Poem Analysis - Nature Is What We See

A Glimpse of Nature's Essence

Emily Dickinson's "Nature Is What We See" is a concise yet profound exploration of our relationship with the natural world. The poem unfolds as a series of observations, moving from tangible sights and sounds to a more abstract understanding of nature's essence. The tone is initially descriptive and appreciative, shifting toward a more contemplative and almost wistful recognition of the limitations of human comprehension. Through simple language and vivid imagery, Dickinson invites us to consider the depth and complexity hidden within the seemingly ordinary.

Nature's Sensory Symphony

One of the central themes of the poem is the multifaceted nature of nature itself. Dickinson avoids a singular definition, instead presenting it as a collection of sensory experiences. The first stanza focuses on the visual – "The Hill the Afternoon / Squirrel Eclipse – the Bumble bee." The second stanza shifts to the auditory – "The Bobolink the Sea / Thunder the Cricket." By cataloging these diverse sights and sounds, Dickinson emphasizes that nature is not a single entity but a rich tapestry woven from countless individual components. This sensory approach makes nature accessible and immediate to the reader.

Harmony and the Divine

The poem also hints at a connection between nature and the divine. The line "Nay Nature is Heaven" explicitly equates nature with a spiritual realm. This idea is further reinforced by the concept of "Harmony" in the third stanza. Harmony suggests a sense of order, balance, and interconnectedness that transcends the purely physical. Nature, therefore, becomes not just a collection of things, but a reflection of a higher power or principle at work in the universe. This is shown through her use of simple diction and short clauses in the lines "Nature is what we hear/The Bobolink the Sea/Thunder the Cricket/Nay Nature is Harmony."

The Limits of Human Understanding

The final stanza introduces the theme of human limitation in the face of nature's grandeur. Despite our ability to observe and experience nature, we "have no art to say" what it truly is. Dickinson suggests that human wisdom, for all its complexity, is "impotent" compared to nature's "Simplicity." This isn't necessarily a criticism of human intellect, but rather a recognition that nature operates on a level that transcends our capacity for full comprehension. The poem acknowledges the limitations of language to articulate the profound experiences one can obtain through observation of nature.

A Simple Truth

In conclusion, "Nature Is What We See" is a poem that celebrates the beauty and complexity of the natural world while acknowledging the limits of human understanding. Through vivid imagery and a contemplative tone, Dickinson invites us to appreciate the sensory richness of nature and to recognize its inherent harmony. Ultimately, the poem suggests that true wisdom lies not in dissecting nature, but in humbly acknowledging its simplicity and grandeur, the elements of which defy our capacity to articulate. The poem is a meditation on the power and pervasiveness of nature.