Introduction
Emily Brontë and Emily Dickinson, two towering figures in English literature, share a profound connection in their poetic exploration of nature. Both poets, through their unique lenses, delve into the multifaceted relationship between humans and the natural world, celebrating its beauty, mystery, and inherent power. Despite their shared thematic interests, Brontë and Dickinson approach nature from slightly different perspectives, using distinct poetic diction, style, and symbolism to convey their admiration and devotion.
Comparison of the Poems
Brontë’s “Shall Earth no more inspire thee” (292-293) and “Often rebuked, yet always back returning” (295) encapsulate her deep-seated reverence for nature. In these poems, Brontë personifies nature, treating it as a living, breathing entity capable of inspiring and influencing the human spirit. Her poetic diction is rich and evocative, painting vivid images of the natural landscapes that serve as both a refuge and a source of inspiration.
For instance, in “Shall Earth no more inspire thee,” Brontë speaks directly to the earth, questioning if its beauty can no longer move the soul. This rhetorical question underscores the intimate relationship she perceives between humans and the natural world. Meanwhile, in “Often rebuked, yet always back returning,” Brontë uses the recurring motif of returning to nature as a symbol of unyielding devotion, depicting the landscape as a sanctuary from society’s rebukes.
Conversely, Dickinson’s compositions, notably “I taste a liquor never brewed” (318) and “A narrow Fellow in the Grass” (322), proffer a contemplative and sophisticated perspective on the natural realm. Drawing on a signature approach marked by succinct, dense stanzas and idiosyncratic punctuation, Dickinson’s prose exudes immediacy and fervor in her portrayal of nature.
In “I taste a liquor never brewed,” she employs the intoxication metaphor to articulate the euphoric sensation engendered by a profound communion with the natural environment, proposing a transcendent encounter that eclipses the effects of any synthetic intoxicant. This allegory not only extols the delights discovered within nature but also intimates at its limitless, ineffable attributes. In contrast, “A Narrow Fellow in the Grass” delves into the dualistic allure and peril inherent in nature, employing the serpent as a metaphor.
Both Brontë and Dickinson adeptly wield symbolism to augment the thematic depth of their verse. Brontë’s allegorical invocation of the terrain as both a refuge and a muse diverges from Dickinson’s employment of more abstract symbols, such as the ethereal liquor and the enigmatic “narrow Fellow.” These emblematic elements underscore the poets’ divergent viewpoints on nature: Brontë sees it as an extrinsic force that shapes the human condition, whereas Dickinson sees it as an intrinsic phenomenon that transcends the tangible world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Emily Brontë and Emily Dickinson celebrate nature in their poetry, yet their approaches reveal distinct perspectives. Brontë’s direct and evocative diction, coupled with her personification of nature, emphasizes a romantic connection between the human spirit and the natural world. Dickinson’s concise style and use of metaphor, on the other hand, suggest a more introspective and complex relationship with nature, characterized by moments of transcendence and unease.