Poem Analysis - As Children Bid The Guest Good Night

A Gentle Cycle: Introduction

Emily Dickinson's "As Children bid the Guest Good Night" is a charming and gentle poem that uses the simple metaphor of children to depict the daily cycle of flowers. The poem evokes a feeling of innocence and quiet joy, reflecting the beauty and predictability of nature. The tone is sweet and observant, with a touch of wonder at the natural world. The poem moves seamlessly from the flowers' evening slumber to their joyful reawakening, mirroring the carefree nature of children.

The Flowers as Children: A Central Metaphor

The central theme of the poem is the cycle of life and renewal, specifically represented through the daily routine of flowers. Dickinson personifies the flowers, comparing them directly to children. The opening lines, "As Children bid the Guest Good Night / And then reluctant turn," immediately establishes this comparison. This highlights the gentle and innocent nature of the flowers' "sleep." The phrase "My flowers raise their pretty lips" further emphasizes the human-like qualities of the flowers, making their actions relatable and endearing. This humanization allows the reader to see the flowers not just as plants, but as vibrant beings participating in a comforting ritual.

Sleep and Rebirth: Themes of Rest and Renewal

Another prominent theme is the restoration and rebirth found in nature. The image of the flowers putting on their "nightgowns" is a charming and gentle depiction of the flowers closing their petals for the night. This evokes a sense of peaceful slumber and protection. Conversely, the second stanza describes the flowers waking up "Merry that it is Morn" and peeping "from a hundred cribs," symbolizing a joyful reawakening. The imagery of "cribs" reinforces the infancy metaphor and suggests the purity and newness of each morning. The contrast between the stillness of night and the liveliness of day emphasizes the continuous cycle of rest and renewal that sustains all life.

Imagery and Symbolism: A World of Innocence

The poem is rich in imagery that reinforces the theme of innocence and natural beauty. The recurring symbol of flowers themselves represents beauty, fragility, and the simple joys of life. The "pretty lips" suggest a delicate beauty, while the "nightgowns" and "cribs" create a domestic and comforting scene. The verb "prance" contributes to the playful atmosphere and accentuates the child-like vigor of the flowers upon waking. The use of "hundred cribs" implies abundance, suggesting a widespread and universal experience of renewal. Could the "Guest" mentioned in the first line be interpreted as a metaphorical representation of day, or perhaps a divine presence bidding farewell for the night?

A Miniature World: Conclusion

In conclusion, "As Children bid the Guest Good Night" is a tender and evocative poem that uses the simple analogy of children to portray the daily cycle of flowers. Through vivid imagery and personification, Dickinson captures the beauty and innocence of the natural world, highlighting the themes of life, death, and rebirth. The poem's gentle tone and comforting metaphors offer a perspective on nature as something both beautiful and predictable, a miniature world mirroring the larger cycles of existence, and ultimately inspiring a sense of peace and wonder.