Poem Analysis - We Like March His Shoes Are Purple

Ode to a Month: An Introduction to Dickinson's March

Emily Dickinson's "We Like March, His Shoes Are Purple" is a vibrant and unconventional celebration of the month of March, personified as a powerful and transformative figure. The poem bursts with fresh imagery and a sense of anticipation, portraying March as a harbinger of spring and renewal. While the tone is generally enthusiastic and admiring, there are subtle undercurrents of awe and even a hint of danger in the face of nature's power. The poem uses lively descriptions to convey the month's energy.

The Power of Personification: March as a King

The central device in this poem is the personification of March. Dickinson doesn't just describe the month; she imbues it with human characteristics. The phrase "his shoes are purple" immediately gives March a royal, almost fantastical air. Purple is a color associated with royalty and spirituality, suggesting that March is not just a time of year, but a ruler of sorts, with the power to influence the world around him. The description of March as "new and high" further reinforces his elevated status, suggesting freshness and authority.

Rebirth and Transformation: The Cycle of Nature

One of the major themes explored in this poem is the theme of rebirth and transformation. March is presented as a catalyst for change in the natural world. He "makes he mud for dog and peddler, / Makes he forest dry," showing his ability to create both the messiness of early spring and the conditions for new growth. The line "Knows the adder's tongue his coming, / And begets her spot" is particularly evocative. The adder, a symbol of danger and hidden life, is awakened by March, its "spot" perhaps symbolizing a renewed vitality or a sign of impending activity. This theme aligns with the traditional association of March with the beginning of spring and the awakening of nature after winter.

The Intimidation of Nature's Power: A Hint of Awe

While the poem is largely celebratory, there's a subtle undercurrent of awe and even a hint of fear in the face of March's power. The lines "Stands the sun so close and mighty / That our minds are hot" suggest that March's influence is almost overwhelming. The image of the sun standing "close and mighty" implies a force that can affect not only the physical world but also the human intellect. This contributes to a theme where nature is not just beautiful and life-giving but also powerful and potentially intimidating.

Symbols of Renewal: Birds and the Sky

The poem uses several vivid images that act as symbols of renewal. The "blue-birds buccaneering / On his British sky" are a particularly striking example. Bluebirds are often seen as symbols of happiness and hope, and their "buccaneering" suggests a sense of adventure and freedom. The phrase "British sky" could be interpreted as a somewhat ironic reference to the often-gray skies of England, implying that even the most somber landscapes are being transformed by the arrival of March. This imagery reinforces the poem's overall message of renewal and the promise of better things to come.

In Conclusion: March, the Unconventional King

In conclusion, "We Like March, His Shoes Are Purple" is a unique and engaging poem that celebrates the month of March through vivid personification and powerful imagery. Dickinson portrays March as a transformative force, bringing renewal and change to the natural world. While the poem is largely celebratory, it also acknowledges the awe-inspiring power of nature. Through its unconventional language and striking images, the poem offers a fresh and memorable perspective on the arrival of spring, reminding us of the cyclical nature of life and the constant promise of rebirth.