"All These My Banners Be" by Emily Dickinson reflects on the fleeting beauty of nature and the cycles of growth, transformation, and renewal. Through vivid imagery and contemplative language, the poem conveys the idea of the impermanence of life and experiences, while also celebrating the resilience and beauty of nature. The poem intertwines themes of transience, growth, and the eternal cycle of nature.
All These My Banners Be
All these my banners be.
I sow my pageantry
In May —
It rises train by train —
Then sleeps in state again —
My chancel — all the plain
Today.
To lose — if one can find again —
To miss — if one shall meet —
The Burglar cannot rob — then —
The Broker cannot cheat.
So build the hillocks gaily
Thou little spade of mine
Leaving nooks for Daisy
And for Columbine —
You and I the secret
Of the Crocus know —
Let us chant it softly —
"There is no more snow!"
To him who keeps an Orchis' heart —
The swamps are pink with June.
Summary
"All These My Banners Be" by Emily Dickinson contemplates the transient nature of life, drawing parallels between the cycles of nature and the experiences of humans. The poem describes the pageantry of nature's growth and transformation, likening it to banners unfurling in May and rising train by train. However, this vibrancy eventually returns to a state of rest, symbolized by the chancel. The poem explores the idea that loss and absence are intertwined with the cyclical nature of life, conveying that what is lost can often be rediscovered, and what is missed can eventually be encountered. The poem celebrates the resilience of nature and its capacity for renewal.
Critical Analysis
"All These My Banners Be" exemplifies Emily Dickinson's ability to explore complex themes with succinct and evocative language. The poem's exploration of the transience of life, the cyclical nature of growth and decay, and the interplay of loss and rediscovery is presented through vivid imagery and thought-provoking metaphors.
The opening lines introduce the concept of "banners," which metaphorically represent the various stages of growth and transformation in nature. The act of "sowing pageantry" alludes to the deliberate creation of beauty and spectacle in nature, particularly during the month of May when life bursts forth in abundance.
The image of the pageantry "rising train by train" captures the gradual unfolding of nature's beauty and vibrancy. The choice of "train" suggests a procession of beauty, as if each element of nature joins a procession that parades its splendor.
The contrast between the rising and the subsequent "sleep" of this pageantry speaks to the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of rest and renewal. The term "chancel" further emphasizes this idea, evoking the sense of a sacred space where nature rests and rejuvenates.
The poem then introduces the concept of loss and absence as integral parts of life's cycles. The lines "To lose — if one can find again — / To miss — if one shall meet" underscore the interconnectedness of opposites: loss and rediscovery, absence and presence. The poem challenges conventional notions of loss by suggesting that losing something may lead to its eventual reencounter, and missing something may result in its rediscovery.
The metaphors of the "Burglar" and the "Broker" further explore the ideas of loss and deceit. The "Burglar" represents the idea of loss through theft, while the "Broker" embodies the notion of deceitful gain. The poem suggests that these figures cannot truly rob or cheat in the context of nature's cyclical renewal, as what is lost can be found again.
The poem concludes with an exhortation to "build the hillocks gaily," invoking the image of joyful creation and the shaping of the landscape. The "little spade" that leaves "nooks for Daisy / And for Columbine" symbolizes the deliberate cultivation of spaces for delicate flowers to thrive.
The shared secret of the "Crocus," representing the cycles of life, suggests that nature itself holds the wisdom of renewal. The chant "There is no more snow!" signals the arrival of spring and the end of harsh conditions, metaphorically representing the cessation of challenges and adversity.
The final lines bring the focus back to nature's resilience, describing how those who embrace the "Orchis' heart" (a type of flower) experience the swamps turning pink in June. This imagery conveys the idea that those who understand and appreciate the cyclical nature of life witness the beauty and renewal that come with each new season.
Themes
- Transience and Renewal: The poem explores the transient nature of life and experiences, drawing parallels between the cycles of nature and human experiences. The poem emphasizes the capacity for renewal and the cyclical nature of growth and decay.
- Loss and Rediscovery: The poem challenges conventional notions of loss by suggesting that what is lost may be found again and what is missed may eventually be encountered. This theme underscores the interconnectedness of opposites and the dynamic nature of life's cycles.
- Nature's Resilience: The poem celebrates the resilience of nature, highlighting its ability to recover, renew, and transform even in the face of challenges and cycles of rest.
Attitudes/Feelings
- Contemplation and Wonder: The poem conveys a sense of contemplation and wonder at the cycles of nature and the interconnectedness of life's experiences. The speaker marvels at the resilience and beauty of the natural world.
- Optimism and Acceptance: The poem embodies a sense of optimism and acceptance of the cyclical nature of life. The speaker acknowledges the transient aspects of life while celebrating the beauty and renewal that come with each cycle.
Language
- Metaphor: The poem employs metaphors such as "banners," "Burglar," and "Broker" to convey complex ideas of growth, loss, and renewal. These metaphors create layers of meaning and invite readers to contemplate the interplay of these concepts.
- Imagery: The poem's vivid imagery, from the rising banners to the hillocks and the swamps turning pink, creates a sensory and visual experience that enriches the exploration of nature's cycles and human experiences.
Literary Devices
- Metaphor: The use of metaphors, such as "Burglar" and "Broker," imbues the poem with depth and complexity, allowing abstract concepts like loss and deceit to be explored through concrete imagery.
- Contrast: The poem employs contrast to emphasize the interconnectedness of opposites. The contrast between loss and rediscovery, absence and presence, enhances the thematic exploration of life's cyclical nature.
- Enjambment: Enjambment is used to create fluidity and continuity between lines, echoing the idea of the ongoing cycles of nature. This stylistic choice mirrors the seamless transitions between stages of growth and renewal.