Poem Analysis - The Sun Kept Stooping Stooping

A Moment of Awe and Unexpected Stirring

Emily Dickinson's "The Sun Kept Stooping stooping" is a short but evocative poem that moves from a peaceful observation of nature to an unexpected internal awakening. The poem begins with a sense of quiet grandeur, depicting the sun's descent and the hills' response, before shifting to a sudden, almost comical, military fervor within the speaker. This contrast between the external world and the speaker's internal state creates a dynamic tension that drives the poem's meaning. The tone is initially reverent and observational but quickly transitions to one of excitement and perhaps even a touch of self-deprecating humor.

Nature's Grandeur and Human Perception

One central theme is the relationship between nature and human perception. The opening stanzas focus on the sun and hills, presenting a scene of majestic harmony. The sun "stooping low" and the hills rising to meet it suggest a mutual exchange or a cosmic dance. Dickinson emphasizes the human experience of witnessing this event. The "stain" on the window pane and the growing darkness create a filter through which the speaker observes the natural world, highlighting how our perspectives shape our understanding of even the most fundamental phenomena. It is a moment of awe that is then internally reflected.

The Stirrings of Memory and Imagination

Another significant theme is the power of memory and imagination to transform reality. As the sunset intensifies, the speaker's mind begins to conjure images of armies and military leaders. The darkening sky becomes a "Tyrian" landscape crowded with "Armies / So gay, so Brigadier." This transition suggests that the external world acts as a catalyst for the speaker's internal world, triggering memories or fantasies of a past where she "once the Cockade wore." The specific reference to the "Cockade" hints at a potential past association with military service or patriotic fervor, though the exact nature of this connection remains ambiguous.

The Paradox of Action and Inaction

Finally, the poem explores the theme of action versus inaction and the limitations of the self. The speaker feels "martial stirrings" and "Charged from my chimney corner," indicating a desire to participate in the imagined battle. However, the abrupt realization that "Nobody was there!" underscores the disconnect between the speaker's inner world and external reality. It's a poignant moment of anticlimax. The poem hints at a longing for a more active or engaged life, but ultimately acknowledges the speaker's present state of quiet contemplation or perhaps even isolation. The “chimney corner” suggests a place of domesticity and removed observation, further emphasizing the speaker's detachment from the world of action.

Symbolism of Sunset and Armies

The poem uses rich symbolism to convey its meaning. The setting sun symbolizes not only the end of the day but also the passage of time and the fading of past glories. The "Armies" represent the speaker's internal passions and perhaps a longing for purpose or excitement. The window pane itself can be interpreted as a barrier between the speaker and the outside world, further emphasizing her detached perspective. Why are the armies "gay?" It is worth considering if that means merry or an indication of queerness that is suppressed by the expectations of the time.

A Quiet Life, A World of Imagination

In conclusion, "The Sun Kept Stooping stooping" is a nuanced exploration of nature, memory, and the human condition. It moves from a tranquil observation of a sunset to a surprising eruption of military imagery, highlighting the power of imagination to transform the everyday. The poem suggests a tension between the speaker's inner life and external reality, leaving us with a sense of both longing and acceptance. The final image of the empty space after the imagined charge underscores the poem's central theme: the complex relationship between our internal desires and the limitations of our physical existence, ultimately providing an intimate look into the vibrant inner world of the speaker contained within a quiet life.