Poem Analysis - The Sunrise Runs For Both

A Universal Embrace

Emily Dickinson’s "The Sunrise Runs For Both" is a poem of profound connection and unity, bathed in celestial imagery. The tone is gentle and reassuring, a quiet observation of how nature consistently provides for two entities. The poem suggests a deep, underlying harmony in the universe, where even vast distances are bridged by shared light and darkness. There's a shift from the specific imagery of sunrise and noon to the all-encompassing embrace of midnight, creating a sense of both intimacy and cosmic scale.

Love and Companionship

One of the central themes in the poem is the idea of love or companionship. The entire poem seems to be dedicated to the idea that the fundamental aspects of existence - light and darkness - are shared equally between two entities. The first line, "The Sunrise runs for Both," immediately establishes this theme. The personification of the sun and the natural world emphasizes the active role of the universe in nurturing this bond. The phrase "Her Purple Troth" uses the imagery of a marriage vow to cement the link between the east and the hill. The image of sharing "One Breadth" to cover "Two" signifies a closeness and unity of purpose.

Reaching Across Distance

The concept of distance, and how it is overcome, is another key theme. Dickinson repeatedly emphasizes the vastness of the spaces involved—"Remotest still," "Wicks wide away," "Hemispheres." Yet, these distances are consistently bridged. The "Noon unwinds Her Blue" to cover even the "Remotest still." The "Lamp for Each" overcomes the physical separation implied by "Wicks wide away." And, most powerfully, "Midnight’s Dusky Arms / Clasp Hemispheres." This recurring pattern suggests that no matter how far apart individuals may be, they are ultimately connected by the overarching forces of nature and the universe.

Darkness and Belonging

The image of midnight is a powerful symbol of unity and belonging. Unlike the more active, directional imagery of sunrise and noon, midnight is presented as an embracing, enveloping force. The "Dusky Arms" personify the night, giving it a tender, almost maternal quality. The word "Clasp" suggests both protection and intimacy. The lines "Upon Her Bosom One / And One upon Her Hem / Both lie" evoke a feeling of ultimate rest and security. This image suggests that in the depths of darkness, there is a profound sense of belonging and interconnectedness.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, "The Sunrise Runs For Both" is a testament to the enduring power of connection in the face of distance. Dickinson's masterful use of imagery and symbolism transforms simple observations of nature into a profound meditation on love, companionship, and belonging. The poem suggests that the universe itself is designed to nurture and support these connections, providing light and darkness in equal measure. Perhaps the most significant insight is the reassurance that even in the darkest of times, a sense of belonging and unity can be found within the universal embrace.