Poem Analysis - The Wind Took Up The Northern Things

The Tempest and Renewal: An Overview

Emily Dickinson's "The Wind Took Up The Northern Things" is a compact yet powerful exploration of chaos and subsequent restoration. The poem unfolds with a sense of dramatic upheaval caused by a personified wind, creating a world temporarily thrown into disarray. However, this chaos is not the final word. The tone shifts from awe and fear to a gentle appreciation for the renewed order and the intimacy that follows such a disruption. Ultimately, the poem suggests a cycle of destruction and creation, highlighting the resilience of nature and the human spirit.

The Wind as a Force of Disruption

One central theme is the destructive power of nature. Dickinson personifies the wind, imbuing it with agency and intent. The lines "The Wind took up the Northern Things / And piled them in the south – / Then gave the East unto the West" depict a dramatic geographical rearrangement. This imagery suggests not merely a strong breeze, but a force capable of upending established order. The wind "opening his mouth" and the "four Divisions of the Earth / Did make as to devour" evoke a sense of impending doom and total annihilation. The fear created by the wind is further enhanced by the image of everything slinking into corners behind the "awful power".

Finding Comfort in Restoration

The poem also explores the theme of renewal and restoration after chaos. Following the wind's destructive rampage, there's a palpable sense of relief when "nature ventured out." This line is crucial because it suggests that nature has been hiding or taking cover from the storm. Once the threat has passed, nature reclaims its position and order, as "Her subjects scattered into place / Her systems ranged about". The world is brought back to balance, indicating a return to normalcy and highlighting nature's resilience and self-repairing abilities.

The Sweetness of Re-Emergence

Finally, the poem subtly examines the theme of intimacy born from shared experience. The lines "Again the smoke from Dwellings rose / The Day abroad was heard – / How intimate, a Tempest past / The Transport of the Bird –" carry a quiet beauty. The return of smoke from dwellings symbolizes the resumption of everyday life. The phrase "How intimate, a Tempest past" is especially striking, suggesting that enduring a difficult experience together creates a unique bond. The "Transport of the Bird" suggests joy and relief and also emphasizes the fragile beauty that returns after the storm.

Symbols of Power and Hope

The poem is rich in symbolism. The wind itself symbolizes any powerful force that can disrupt life – whether it be natural disasters, political upheaval, or personal crises. The "Northern Things" and "East" and "West" can be seen as symbols of stability and order that are temporarily overturned. Conversely, the bird serves as a symbol of hope and resilience. Its "transport," or delight, in the aftermath of the storm, represents the enduring spirit of life and the ability to find joy even after experiencing hardship.

A Tempest's Transient Reign

In conclusion, "The Wind Took Up The Northern Things" is a powerful meditation on the cyclical nature of existence. The poem effectively portrays a world thrown into chaos by a destructive force, followed by a return to order and a heightened appreciation for the simple joys of life. Dickinson's poem suggests that while life may be punctuated by periods of turmoil, there is always the potential for renewal and a deeper connection to ourselves and the world around us. The poem's lasting significance lies in its reminder of the transient nature of tempests, both literal and metaphorical, and the enduring power of hope in their wake.