Poem Analysis - A Murmur In The Trees To Note

An Ethereal Glimpse: Introduction to Dickinson's Secret World

Emily Dickinson's "A Murmur in the Trees to Note" invites us into a realm of subtle observations and whispered secrets. The poem delicately paints a picture of a world beyond our ordinary perception, a world filled with quiet wonders and hidden activities. Its tone is whimsical and observant, tinged with a sense of childlike fascination and a hint of mischievous secrecy. The poem shifts from a descriptive, almost scientific observation to a playful confidentiality, creating an intimate bond between the speaker and the reader, before ultimately pushing the reader away.

Nature's Whispers and the Unseen World

One prominent theme in the poem is the accessibility of the natural world, but only to those attuned to its subtle language. Dickinson describes phenomena that are just beyond our usual senses: a murmur too faint to be wind, a star too distant yet not quite out of reach. She suggests that there is a whole world of activity and life occurring just beyond our normal perception, a world where "little Men" hurry home to "Houses unperceived." This invites the reader to consider the limits of human perception and the vastness of the unseen universe that surrounds us.

The Power and Burden of Secret Knowledge

Another central theme is the burden of possessing secret knowledge. The speaker hints at an understanding of the natural world that transcends ordinary experience, particularly in the stanza about the "Robins in the Trundle bed." The imagery here is surreal and dreamlike, suggesting a deeper, almost magical understanding of nature. However, this knowledge is accompanied by a promise of silence. The speaker acknowledges the difficulty of holding onto such knowledge, the temptation to share it, but ultimately chooses to uphold their word. This speaks to the responsibility that comes with insight and the challenges of keeping secrets that might be dismissed or disbelieved.

Imagination and Belief: A Question of Perspective

The poem subtly explores the limitations of human belief. The speaker states that if they were to reveal all they know, it "Would never be believed." This suggests a tension between the speaker's unique perception and the skepticism of the outside world. This creates a divide between the speaker and the reader, while simultaneously challenging the reader to open their minds to the possibility of the extraordinary existing within the ordinary. The speaker's awareness of this disbelief reinforces the theme of isolation and the difficulty of sharing unconventional perspectives.

The Curious Case of the Robins: A Dreamlike Image

The image of "Robins in the Trundle bed, / How many I espy / Whose Nightgowns could not hide the Wings" is particularly striking. It's a surreal, dreamlike image that blends domesticity with the fantastical. The "Trundle bed" evokes childhood and innocence, while the "Nightgowns" humorously attempt to conceal the robins' true nature. This image could symbolize the inherent wildness of nature hidden beneath a veneer of domestication or the way our perception can transform ordinary creatures into something extraordinary. The fact that the speaker can "espy" them while others cannot suggests a special kind of vision or insight.

Parting Ways: A Conclusion of Shared Mystery and Solitude

In conclusion, "A Murmur in the Trees to Note" is a poem that celebrates the unseen wonders of the natural world while simultaneously acknowledging the challenges of sharing such unique perspectives. Dickinson uses subtle imagery and a shifting tone to create a sense of intimacy and mystery. Ultimately, the poem leaves the reader with a lingering question: what secrets lie just beyond our perception, and what are the consequences of keeping or revealing them? The ending, a somewhat abrupt dismissal, reinforces the speaker's decision to remain within the realm of her private knowledge, leaving the reader to ponder the delicate balance between belief, imagination, and the solitary path of the observer.