes a profound and annual rebirth.
