Day's Parlor by Emily Dickinson
The poem explores the contrast between a woman's domestic life and her inner world of thoughts and emotions. The speaker describes a parlor where women gather to socialize, but their conversations are superficial and lacking in depth. Meanwhile, the speaker's own mind is filled with intense feelings and ideas that she cannot express openly.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1846 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Imagery · 146 words
First lines
The day came slow, till five o'clock, Then sprang before the hills Like hindered rubies, or the light A sudden musket spills.
The purple could not keep the east, The sunrise shook from fold, Like breadths of topaz, packed a night, The lady just unrolled.
The happy winds their timbrels took; The birds, in docile rows, Arranged themselves around their prince (The wind is prince of those).
The orchard sparkled like a Jew, -- How mighty 't was, to stay A guest in this stupendous place, The parlor of the day!
What this Textopian page supports
Day's Parlor is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emily Dickinson, dated 1846 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Emily Dickinson
- Date: 1846 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature, Imagery, Symbolism
- Length: 146 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm, meter, and vivid imagery, characteristic of poetry.
- Nature — The themes and imagery are centered around natural elements such as the sunrise, winds, birds, and orchard, highlighting the beauty and majesty of nature.
- Imagery — The text is rich in visual and sensory imagery, using metaphors and similes to create vivid pictures in the reader's mind.
- Symbolism — The poem uses symbolic language, such as 'rubies' and 'topaz,' to convey deeper meanings and evoke emotional responses.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature Imagery · Domesticity · Intimacy · Solitude · Mortality · Spirituality · Philosophy · Symbolism · Imagery