In class writing- Dickinson

The structure is one stanza with 12 lines.  It uses many dashes which as we discussed was not common during her time.   The dashes break up the writing as she is listing things in nature. One rhyme is consistent throughout the poem.  "See, bee, sea, harmony, and simplicity all rhyme, but none of the other lines really rhyme.  There appears to be one sentence, marked by a period at the end.  However, it can be several little ones. Every time Dickinson writes "Nature is.." It is a complete thought, but after two she lists things so the sentence would continue.  I would say there are about 5 sentences.  "Nature is.." a repetitive phrase.  This adds emphasis to nature.  The religion of "nay" before some of the "nature is.." also add a sense of building of adding more.  This follows until the end where we (as humans) are related to nature.  In the last four lines, Dickinson is saying that we know what nature shows us, but we are powerless against it.  Therefore, nature is powerful.  The listing and the repetitive phrases build up to this point where she writes that nature is powerful.  The poem is powerful itself.  The tone is calm but almost informative.  "Nay" not only adds a source of growing emotion, but also a debate in the sense she repeats herself adding on.  This also adds the effect that nature is more powerful.  She is trying to understand, but she is at the will of nature in a way.  From this, you can tell that Dickinson enjoys nature.  The tone is sort of inspiring and dreamy.  It shows a love and passion for nature.   

The poem is explaining nature as a powerful almost undefinable, positive force.  Humans cannot change nature, but it is so vital to our lives.  Nature is described as a positive thing, yet we cannot control it.  This adds a sense of peacefulness because humans try to obtain control of everything. Here,  she thinks it is good we don't have control.  "Nature is heaven... Nature is harmony." It could almost be seen as an escape from control.  She is saying, later in the poem, nature is simple, but we cannot control it. This relates to nature and harmony because it is the way it is due to the absence of humans.  This also relates to Dickinson as a person.  She does not like being around other humans.  She likes nature because it is untouchable.  She probably wishes she were more powerful and untouchable like nature.  She often writes about nature, most likely for this reason: nature is an escape from other humans.