Poem Analysis - Of All The Sounds Despatched Abroad

A Symphony of Nature: Introduction

Emily Dickinson's "Of All The Sounds Despatched Abroad" is a celebration of nature's inherent music, particularly the wind in the trees. The poem exudes a sense of wonder and reverence for this "phraseless Melody." While the tone is largely appreciative and awestruck, there's a subtle undercurrent of longing, perhaps for a deeper connection to this natural symphony. The mood shifts slightly from quiet observation to a more fervent plea for understanding.

An Inheritance of Sound: The Value of Natural Beauty

One central theme of the poem is the intrinsic value of natural beauty, especially its aural manifestations. Dickinson emphasizes that this "measure in the Boughs" is an "Inheritance," something far surpassing human creation or acquisition. Lines such as "Beyond the Art to Earn / Beyond the trait to take away / By Robber" demonstrate that this natural music is a gift, not something that can be stolen or produced through effort. This suggests a critique of a society that values material possessions over the simple, readily available wonders of nature. The wind's song becomes a symbol of something profoundly valuable yet utterly free.

Immortality in Nature: Echoes Beyond the Grave

Another significant theme is the enduring nature of sound and its potential connection to immortality. Dickinson contemplates that even after death, the "merry Dust" might still "arise and play" in response to the wind. This intriguing idea suggests that the experience of nature transcends physical existence. The "Urn" becomes not an end but a transition to another form of participation in the natural world. This challenges conventional notions of mortality, hinting at a cyclical relationship between life, death, and the persistent sounds of nature.

A Personal Connection: Seeking Inclusion

A third theme revolves around personal connection and belonging. The speaker seems to desire a deeper understanding of this natural music, almost fearing exclusion from it. The final stanza, "I crave Him grace of Summer Boughs, / If such an Outcast be / Who never heard that fleshless Chant," reveals a vulnerability and a yearning to be included in the experience. The vivid image of the "Caravan of Sound / Off Deserts, in the Sky" creates a sense of vastness and grandeur, intensifying the speaker's desire to be part of this immense natural orchestra. The "Outcast" reference suggests a concern of spiritual or emotional isolation if they were to miss experiencing this natural song.

Golden Melodies: Analyzing Key Imagery

The poem is rich with evocative imagery. The "Wind... working like a Hand, / Whose fingers Comb the Sky" is a particularly striking image that personifies the wind and transforms the sky into a musical instrument. This image emphasizes the wind's creative force, suggesting that it actively shapes and composes the sounds we hear. The phrase "Hid golden, for the whole of Days" suggests that the value of this experience is not just in what you earn from it, but that it is ever-present and will always be there, a "golden" thing for all time. This adds to the theme of the intrinsic value of sound.

A Timeless Inheritance: Conclusion

In conclusion, "Of All The Sounds Despatched Abroad" is a powerful meditation on the beauty and significance of natural sounds. Through vivid imagery and thoughtful reflections, Dickinson explores themes of intrinsic value, potential immortality, and personal connection. The poem ultimately offers a profound appreciation for the simple yet profound music of nature, suggesting that it is a timeless inheritance available to all, even beyond the boundaries of earthly existence. It leaves us pondering our own relationship to the natural world and the sounds that shape our experience of it.