Poem Analysis - Good Morning Midnight

An Abandonment of Light and Embrace of Darkness

Emily Dickinson's "Good Morning Midnight" is a poignant exploration of rejection and the acceptance of a darker, perhaps more desolate, state. The poem begins with a forced cheerfulness tinged with resignation as the speaker greets "Midnight" after being abandoned by "Day." The tone shifts from a bittersweet farewell to a plea for acceptance, ultimately highlighting the speaker’s deep sense of loneliness and longing. The overall mood is one of sorrowful acceptance and a search for solace in the absence of light.

Themes of Rejection and Acceptance

One of the central themes is rejection. The speaker is cast aside by "Day," explicitly stating, "Day got tired of Me." This sense of abandonment is palpable and underscores the speaker's feelings of worthlessness. The theme of acceptance emerges as the speaker turns to "Midnight," seeking refuge from the "tired" and rejecting "Day." However, this acceptance isn't necessarily celebratory; it's born of necessity. Further, the poem explores the theme of longing for belonging. The lines "But Morn didn’t want me now / So Goodnight Day!" and the final plea to Midnight to "take a little Girl / He turned away!" reveal a deep-seated desire for connection and acceptance that the speaker is denied.

Sunlight and Midnight: Symbols of Opposing States

The poem is rich with symbolism. "Sunshine" and "Midnight" serve as powerful symbols of opposing states. "Sunshine" represents a state of joy, warmth, and acceptance – a "sweet place" where the speaker once belonged. "Midnight," on the other hand, symbolizes loneliness, darkness, and perhaps even despair. The speaker's transition from "Sunshine" to "Midnight" signifies a forced shift from happiness to sadness. However, "Midnight" also offers a refuge, a place to hide from the pain of rejection, even if it's not the preferred choice.

The Red East and the Heart Abroad: Fleeting Moments of Hope

The image of the "Red" East and the "Heart abroad" provides a fleeting glimpse of hope. Even in her despair, the speaker acknowledges the beauty of the sunrise ("When the East is Red"). This suggests that even in darkness, there are still moments of beauty that can stir the heart. The phrase "Heart abroad" implies a sense of yearning, perhaps for a connection that transcends the immediate reality of rejection. This image provides contrast to the overall theme of sadness and highlights the speaker’s lingering desire for something more.

A Plea for Solace

In conclusion, "Good Morning Midnight" is a poignant exploration of rejection, loneliness, and the struggle to find acceptance in the face of abandonment. Dickinson masterfully uses symbolism, particularly the contrast between "Sunshine" and "Midnight," to illustrate the speaker's emotional journey from a state of belonging to one of isolation. The final lines, a desperate plea to "Midnight" to "take a little Girl," underscore the speaker's vulnerability and deep-seated desire for connection. The poem leaves the reader with a sense of sorrow and a profound appreciation for the human need for acceptance, even in the darkest of times.