Poem Analysis - Ill Tell You How The Sun Rose

A Childlike Wonder at Dawn and Dusk

Emily Dickinson's "I'll Tell You How The Sun Rose" is a charming exploration of sunrise and sunset, seen through an imaginative and almost childlike lens. The poem is characterized by its delicate tone and vivid imagery, transforming natural phenomena into whimsical events. While the first half of the poem exudes a sense of joyous discovery, the latter half adopts a more subdued and mysterious mood as it describes the sunset. Overall, the poem captures the magic and wonder that can be found in the everyday occurrences of nature.

The Awakening of Nature and Self

One of the main themes of the poem is the awakening of nature and, perhaps, a corresponding awakening of the self. The poem meticulously details the gradual appearance of the sun, described as "a ribbon at a time." This suggests a gentle, almost hesitant unfolding of the day. The imagery of "steeples swam in amethyst" and "hills untied their bonnets" paints a picture of a world gradually stirring to life. The speaker's quiet exclamation, "That must have been the sun!" suggests a personal awakening, a moment of realization and wonder at the beauty of the natural world. This theme highlights the interconnectedness between the natural world and individual perception.

The Journey into Twilight

Another prominent theme is the journey into twilight and the unknown. The sunset is not directly described; instead, it's presented as a journey over a "purple stile." This stile symbolizes a transition point between day and night, known and unknown. The "little yellow boys and girls" climbing the stile can be interpreted as representing the passing hours or perhaps even the souls of the departed venturing into the afterlife. The "dominie in gray" who leads them away adds an element of solemnity and finality. This theme deals with the cyclical nature of time and the acceptance of the inevitable transition from light to darkness, life to death.

Symbolism of Light and Guidance

The poem is rich in symbolism, with the sun itself acting as a central symbol of light, hope, and guidance. The "ribbon" of sunlight suggests a delicate and fragile beginning, while the gradual brightening of the landscape represents the growth of understanding and awareness. The "dominie in gray," acting as a shepherd, could symbolize a divine figure or simply the natural order that guides all things toward their end. The "purple stile" acts as a threshold, marking the boundary between the familiar world of daylight and the mysterious realm of night. This image raises a fascinating question: does the "dominie" represent comfort or a loss of individuality for the "flock"?

Nature's Simple Profoundity

In conclusion, "I'll Tell You How The Sun Rose" is a deceptively simple poem that explores profound themes of awakening, transition, and the natural cycle of life and death. Through vivid imagery and a childlike perspective, Emily Dickinson invites us to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the everyday world. The poem's strength lies in its ability to transform ordinary events into moments of magic and reflection, reminding us of the interconnectedness between ourselves and the natural world, and the acceptance of endings as part of an endless cycle.