Poem Analysis - It Sounded As If The Streets Were Running

An Encounter with the Sublime: Introduction

Emily Dickinson's "It sounded as if the Streets were running" captures the profound experience of witnessing an eclipse. The poem moves from initial disorientation and fear to a sense of wonder and renewal. The tone shifts from unease and awe to a tentative curiosity and appreciation for the transformed world. Dickinson masterfully uses vivid imagery and concise language to evoke a sense of the uncanny and the sublime, inviting the reader to contemplate the power of nature.

The Overwhelming Power of Nature: Awe and Disorientation

The poem plunges the reader directly into the experience of the eclipse. The opening lines, "It sounded as if the Streets were running / And then – the Streets stood still –" immediately establish a sense of chaos and subsequent stillness, reflecting the unsettling nature of the event. The auditory hallucination of "running" streets emphasizes the disruption of the ordinary, while the abrupt silence highlights the unnerving stillness. This sudden shift creates a feeling of disorientation and underscores the power of nature to alter perception. The use of dashes throughout the poem enhances this feeling of brokenness and suspense.

Eclipse as a Symbol of Transformation and Fear

The central symbol of the poem is the eclipse itself, which represents a moment of profound transformation and a confrontation with the unknown. The line, "Eclipse – was all we could see at the Window / And Awe – was all we could feel," perfectly encapsulates the overwhelming effect of the phenomenon. The eclipse obscures the familiar world, leaving only a sense of wonder, tinged with fear, in its wake. The window acts as a barrier between the safety of the known and the vastness of the unknown, emphasizing the feeling of being a detached observer to a monumental event. This section highlights the poem's exploration of fear, wonder, and the sublime.

Nature's Renewal: A World Transformed

Following the eclipse, the poem shifts to a scene of tentative renewal. "By and by – the boldest stole out of his Covert / To see if Time was there –" suggests a cautious return to normalcy. The phrase "Time was there" indicates a concern that the natural order may have been permanently disrupted, a fear that is gradually allayed. Dickinson then depicts nature in a gentler, more inviting light: "Nature was in an Opal Apron, / Mixing fresher Air." The image of the "Opal Apron" is striking, evoking a sense of beauty and delicate coloration, suggestive of the subtle light filtering through the atmosphere after the eclipse. The "fresher Air" symbolizes a cleansing and a new beginning, suggesting that the eclipse, despite its initial disruption, ultimately leads to a revitalized world. This imagery highlights a theme of hope after a time of profound change.

Poetic Conclusion

In conclusion, "It sounded as if the Streets were running" is a powerful exploration of the human response to a natural phenomenon that transcends ordinary experience. The poem moves from disorientation and fear to awe and eventual renewal, capturing the transformative power of nature. Through vivid imagery and a shift in tone, Dickinson suggests that even the most unsettling events can ultimately lead to a sense of wonder and a fresh perspective on the world. The poem's significance lies in its ability to capture the sublime, reminding us of the awe-inspiring power and beauty that exists beyond our everyday lives. The poem's brevity contributes to its impact, with each word carefully chosen to evoke a specific emotional and sensory response.