The Mountains—grow unnoticed— by Emily Dickinson: Summary & Analysis
Emily Dickinson's poem "The Mountains—grow unnoticed—" reflects on the majesty and quiet power of nature, particularly the mountains that rise steadily without fanfare or recognition. Through this poem, Dickinson explores themes of natural grandeur, the passage of time, and the serene relationship between the mountains and the sun. The mountains' enduring presence contrasts with human efforts, highlighting their silent strength and the eternal cycle of day and night.
Poem: "The Mountains—grow unnoticed—"
The Mountains—grow unnoticed—
Their Purple figures rise
Without attempt—Exhaustion—
Assistance—or Applause—
In Their Eternal Faces
The Sun—with just delight
Looks long—and last—and golden—
For fellowship—at night—
Summary of "The Mountains—grow unnoticed—"
This poem depicts the quiet and unobserved growth of mountains, which rise majestically without the need for effort, help, or recognition. The sun, personified as finding delight in the mountains, gazes upon their eternal faces as it sets, sharing a moment of golden fellowship before night falls. Dickinson captures the timeless and tranquil relationship between these natural elements, emphasizing the enduring beauty of the mountains.
Critical Analysis of "The Mountains—grow unnoticed—"
- Imagery: Dickinson uses rich imagery to evoke the visual grandeur of the mountains, described as "Purple figures" that rise effortlessly against the sky. The use of color and the personification of the sun create a vivid picture of the natural landscape.
- Personification: The sun is personified as taking delight in the mountains, suggesting a companionship between these natural forces. This personification emphasizes the harmony in nature.
- Theme of Natural Majesty: The poem underscores the quiet strength and dignity of the mountains, which grow unnoticed and without the need for human recognition. This theme reflects the idea that nature's true beauty is often overlooked or taken for granted.
- Theme of Timelessness: The poem highlights the eternal nature of the mountains and the cyclical pattern of day and night, symbolized by the sun's "golden" gaze and the mountains' "Eternal Faces."
Themes in "The Mountains—grow unnoticed—"
- Natural Majesty: The poem emphasizes the grandeur of the mountains, which rise without the need for external validation or applause. Their silent strength and beauty are central to the poem's message.
- Timelessness and Eternity: Dickinson portrays the mountains as eternal, unchanging entities that witness the passage of time with quiet dignity. This theme contrasts with the fleeting nature of human life and achievements.
- Human Insignificance: The poem suggests that while human efforts and achievements often demand recognition, the mountains rise and exist without concern for such accolades, highlighting the insignificance of human endeavors in the face of nature's vastness.
Literary Devices in "The Mountains—grow unnoticed—"
- Personification: The sun is personified, described as taking delight in the mountains and seeking fellowship with them at night. This personification creates a sense of companionship between the natural elements.
- Imagery: The poem uses vivid imagery to depict the mountains and the sun, with phrases like "Purple figures" and "golden" fellowship, creating a rich visual experience for the reader.
- Alliteration: The poem employs alliteration, such as in "Without attempt—Exhaustion—," to create a rhythmic quality that mirrors the steady and unhurried growth of the mountains.
- Contrast: Dickinson contrasts the quiet, unnoticed growth of the mountains with the human tendency to seek recognition and applause, emphasizing the natural world's indifference to such concerns.
Stylistic Analysis of "The Mountains—grow unnoticed—"
- Form: The poem is structured in two stanzas, each highlighting different aspects of the mountains and their relationship with the sun. The form is typical of Dickinson's concise, reflective style.
- Language: The language is simple yet profound, capturing the essence of the mountains' quiet majesty and the sun's gentle admiration.
- Structure: The poem's structure reflects the natural progression from day to night, with the first stanza focusing on the mountains' rise and the second on their interaction with the setting sun.