Poem Analysis - It Will Be Summer Eventually

A Promise of Renewal

Emily Dickinson's "It Will Be Summer Eventually" is a delicate exploration of hope and the cyclical nature of life. The poem initially presents a scene buried in winter, but gradually shifts towards anticipation of summer's return. The tone is one of quiet reassurance, tinged with the patience required to endure a period of dormancy. While acknowledging the present state of cold and stillness, the poem confidently asserts the inevitable arrival of warmth, color, and life.

Themes of Time and Resurrection

One central theme is the passage of time and its ability to bring about transformation. The opening line immediately establishes the future certainty of summer. This emphasis on futurity suggests a faith in the cyclical patterns of nature. The poem also touches upon a theme of resurrection, albeit in a natural, rather than religious, context. The "pallid landscape" will be reborn, "tinted" by vibrant life. This imagery hints at a revival, a coming back to life after a period of dormancy. Further, the poem can be understood as dealing with theme of endurance, highlighting how nature endures and overcomes the harshness of winter, with the promise of a brighter future.

Vivid Imagery of Transformation

Dickinson employs vivid imagery to illustrate the transformative power of time and the eventual return of summer. The stark contrast between the "pallid landscape" and the envisioned "bright Bouquet" underscores the magnitude of the change. Images such as "Lilacs bending many a year" and "Wild Rose redden in the Bog" evoke a strong sense of nature's inherent vitality and its persistent return, showcasing a journey from bleakness to bloom. The final stanzas paint a delicate picture of how this transition is just a natural process, like a woman's folding of the gown or a priest removing symbols from display.

Symbolism of Summer and Winter

Summer in the poem operates as a powerful symbol of life, joy, and activity, representing a period of flourishing and vibrant energy. The ladies with parasols, gentlemen with canes, and little girls with dolls all embody the active, social world that is temporarily absent. Conversely, the "drifted deep, in Parian" village symbolizes the stillness and dormancy of winter, suggesting a landscape frozen in time. Parian is a type of marble that is known for being white. This furthers the image of everything being covered with snow and being still.

Eternal Cycle

Ultimately, "It Will Be Summer Eventually" is a poem about hope, resilience, and the cyclical nature of existence. Dickinson uses the changing seasons as a metaphor for life's challenges, offering reassurance that even in the darkest of times, renewal and joy are inevitable. The poem's enduring appeal lies in its simple yet profound message: that just as winter gives way to summer, hardship will eventually yield to brighter days. The poem gently reminds us to have hope during bleak times and trust that life will again be bright and colourful.