Poem Analysis - The Hills In Purple Syllables

A Childlike View of the World

Emily Dickinson’s "The Hills in Purple syllables" is a brief yet evocative poem that paints a whimsical picture of the natural world. It presents a scene of evening where hills communicate the day's events to continents personified as schoolchildren. The poem's tone is gentle and imaginative, bordering on fantastical. It evokes a sense of wonder and invites the reader to consider the interconnectedness of nature on a grand scale.

Nature's Narrative: A Theme of Storytelling

One prominent theme is the power of nature to tell stories. Dickinson uses personification to breathe life into the hills, attributing to them the ability to speak in "Purple syllables." This suggests a form of communication that is both beautiful and mysterious. The hills are not merely geographical features but active participants in a cosmic narrative, sharing their experiences with the world. The phrase "Day’s Adventures" hints at the richness and variety of these stories, emphasizing that every day brings new and noteworthy events.

Continents as Children: A Theme of Innocence

Another key theme is the portrayal of innocence and receptivity. By depicting the continents as "little Groups...just going Home from School," Dickinson infuses the poem with a sense of childhood wonder. The continents, typically vast and imposing landmasses, are reimagined as vulnerable and attentive students. This image highlights their openness to learning and their dependence on the knowledge offered by the natural world. The act of "going Home from School" also suggests a sense of comfort and security, further emphasizing the theme of innocence.

Color and Communication: Symbols in the Poem

The poem is rich in symbolism. The color "Purple" is a recurring image that likely symbolizes royalty, wisdom, and spirituality. When linked with "syllables," it suggests that the hills' messages are profound and possibly divinely inspired. "Purple syllables" could represent not just communication but an elevated form of communication, laden with meaning and suggestive of hidden knowledge. The phrase "little Groups of Continents" is a vivid image that, as mentioned before, creates a sense of scale and innocence, contrasting the immense size of continents with the vulnerability of children returning from school, eager to listen.

A World of Wonder

In conclusion, "The Hills in Purple syllables" is a testament to Dickinson's ability to find profound meaning in the natural world. By personifying the hills and portraying continents as schoolchildren, she creates a scene that is both imaginative and deeply resonant. The poem explores themes of storytelling, innocence, and the power of nature to communicate its wisdom. Ultimately, the poem invites us to see the world through a lens of wonder, where even the most ordinary elements can hold extraordinary stories.