Poem Analysis - An Altered Look About The Hills

A World Transformed

Emily Dickinson's "An Altered Look About The Hills" is a vibrant celebration of nature's awakening, most likely spring. The poem exudes a sense of wonder and anticipation, carefully documenting the subtle yet profound changes that occur as the season shifts. While the poem begins with an observant and almost factual tone, it gradually deepens into a more mystical and suggestive contemplation of nature's secrets. The overall mood is one of quiet joy and reverence for the cyclical renewal of life.

Renewal and Awakening

One of the central themes is the idea of renewal. The poem is filled with images of rebirth and new beginnings. The "altered look about the hills," the "wider sunrise," and the "flower expected everywhere" all point to a world coming back to life after a period of dormancy. The sounds of the "axe shrill singing in the woods" and the "added strut in Chanticleer" (a rooster) suggest an energetic resurgence of activity. This renewal is not just physical but also spiritual, hinting at a deeper, more profound transformation.

The Mystery of Nature

Another key theme is the mystery of nature. Dickinson emphasizes that some aspects of this transformation are beyond human comprehension. She admits, "All this and more I cannot tell / A furtive look you know as well." This suggests that there is an intuitive understanding of nature's secrets, a knowledge that is felt rather than articulated. The reference to "Nicodemus' Mystery," likely alluding to the biblical figure's encounter with Jesus and the concept of spiritual rebirth, further underscores the idea that nature holds profound and inexplicable truths. Nature's secrets are presented as something to be experienced and pondered, not fully unraveled.

Color as a Symbol of Transformation

Color imagery plays a significant role in conveying the poem's message. The use of vivid colors like "Tyrian light," "vermillion foot," and "purple finger" creates a sense of richness and vibrancy. These colors are not merely descriptive; they are symbolic of the transformative power of nature. The "vermillion foot" and "purple finger," in particular, personify nature, imbuing it with a sense of agency and intention. The intense hues suggest a powerful, almost divine, force at work, painting the landscape with renewed life. A unique interpretation of the colors might consider their regal associations, implying that nature's renewal is a majestic and awe-inspiring event.

Secrets Known and Unknown

The poem culminates in a sense of shared understanding and ongoing mystery. The "furtive look you know as well" suggests a silent communication between the speaker and the reader, a recognition of the profound and often unspoken truths of nature. However, the final line, "And Nicodemus’ Mystery / Receives its annual reply!" leaves us with a sense of unresolved wonder. What exactly is the "reply"? Is it a confirmation of faith, a deeper understanding of the divine, or simply the cyclical return of life? The poem's significance lies in its ability to evoke a sense of awe and inspire contemplation about the mysteries that surround us.