Poem Analysis - These Fevered Days To Take Them To The Forest

Introduction: A Yearning for Tranquility

Emily Dickinson's "These Fevered Days – to take them to the Forest" is a short but evocative poem that expresses a deep longing for respite and peace. The tone is initially one of weariness and perhaps even suffering, suggested by the phrase "Fevered Days." However, this transforms into a hopeful and almost idyllic vision of the forest as a sanctuary. The poem offers a simple yet profound meditation on the restorative power of nature.

The Call of Nature: Escape and Healing

One of the main themes of the poem is the healing power of nature. The opening line introduces the desire to escape "These Fevered Days" and seek refuge in the forest. The forest is depicted as a place "Where Waters cool around the mosses crawl," suggesting a refreshing and soothing environment. This imagery directly contrasts with the "Fevered Days," implying that nature offers a cure for whatever ails the speaker. The poem presents nature as an antidote to the stresses and struggles of daily life, a space where one can find solace and rejuvenation.

The Allure of Stillness: Finding Peace in Quietude

Another significant theme is the importance of stillness and quietude. The poem emphasizes the absence of disturbance in the forest, stating that "shade is all that devastates the stillness." The word "devastates" is used ironically here; shade, typically associated with comfort and protection, is the only thing that disrupts the perfect tranquility. This suggests that the speaker seeks a profound and absolute quiet, a place where even the slightest disturbance is noticeable. This theme speaks to a deeper desire for inner peace and a release from the constant noise and demands of the world.

The Shade of Ambiguity: Destruction or Protection?

The central image in the poem is the forest itself, particularly the "shade" within it. The line "And shade is all that devastates the stillness" is particularly striking. While "shade" is usually interpreted as a source of comfort and protection from the sun, the use of "devastates" introduces an element of ambiguity. Does the shade truly destroy the stillness, or does it simply define it, highlighting the profound quiet by being the only thing that slightly disrupts it? One could interpret the shade as a symbol of the subtle intrusions of the world, even in the most peaceful environments. Alternatively, it could simply emphasize how utterly still and quiet the forest is. The poem's ambiguity leaves this open to individual interpretation.

Final Thoughts: Seeking Sanctuary

In conclusion, "These Fevered Days – to take them to the Forest" is a poignant exploration of the human desire for escape and healing. Dickinson uses vivid imagery of nature, particularly the coolness of water and the stillness of the forest, to convey a deep yearning for peace and tranquility. The poem's power lies in its simplicity and its ability to capture the universal need for sanctuary in a world often filled with "Fevered Days." It reminds us of the restorative potential of nature and the importance of seeking moments of quietude and reflection.