"THE RAINBOW NEVER TELLS ME" by Emily Dickinson explores the theme of the natural world's ability to convey meaning and truth without explicit words. Through comparisons between the rainbow and philosophy, as well as between flowers and forums, the poem highlights the profound communication that nature engages in. Dickinson contrasts the limitations of human intellect with the unspoken yet convincing messages of the natural world, inviting readers to appreciate the depth of meaning found in the simple elements of nature.
THE RAINBOW NEVER TELLS ME
The rainbow never tells me
That gust and storm are by,
Yet is she more convincing
Than Philosophy.
My flowers turn from Forums —
Yet eloquent declare
What Cato couldn't prove me
Except the birds were here!
Summary
"THE RAINBOW NEVER TELLS ME" contrasts the persuasive power of nature with the limitations of human reasoning. The rainbow silently conveys the presence of gusts and storms, while flowers communicate truths that philosophy cannot prove. The poem suggests that nature's communication is more compelling and meaningful than human discourse, emphasizing the deep connection between the natural world and human understanding.
Critical Analysis
The poem begins by comparing the rainbow to philosophy. While the rainbow doesn't explicitly inform the speaker of the presence of gusts and storms, its visual appearance carries a convincing message. This comparison highlights the idea that nature's subtleties can communicate profound truths without the need for explicit statements.
The second stanza draws a parallel between flowers and forums. Flowers are depicted as turning away from forums, suggesting a disdain for human debates and discussions. However, despite their aversion to human discourse, the flowers eloquently communicate truths. This contrast between human words and the silent expression of nature serves to emphasize the superiority of nature's communication.
The last lines of the poem mention Cato, a reference to the Roman statesman Cato the Younger. The mention of Cato highlights the limitations of human reasoning and philosophical arguments. The final phrase, "Except the birds were here," suggests that the presence of birds adds credibility and persuasiveness to the flowers' message. This implies that nature's communication is enhanced when accompanied by the presence of living beings.
Themes
- Communication in Nature: The poem explores the idea that nature communicates meaningful truths and messages through its elements, such as rainbows, flowers, and birds. Nature's communication is depicted as more convincing than human philosophy and discourse.
- Superiority of Nature: The poem emphasizes the superiority of nature's communication over human discourse. Nature's subtleties and visual expressions are portrayed as carrying deeper and more authentic meanings.
- Limitations of Human Reasoning: The reference to Cato underscores the limitations of human reasoning and philosophical arguments. The poem suggests that nature's communication transcends the constraints of human intellect.
Attitudes/Feelings
- Appreciation for Nature's Wisdom: The poem reflects an appreciation for the wisdom embedded in nature's communication. The speaker recognizes the power of nature to convey profound truths and messages without words.
- Skepticism Toward Human Discourse: The poem portrays a certain skepticism toward human debates and forums, implying that nature's messages are more meaningful and genuine than the rhetoric of human discourse.
Literary Devices
- Comparison: The poem employs comparisons between the rainbow and philosophy, as well as between flowers and forums, to highlight the ability of nature to communicate profound truths without explicit words.
- Contrast: The poem contrasts the subtle yet convincing communication of nature with the limitations of human reasoning and philosophical debates.
Discuss the Poem
How does the poem convey the idea that nature's communication is more convincing and meaningful than human discourse? What is the significance of the reference to Cato and the mention of birds? Feel free to share your thoughts and interpretations in the comments section below!