Poem Analysis - I Think The Hemlock Likes To Stand

The Hemlock's Solitary Strength

Emily Dickinson's "I Think The Hemlock Likes To Stand" is a poem celebrating the resilience and self-sufficiency of nature, specifically the hemlock tree. The poem evokes a sense of stark beauty and admiration for the tree's ability to thrive in harsh, unforgiving environments. The tone is initially observational and appreciative, shifting subtly to explore the hemlock's significance in different geographical and cultural contexts. The poem emphasizes the hemlock's preference for solitude and its indifference to human perspectives.

Austerity and the Appeal of Wilderness

One central theme in the poem is the allure of austerity and wilderness. Dickinson suggests that the hemlock "likes to stand / Upon a Marge of Snow" because it "suits his own Austerity / And satisfies an awe." The image of the hemlock standing alone in a snowy landscape symbolizes a preference for solitude and self-reliance. The "awe" that the hemlock satisfies hints at a deeper connection to the raw, untamed power of nature. Men seek to "slake" something in this wilderness. Perhaps they seek to sate a drive toward a simpler, hardier existence, or an understanding of the sublime.

Adaptation and Thriving in Adversity

Another prominent theme is adaptation and thriving in the face of adversity. The poem emphasizes the hemlock's ability to flourish in cold, harsh conditions. Dickinson writes, "The Hemlock’s nature thrives on cold / The Gnash of Northern winds / Is sweetest nutriment to him / His best Norwegian Wines." This vivid imagery suggests that the very elements that would destroy other plants are actually beneficial to the hemlock. This symbolizes the ability to find strength and sustenance in challenging circumstances. The tree's ability to derive "sweetest nutriment" from the "Gnash of Northern winds" is a powerful metaphor for resilience.

Cultural Relativity and Nature's Indifference

The poem also explores the theme of cultural relativity and nature's indifference to human concerns. Dickinson contrasts the hemlock's lack of appeal to "satin Races" with its role as a playground for "Children on the Don" and a backdrop for "Dnieper Wrestlers." This contrast suggests that the hemlock's significance varies depending on cultural perspective. However, the poem also implies that the hemlock itself is indifferent to these different interpretations, simply existing and thriving according to its own nature. This highlights the idea that nature operates on its own terms, independent of human values and preferences.

Symbolism of the Hemlock and Northern Landscapes

The hemlock tree itself serves as a powerful symbol of resilience, independence, and connection to nature. Its association with "Hoar, the Bald / Lapland’s necessity" reinforces its image as a hardy, essential element of a stark landscape. The "Norwegian Wines" imagery is particularly striking, suggesting that the hemlock draws a kind of intoxicating strength from its environment. The contrast between the harsh Northern landscapes and the "Children" and "Wrestlers" suggests that nature is a stage where human dramas play out, yet the natural world remains fundamentally unchanged by them. The poem leaves the reader contemplating if the "Tabernacles" provide protection from the elements, or if they act as a place from which to admire the power of nature.

Final Thoughts on Enduring Strength

In conclusion, "I Think The Hemlock Likes To Stand" is a celebration of nature's enduring strength and its indifference to human concerns. Through vivid imagery and a shifting tone, Dickinson explores themes of austerity, adaptation, and cultural relativity. The hemlock tree stands as a symbol of resilience and self-sufficiency, reminding us of the power and beauty that can be found in the most challenging environments.