The poem ‘A Murmur In the Trees -to note-‘ by Emily Dickinson is a captivating exploration of the elusive and magical moments in nature that often go unnoticed by the human eye. Through vivid imagery, subtle metaphors, and a playful narrative voice, Dickinson delves into themes of perception, the interconnectedness of nature and human experience, the limits of language, and the power of imagination.
The poem opens with the speaker noting a ‘murmur in the trees’, a soft sound that is not loud enough to be attributed to the wind. This immediately establishes a sense of mystery and intrigue. The speaker then observes a star that is neither too distant to be sought nor close enough to be found. These images create a sense of the elusive and intangible nature of these experiences, highlighting the idea that there are moments in the natural world that exist beyond our grasp and understanding.
Dickinson continues with the description of a ‘long – long Yellow – on the Lawn’. The use of repetition and the enjambment in this line draw attention to the color and length of the object, leaving room for interpretation. It can be seen as a depiction of a beam of sunlight, a vibrant flower, or even an allusion to a creature. This ambiguity allows for multiple interpretations and encourages the reader to engage with their own perceptions and imagination.
The following lines introduce a ‘Hubbub – as of feet’, emphasising a sense of movement and activity. The speaker acknowledges that this sound is not audible to ‘Us’ suggesting a distinction between the human realm and the natural world. However, the speaker notes that it is ‘dapperer-More Sweet’, suggesting that there is something enchanting and captivating about this hidden commotion. This juxtaposition of the inaccessible and the delightful creates a sense of longing and curiosity.
The poem then takes a whimsical turn as Dickinson introduces the image of ‘little Men’ hurrying home to houses that go unnoticed by human eyes. This depiction of tiny creatures or possibly insects emphasises the interconnectedness of nature and human existence. It suggests that there are entire worlds and communities operating parallel to our own, invisible but bustling with life. The phrase ‘Houses unperceived’ hints at the limitations of human perception and the idea that there is more to the world than what meets the eye.
Dickinson acknowledges the difficulty of conveying these experiences, stating that ‘All this – and more -If I should tell- / Would never be believed’. Here, she explores the limits of language and the challenge of translating extraordinary encounters into ordinary words. The dashes in these lines create pauses, emphasizing the hesitation and doubt surrounding the ability to communicate such marvels. This underscores the notion that some experiences transcend language and can only be fully understood through personal observation and imagination.
The poem takes a playful turn as Dickinson introduces a new element: robins in a trundle bed. She playfully notes how many robins she spies, their nightgowns failing to hide their wings, hinting at their avian nature. This whimsical image adds a touch of humor and whimsy to the poem, as well as a sense of childlike wonder. It further reinforces the idea of hidden worlds and unseen wonders that exist alongside our own.
The closing lines of the poem reveal the speaker’s dilemma. The speaker has promised never to reveal these secret encounters, thus respecting the hidden nature of these experiences. Breaking the promise would compromise the intimacy and enchantment of the encounters. This highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of personal observations and respecting the boundaries between the natural world and human perception.
In terms of poetic devices, Dickinson employs various techniques to convey her themes and create a rich and evocative atmosphere. Her use of enjambment, dashes, and repetition adds musicality and rhythm to the poem. The enjambment and dashes also create pauses and emphasise certain words or phrases, drawing attention to the subtleties of the imagery and inviting readers to contemplate their significance.
Furthermore, Dickinson’s vivid imagery and metaphors, such as the murmuring trees, the elusive star, and the bustling but unheard hubbub, engage the reader’s senses and imagination. She skillfully employs metaphorical language to evoke a sense of wonder and to blur the boundaries between the natural and human worlds.
‘A Murmur In the Trees -to note-‘ showcases Emily Dickinson’s ability to weave together themes of perception, interconnectedness, the limits of language, and the power of imagination. Through vivid imagery, playful language, and the use of poetic devices, she invites readers to contemplate the hidden wonders of the natural world and the personal experiences that often elude common understanding. This poem serves as a testament to Dickinson’s unique poetic voice and her ability to capture the subtleties and mysteries of existence.
Devices used:
The poem ‘A Murmur in the Trees – to note-‘ by Emily Dickinson employs a variety of poetic devices to create a vivid and enchanting atmosphere. Through the use of imagery, sound devices, repetition, and structure, Dickinson invites readers into a whimsical world of nature and mystery.
One of the prominent devices used in the poem is imagery. Dickinson’s skillful selection of vivid and evocative images paints a rich picture in the reader’s mind. She describes a ‘long – long Yellow – on the Lawn’, conjuring an image of a vibrant and extended patch of yellow, perhaps representing a flower or a ray of sunlight. The image of the yellow invokes a sense of brightness and warmth, capturing the reader’s attention. Dickinson’s use of imagery continues with the depiction of ‘Robins in the Trundle bed’ and their nightgowns that cannot hide their wings. These images bring forth a whimsical and fantastical quality, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.
Sound devices play a crucial role in enhancing the auditory experience of the poem. Dickinson employs alliteration, assonance, and consonance to create a pleasing and melodic flow of words. For example, the repetition of the ‘m’ sound in ‘Murmur in the Trees’ and ‘More Sweet’ creates a gentle and soothing effect that mimics the soft rustling of leaves in the wind. The repeated ‘s’ sounds in ‘Star – not far enough to seek -‘ and ‘Houses unperceived’ add a sense of hushed secrecy, as if the objects and events described exist in a realm beyond ordinary perception.
Repetition is another device that Dickinson employs to emphasise certain ideas and create a rhythmic quality within the poem. The repetition of the word ‘long’ in the lines ‘A long – long Yellow – on the Lawn’ and ‘A Hubbub – as of feet’ adds emphasis and draws attention to the elongated presence of the yellow object and the bustling activity represented by the hubbub. This repetition creates a sense of lingering and intensifies the impact of these images on the reader.
The structure of the poem also contributes to its overall effect. The use of dashes and enjambment creates a fragmented and interrupted flow, enhancing the sense of mystery and leaving room for interpretation. The dashes often appear at the end of lines, suggesting pauses or moments of contemplation. They create a sense of suspense, as if the poet is withholding information or inviting the reader to fill in the gaps.
Furthermore, the poem’s structure is composed of four quatrains with an irregular rhyme scheme. The lack of a consistent rhyme scheme adds to the poem’s sense of unpredictability and whimsy, mirroring the elusive and transient nature of the images and events described. This structure also contributes to the musicality of the poem, with the rhythm and meter varying slightly from stanza to stanza, further engaging the reader’s senses.
In terms of theme, the poem explores the limitations of perception and the notion of hidden or unseen beauty in the natural world. The murmurs in the trees, the star just out of reach, and the bustling activity of the little men all exist in a realm beyond ordinary perception. Dickinson suggests that there is a world of wonder and enchantment existing alongside our own, waiting to be discovered if one has the imagination and openness to perceive it.
Thus through vivid imagery, skillful use of sound devices, repetition, and an unconventional structure, Dickinson transports the reader into a world where nature and mystery intertwine. The poem invites contemplation of hidden beauty and the power of perception, leaving the reader with a sense of wonder and a desire to explore the hidden depths of the world around us.
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