Poem Analysis - The Duties Of The Wind Are Few

A Breath of Freedom and Mystery

Emily Dickinson's "The Duties Of The Wind Are Few" is a concise exploration of the wind's power, freedom, and unknowable nature. The poem moves from a definition of the wind's roles to an appreciation of its vast scope and connections, ending with a contemplation of its potential mortality. The tone is initially declarative, almost matter-of-fact, but shifts into a more contemplative and questioning mood as the poem progresses. It's a meditation on the boundless and perhaps ultimately unknowable forces that shape our world.

Wind as a Symbol of Freedom and Agency

One of the main themes of the poem is freedom, which is inherently linked to the wind's untethered existence. The opening stanza establishes the wind's "duties," which are less about obligation and more about exerting influence: "To cast the ships, at Sea…And usher Liberty." The wind is an agent of change, propelling ships and bringing freedom. The second stanza further emphasizes this theme by highlighting the wind's ability "To dwell Extent among, / Remain, or wander." This suggests a lack of constraint and the freedom to explore and experience the world without limits. The wind embodies the liberty it "ushers" in.

The Limits of Human Understanding

The poem also explores the theme of the limits of human understanding when confronted with forces larger than ourselves. While the poem initially outlines the wind's duties and pleasures, the final stanza acknowledges the possibility of its ending: "Do he exist, or die." This immediately raises questions about something that seems so vast and powerful can also be finite. This idea of finiteness, or the question of an ending, leads to the realization "Too wise he seems for Wakelessness, / However, know not i." This showcases the human inability to fully comprehend something so pervasive and seemingly eternal, highlighting the inherent mystery surrounding the natural world.

Connectivity and Interdependence

Another important theme present in the poem is connectivity. The third stanza reveals the wide-reaching network of the wind's "kinsmen": "The kinsmen of the Wind are Peaks – / Azof – the Equinox." The inclusion of geographic landmarks like "Peaks" and "Azof" (a sea) suggests a connection to the physical world. "The Equinox" connects the wind to astronomical events and cosmic order. The lines "Also with Bird and Asteroid / A bowing intercourse" further expand this network to include both earthly and celestial elements. The image of "bowing intercourse" implies a respectful and reciprocal relationship between the wind and these diverse entities. This extended “family” illustrates how the wind is interconnected with all aspects of the natural and cosmic order.

Symbolism and the Unseen Force

The wind itself functions as a powerful symbol throughout the poem. It represents not only physical force but also something unseen and intangible that has a profound impact on the world. The ships at sea, the forest the wind entertains, and even the asteroid, the wind has a connection to all of these things. It can be interpreted as a symbol of inspiration, change, or even the unknowable forces of nature that govern our lives. The wind’s ability to connect with all elements of nature, earth and sky, also makes it a symbol of connection.

A Lasting Breath of Wonder

In conclusion, "The Duties Of The Wind Are Few" is a concise yet profound exploration of the wind's role as an agent of change, its vastness, and its inherent mystery. Through its imagery and contemplative tone, the poem reflects on the limits of human understanding when confronted with the power of nature and the potential for connectivity between all things. The poem leaves the reader with a sense of awe and a renewed appreciation for the unseen forces that shape our world, asking the reader to think about the possibility of the unknowable and infinite that exists in nature.