Poem Analysis - Morning Is The Place For Dew

A Day in Miniature: Introduction

Emily Dickinson's "Morning is the Place for Dew" is a concise and evocative poem that captures the essence of a day through vivid imagery and symbolic associations. The poem progresses through the hours, each stanza representing a different time and corresponding element. The tone is initially gentle and fresh, gradually becoming richer and more stately as the day unfolds, suggesting a natural progression and perhaps a broader metaphor for life's journey.

Nature's Clock: A World in Four Lines

One of the central themes in this poem is the passage of time, presented not as a linear progression, but as a cycle of growth and transformation. The poem's structure mirrors this cycle, moving from the freshness of "Morning" to the culmination of "Setting Sun." Each line presents a specific time of day associated with a specific phenomenon, creating a sense of order and natural rhythm.

Wealth and Royalty: A Metaphor for Value

Another significant theme is the subtle undercurrent of value and worth. The progression moves from the humble dew to the essential corn, then to the aesthetic beauty of flowers, and finally to the grandeur of "Dukes." This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the increasing significance and complexity of life, with each stage building upon the previous one. The use of "Dukes" is particularly striking, suggesting not just social status but also a richness and authority associated with the end of the day, a culmination of efforts and experiences.

The Sun's Embrace: Imagery and Symbolism

The poem is rich in imagery, with each line painting a distinct picture. "Morning is the place for Dew" evokes a sense of freshness and purity, while "Corn is made at Noon" suggests productivity and sustenance. "After dinner light for flowers" implies a leisurely appreciation of beauty after hard work. The "Setting Sun," associated with "Dukes," symbolizes power, wealth, and a sense of completion. The poem might be read as an allegory of personal growth where the dew represents a fresh start, the corn represents labor, the flowers represent appreciation of life's beauty, and the Dukes represents achievement.

Concluding Thoughts: The Significance of a Day

In conclusion, "Morning is the Place for Dew" is a small but potent poem that encapsulates the essence of a day and, perhaps, the journey of life itself. Through its concise language, vivid imagery, and symbolic associations, Dickinson invites us to reflect on the different stages of existence, from the fresh beginnings to the rich culmination. The poem's beauty lies in its simplicity and its ability to evoke profound meaning through everyday observations, highlighting the beauty inherent in each phase of existence. The journey from dew to Dukes is a representation of life itself and its inherent stages.