The Grass so little has to do, Emily Dickinson: Summary, Analysis & Themes
Emily Dickinson’s poem "The Grass so little has to do" is a reflection on the simplicity and elegance of nature, particularly grass. Through this poem, Dickinson personifies grass, giving it a life full of gentle activities and responsibilities, subtly comparing its existence to the more complicated lives of humans.
Poem: "The Grass so little has to do"
The Grass so little has to do –
A Sphere of simple Green –
With only Butterflies to brood
And Bees to entertain –
And stir all day to pretty Tunes
The Breezes fetch along –
And hold the Sunshine in its lap
And bow to everything –
And thread the Dews, all night, like Pearls –
And make itself so fine
A Duchess were too common
For such a noticing –
And even when it dies – to pass
In Odors so divine –
Like Lowly spices, lain to sleep –
Or Spikenards, perishing –
And then, in Sovereign Barns to dwell –
And dream the Days away,
The Grass so little has to do
I wish I were a Hay!
Summary of "The Grass so little has to do"
In "The Grass so little has to do," Emily Dickinson explores the simple, peaceful life of grass, contrasting it with the more complex existence of human beings. The grass, personified, enjoys the company of butterflies, bees, and the sun, moving gently to the rhythm of the breeze. Even in death, the grass is described as passing in divine scents, eventually finding rest in barns, where it can "dream the Days away." The speaker expresses a wish to be like the grass, suggesting a longing for a simpler, more serene life.
Critical Analysis of "The Grass so little has to do"
- Imagery: Dickinson uses rich imagery to bring the grass to life, describing its interaction with butterflies, bees, and the sun. The grass is portrayed as a living entity that experiences joy and fulfillment in its simple existence.
- Personification: The grass is personified throughout the poem, given human-like qualities such as brooding over butterflies, entertaining bees, and bowing to everything. This personification allows readers to see nature from a new perspective, as something that actively engages with its surroundings.
- Tone: The tone of the poem is one of admiration and longing. The speaker admires the grass for its simplicity and grace, ultimately wishing to embody these qualities.
Themes in "The Grass so little has to do"
- Simplicity in Nature: The poem highlights the beauty and tranquility of nature’s simplicity, with the grass serving as a symbol of a life free from the complexities and burdens of human existence.
- Life and Death: Dickinson touches on the cycle of life and death, portraying the grass’s life as one of beauty and grace, even in death. The grass’s passing is described in terms of divine scents and gentle sleep, suggesting a peaceful transition.
- Contentment: The grass embodies contentment, finding joy in the small, everyday aspects of life. The speaker’s wish to be like the grass reflects a desire for this same sense of peace and satisfaction.
Literary Devices in "The Grass so little has to do"
- Personification: The grass is personified throughout the poem, making it a relatable figure that engages in activities like brooding over butterflies and entertaining bees.
- Imagery: Vivid imagery is used to depict the grass’s life, from its interaction with butterflies and bees to its eventual death and transformation into hay.
- Symbolism: The grass symbolizes simplicity and contentment, representing a life that is both fulfilling and serene despite its seeming insignificance.
Stylistic Analysis of "The Grass so little has to do"
- Form: The poem’s structure is simple, reflecting the theme of simplicity that runs throughout. The short lines and stanzas contribute to the overall tone of ease and tranquility.
- Language: Dickinson’s language is elegant yet straightforward, mirroring the graceful and uncomplicated life of the grass. The use of words like "brood," "entertain," and "divine" adds depth to the grass’s characterization.
- Structure: The poem is structured in a way that emphasizes the cyclical nature of life. The grass’s life, death, and eventual rest in barns is portrayed as a continuous, peaceful journey.