Killdeer: A Critical Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Poem

Emily Dickinson's poem "Killdeer" is a haunting and evocative exploration of loss, grief, and the search for meaning in the face of adversity. The poem's central image is that of the killdeer, a bird known for its plaintive cry. Dickinson uses this image to explore the ways in which we can find solace and hope even in the darkest of times.

Analysis

The poem begins with a description of the killdeer's cry: "A bird, shot down in the meadow there,/ Makes slow, relentless cry."

Killdeer: essay-poems (Department of Critical Thought Book 4)

by Phil Hall

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14868 KB
Print length	:	96 pages

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This cry is described as "slow" and "relentless," suggesting that the bird is in great pain. However, the cry is also described as "melodious." This suggests that there is still beauty to be found even in the midst of suffering.

The poem then goes on to explore the ways in which we can find solace and hope in the face of adversity. The speaker of the poem suggests that we can find solace in nature, in the beauty of the natural world. He also suggests that we can find hope in the resilience of the human spirit.

The poem ends with a sense of hope and renewal. The speaker of the poem says: "And so, I shall sing his song,/ And he shall sing mine,/ And we shall sing together,/ Till the world goes round and round."

This suggests that we can find comfort and hope in the bonds we share with others. We can also find hope in the knowledge that even in the darkest of times, there is always beauty and resilience to be found.

Emily Dickinson's poem "Killdeer" is a powerful and moving exploration of loss, grief, and the search for meaning in the face of adversity. The poem's central image of the killdeer is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still beauty and hope to be found.

The poem also offers a message of hope and renewal. The speaker of the poem suggests that we can find solace and hope in nature, in the beauty of the natural world. He also suggests that we can find hope in the resilience of the human spirit.

Emily Dickinson's poem "Killdeer" is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can find beauty, hope, and meaning.

Killdeer: essay-poems (Department of Critical Thought Book 4)

by Phil Hall

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14868 KB
Print length	:	96 pages

FREE