Poem Analysis - Would You Like Summer Taste Of Ours

Introduction: An Emporium of Comfort

Emily Dickinson's "Would You Like Summer? Taste Of Ours" presents itself as an invitation, a vibrant advertisement for nature's remedies. The poem reads like a catalog, offering solace and solutions to various ailments, both physical and emotional. The tone is initially enticing and almost mercantile, promising cures and escapes. However, a subtle undercurrent of seriousness and a hint of mortality weaves its way through the seemingly simple offerings, culminating in a direct and probing question.

Themes: A Pharmacy of the Soul

One of the central themes is the power of nature as a healing force. Dickinson positions natural elements—summer, spices, berries, roses, air—as antidotes to suffering. The poem suggests that the natural world can provide relief from physical pain ("Ill! We have berries, for the parching!") and emotional distress ("Perplexed! Estates of violet trouble ne’er looked on!"). Another theme is the transience of life and the ever-present shadow of death. Even amidst the promises of comfort and pleasure, the poem acknowledges the inevitability of mortality, offering "a fairy medicine" even for death. This highlights a deeper understanding that even in the face of death, there is a sense of peace and natural resolution. Finally, the theme of choice and individual need emerges through the questioning final line. The poem does not prescribe a single remedy for all ills, but rather acknowledges the unique and specific nature of suffering, asking, "But, which is it, sir?" implying a tailored approach to well-being.

Imagery and Symbolism: Roses and Reprieves

Dickinson utilizes vivid imagery to convey her message. The "berries" are not just fruit; they are a specific remedy for "parching," suggesting intense thirst and discomfort. "Furloughs of down" paints a picture of luxurious rest and escape from hardship. The "roses" offered to the "Captive!" symbolize not just beauty, but also freedom and release from confinement. Perhaps the most striking image is "Estates of violet trouble ne’er looked on!" suggesting a depth of sorrow and confusion that is both vast and unseen by others. The violet color can be linked to mourning and deep emotions. These symbols enrich the poem, transforming it from a simple list of natural remedies into a profound reflection on the human condition. The "fairy medicine" for Death is particularly ambiguous. Does it imply oblivion, acceptance, or something more transcendent? This open-ended suggestion keeps the poem's exploration of mortality multifaceted.

Nature's Emporium: A Closer Look

Dickinson is presenting the world as a store. This allows her to consider different aspects of comfort and pain in quick succession. The use of verbs like "buy" suggests that the reader must actively partake in the process of finding relief. The poem's form, with its short, declarative lines, mirrors this quick back and forth of the emporium experience. The structure supports the meaning by presenting various options swiftly, emphasizing the breadth of potential comfort found within nature. The use of exclamation points creates a tone of urgency and excitement that contrasts with the deeper themes of pain and mortality. This juxtaposition is quite striking.

Conclusion: A Personal Prescription

"Would You Like Summer? Taste Of Ours" is more than just a catalog of nature's cures; it's an exploration of human suffering and the search for solace. Through vivid imagery and a direct, questioning tone, Dickinson invites us to consider our own needs and find our personal remedy in the world around us. The poem's significance lies in its recognition of the individual nature of suffering and the potential for healing, however fleeting, that exists in the natural world. The ultimate message is one of hope, encouraging us to actively seek comfort and meaning even in the face of life's inevitable challenges and ultimate end.