Poem Analysis - Like Trains Of Cars On Tracks Of Plush

A Miniature Epic: Dickinson's Bee

Emily Dickinson's "Like Trains Of Cars On Tracks Of Plush" presents a vivid and imaginative portrait of a bee's interaction with flowers. The poem, though short, possesses an epic quality, elevating the bee to a heroic figure engaged in a grand, albeit miniature, conquest. Initially, the tone is one of awe and wonder, transforming into admiration and even a touch of envy. This shift in mood underscores the poem's exploration of the beauty and intensity of nature's simple acts.

Nature's Tiny Warrior: The Theme of Conquest

One prominent theme is conquest. Dickinson personifies the bee as a warrior, describing its interaction with flowers in terms of battle and victory. The phrases "sweet assault," "chivalry consumes," and "victorious, tilts away / To vanquish other blooms" explicitly frame the bee's activity as a form of domination. This is further emphasized by the bee's description as a figure in armour. This is not merely about sustenance, it's an active taking, a forceful interaction with the natural world. By using the language of warfare, Dickinson emphasizes the power and intensity of the bee's role in nature, even within the seeming gentleness of a flower garden.

The Allure of Sensual Experience

Another key theme revolves around sensual experience. The poem overflows with tactile and sensory imagery. The "tracks of plush," "jar across the flowers," and "velvet masonry" all appeal to our sense of touch, creating a rich and luxurious landscape. The "sweet assault" suggests the taste and smell associated with nectar. Dickinson extends this sensuality to the bee itself, describing its "gauze" feet and "onyx" breast inlaid with "chrysoprase." This sensory richness underscores the intense and immersive nature of the bee's experience, leading to the speaker's final expression of longing.

Symbols of Beauty and Value: Jewelry and Armour

Dickinson employs rich symbolism to enhance the poem's meaning. The bee's description as adorned with "gauze," "gold," "onyx," and "chrysoprase" is significant. These precious materials transform the bee from a simple insect into a valuable and beautiful creature. The "helmet" and reference to "chivalry" further elevates the bee, suggesting not only a warrior but also a noble and honorable figure. These images contrast with the simple act of pollen collection, highlighting Dickinson's ability to find grandeur in the everyday. The flowers themselves, described as "velvet masonry," become like fortified castles, adding to the epic scale of the bee's endeavor.

Envy and the Yearning for Connection

The final two lines, "Oh, for a bee’s experience / Of clovers and of noon!" reveal a powerful theme of yearning. The speaker expresses a deep longing to share in the bee's intimate connection with nature. It's not simply about enjoying clovers and noon, but about experiencing the world with the bee's intensity and purpose. The "bee's experience" suggests a complete immersion in the present moment, free from the complexities and anxieties of human existence. This final stanza transforms the poem from a simple observation of nature into a profound reflection on the human desire for connection and purpose.

A Final Buzz: Finding Wonder in the Smallest Things

In conclusion, "Like Trains Of Cars On Tracks Of Plush" is a remarkable poem that transforms a simple observation of a bee into a profound exploration of nature, sensuality, and human longing. Through vivid imagery and powerful symbolism, Dickinson elevates the bee to a heroic figure, emphasizing the beauty and intensity of its interaction with the natural world. Ultimately, the poem reveals a deep yearning for connection and a desire to experience the world with the same immediacy and purpose as the humble bee, reminding us to find wonder and meaning in the smallest of things.