Mother Nature by Emily Dickinson
The poem explores the idea of nature as a maternal figure, with all its power and mystery. It describes the natural world as a force that can be both nurturing and destructive. The speaker reflects on the cyclical nature of life and death in the natural world, where birth and decay are intertwined. The poem also touches on the theme of mortality and the human experience within the context of nature's vastness and indifference.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Personification · 176 words
First lines
Nature, the gentlest mother, Impatient of no child, The feeblest or the waywardest, -- Her admonition mild
In forest and the hill By traveller is heard, Restraining rampant squirrel Or too impetuous bird.
How fair her conversation, A summer afternoon, -- Her household, her assembly; And when the sun goes down
Her voice among the aisles Incites the timid prayer Of the minutest cricket, The most unworthy flower.
What this Textopian page supports
Mother Nature is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emily Dickinson, dated 1890 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: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature, Personification, Pastoral, Lyrical
- Length: 176 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- The White Bark by Edna St Vincent Millay
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- Sky Coloured Bird by Edna St Vincent Millay
- High From The Earth I Heard A Bird by Emily Dickinson
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Nature — The central theme revolves around nature, personifying it as a nurturing and gentle mother.
- Personification — Nature is depicted with human-like qualities, emphasizing its role and presence.
- Pastoral — The poem reflects on the beauty and tranquility of the natural world, typical of pastoral themes.
Tags
Nature · Poetry · Philosophy · Existentialism · Spirituality · Mortality · Life · Death · Humanity · Individualism · Freedom · Confinement