November
By Emily Dickinson
Besides the autumn poets sing,
A few prosaic days
A little this side of the snow
And that side of the haze.
A few incisive mornings,
A few ascetic eyes, —
Gone Mr. Bryant's golden-rod,
And Mr. Thomson's sheaves.
Still is the bustle in the brook,
Sealed are the spicy valves;
Mesmeric fingers softly touch
The eyes of many elves.
Perhaps a squirrel may remain,
My sentiments to share.
Grant me, O Lord, a sunny mind,
Thy windy will to bear!
Poem Analysis:
Emily Dickinson's poem "November" encapsulates the essence of the month with its reflective and introspective tone. Through vivid imagery and subtle metaphors, Dickinson portrays November as a transitional period, moving from the vibrant colors of autumn towards the starkness of winter.
Themes
- Transience and Change: The poem explores the theme of change and transition. Dickinson contrasts the vibrant descriptions of autumn ("autumn poets sing," "golden-rod," "spicy valves") with the subdued and fading nature of November. This reflects the inevitability of seasonal change and the passage of time.
- Stillness and Seclusion: November is depicted as a quiet and introspective time. The poet mentions "prosaic days," "ascetic eyes," and the cessation of activities associated with autumn (like the bustle in the brook). This suggests a period of withdrawal and contemplation before the harshness of winter sets in.
- Nature's Resilience: Amidst the fading beauty of autumn, Dickinson acknowledges the resilience of nature. The mention of a squirrel that "may remain" and the elves whose "eyes" are touched by "Mesmeric fingers" evoke a sense of hidden vitality and perseverance even as winter approaches.
Imagery and Language
- Autumnal Imagery: Dickinson employs rich autumnal imagery to evoke the senses and create a vivid picture of the season. Phrases like "autumn poets sing," "Mr. Bryant's golden-rod," and "Mr. Thomson's sheaves" bring to mind the colorful foliage and the bounty of the harvest.
- Transition to Winter: The poem gradually shifts from images of autumn to hints of winter. The mention of "a little this side of the snow" and "that side of the haze" suggests a landscape on the brink of transformation, where the clarity of autumn gives way to the obscurity of winter.
- Spiritual Invocation: In the final stanza, Dickinson's tone shifts to a more personal and prayer-like appeal. She asks for a "sunny mind" and expresses a willingness to accept "Thy windy will," invoking a sense of surrender to nature's cycles and the divine order.
Structure and Style
- Stanza Structure: The poem consists of four quatrains (stanzas of four lines each), maintaining a consistent ABCB rhyme scheme. This formal structure lends a rhythmic flow to the poem while also emphasizing the thematic progression from autumnal abundance to wintry austerity.
- Tone and Mood: The tone of "November" is contemplative and meditative. Dickinson's language is introspective, inviting readers to reflect on the passage of time and the inevitability of seasonal change. The mood shifts subtly from nostalgia for autumn to acceptance of winter's approach.
- Symbolism and Allegory: Various elements in the poem serve as symbols or allegories. For example, the "few prosaic days" and "ascetic eyes" symbolize the waning vibrancy of autumn. The squirrel and elves represent nature's resilience and hidden vitality amidst the seasonal transition.
"November" by Emily Dickinson is a poignant reflection on the passage of autumn into winter, capturing the essence of this transitional period with vivid imagery and subtle metaphors. Through its exploration of themes like transience, stillness, and nature's resilience, the poem invites readers to contemplate the cyclical nature of time and the inevitability of change. Dickinson's skillful use of language, imagery, and structure makes "November" a timeless meditation on the beauty and melancholy of seasonal transformation.
