As Children Bid The Guest Goodnight, Emily Dickinson: Analysis & Summary

As Children Bid The Guest Goodnight, Emily Dickinson: Analysis & Summary

"AS CHILDREN BID THE GUEST 'GOOD NIGHT'" by Emily Dickinson explores the concept of flowers closing their petals at nightfall and opening them again in the morning. Through this simple natural process, the poem draws parallels to the actions of children bidding guests farewell and then excitedly welcoming the morning. Dickinson uses this comparison to capture the innocence, liveliness, and cyclical nature of both nature and human behavior. "AS CHILDREN BID THE GUEST 'GOOD NIGHT'" As children bid the guest good-night, And then reluctant turn, My flowers raise their pretty lips, Then put their nightgowns on. As children caper when they wake, Merry that it is morn, My flowers from a hundred cribs Will peep, and prance again. Summary "AS CHILDREN BID THE GUEST 'GOOD NIGHT'" likens the behavior of flowers at night to that of children bidding guests farewell and then eagerly welcoming the morning. The poem presents a charming image of flowe…