Poem Analysis - Alter When The Hills Do

A Plea for Unwavering Devotion

Emily Dickinson's "Alter! When The Hills Do" is a short but powerful poem exploring themes of unwavering devotion and unconditional acceptance. The poem begins with hypothetical scenarios of cosmic upheaval, suggesting the speaker's fidelity is contingent only on the impossible. This sets a tone of intense, almost hyperbolic commitment. The second stanza shifts to a more intimate and vulnerable plea, comparing the speaker's desire for acceptance to a flower's need for dew, ultimately revealing a deep yearning for reciprocal affection.

Nature's Unfailing Cycle as a Metaphor

One of the central themes is the concept of unconditional devotion. Dickinson develops this theme by initially invoking grand, almost apocalyptic imagery. The poem's first lines paint a picture of nature's fundamental elements – hills and the sun – losing their steadfastness. "Alter! When the Hills do / Falter! When the Sun / Question if His Glory / Be the Perfect One" suggests that only when these foundational aspects of existence crumble will the speaker's loyalty waver. This hyperbole emphasizes the depth and seemingly unshakeable nature of the speaker's commitment. The shift in the second stanza to the delicate image of the daffodil further underscores the speaker’s dependence on the subject, a dependence as natural and essential as a flower's need for dew.

Yearning for Reciprocal Affection

The poem also subtly explores the theme of vulnerability. While the first stanza proclaims unwavering devotion, the second reveals a hidden need. The image of the daffodil, "Surfeit! When the Daffodil / Doth of the Dew / Even as Herself Sir / I will of You," uses the daffodil as a symbol of the speaker's own vulnerability. The flower's dependence on dew mirrors the speaker's need for acceptance and love from the addressed "Sir." The use of "Surfeit!" implies a fullness, a satisfied state achieved through receiving this metaphorical "dew." This shift transforms the poem from a declaration of independence in love to a heartfelt request for reciprocation. There is also a possible reading of “Sir” as an honorific, suggesting a formality in the relationship, which adds a layer of distance and perhaps even yearning to the speaker's plea.

The Sun and the Daffodil: Symbols of Steadfastness and Dependence

Several vivid images function as important symbols. The Sun, representing glory, power, and constancy, acts as a benchmark for unwavering stability. By stating that her devotion will only falter when the Sun itself questions its perfection, Dickinson highlights the extreme improbability of her changing her feelings. Similarly, the Daffodil serves as a symbol of delicate beauty and, more importantly, natural dependence. The dew it needs for sustenance mirrors the speaker’s need for affirmation and affection. This comparison makes the speaker's emotional vulnerability relatable and underscores the naturalness of her desire for reciprocation. The poem's form, with its short lines and slant rhyme, adds to the feeling of intimacy and urgent appeal.

A Promise Tempered by Hope

In conclusion, "Alter! When The Hills Do" is a complex and emotionally resonant poem. Dickinson masterfully uses hyperbolic imagery and natural symbolism to express the depth of unwavering devotion while simultaneously revealing a vulnerable desire for reciprocal affection. The poem moves from a seemingly unconditional promise to a gentle plea, suggesting that even the most steadfast loyalty craves acknowledgment and acceptance. The final lines leave the reader with a sense of hopeful anticipation, as if the speaker is waiting, like the daffodil for the dew, for the reassurance of returned affection.