Poem Analysis - Of Being Is A Bird

A Delicate Exploration of Existence

Emily Dickinson's "Of Being is a Bird" is a short, evocative poem that contemplates the nature of existence through the delicate image of a bird and a piece of down. The poem's tone is initially gentle and airy, filled with wonder and awe at the perceived similarity between "being" and the effortless flight of down. However, it subtly shifts to a more celebratory mood, particularly in the final stanza, with the mention of "Ecstasy." The poem uses natural imagery to explore intangible concepts, making the abstract feel tangible and beautiful. It’s a glimpse into Dickinson’s perspective on what it means to exist.

The Freedom of Being

One of the central themes of the poem is the freedom and fluidity of being. Dickinson equates "being" to a piece of down lifted by a breeze, "an Easy Breeze do put afloat/ The General Heavens upon." This imagery suggests that existence is not fixed or confined, but rather light, adaptable, and free to move within a larger, boundless space. The down's ability to soar, shift, and whirl mirrors the unpredictable and dynamic nature of life. It highlights the idea that existence is not a static state, but a continuous process of movement and change.

The Symphony of Existence

The poem also explores the idea that existence is inherently musical and beautiful. This is best illustrated by the lines: "Except a Wake of Music/ Accompany their feet/ As did the Down emit a Tune/ For Ecstasy of it". Dickinson suggests that just as birds leave a "wake of music" in their flight, so too does the very act of being create a kind of song or harmony. The idea that even a seemingly insignificant object like down can "emit a Tune/ For Ecstasy of it" underscores the inherent beauty and joy that Dickinson finds within existence itself. This suggests that life, in its simplest forms, possesses a capacity for immense pleasure and expression.

Nature's Reflective Mirror

A recurring symbol in the poem is the bird and the down itself, which both represent different facets of "being." The bird, with its effortless flight and musical presence, symbolizes the more active and noticeable aspects of existence. The down, on the other hand, represents the quieter, more subtle aspects. The fact that the poem initially compares "being" to down, and only later mentions birds, suggests that Dickinson is interested in exploring the deeper, less obvious layers of existence. The image of the "General Heavens" is also significant, representing the vast and encompassing space within which all being exists. It suggests a sense of limitlessness and possibility.

Concluding Thoughts on Dickinson's Poem

In conclusion, "Of Being is a Bird" is a delicate and insightful exploration of the nature of existence. Through vivid imagery and subtle shifts in tone, Dickinson presents being as something fluid, free, and inherently beautiful. The poem's central metaphor of the bird and down effectively captures both the active and passive aspects of existence, while the recurring motif of music emphasizes the inherent joy and harmony that Dickinson finds in the world. Ultimately, the poem invites readers to contemplate the beauty and wonder of existence, even in its simplest and most unassuming forms, leaving us with a sense of peace and perhaps a touch of the "Ecstasy" that Dickinson herself seems to have found.