Discovering "Montaigne" by Emily Dickinson: A Poetic Journey Between Thought and Feeling
Who was Emily Dickinson?
Before we dive into the poem, it's important to know a little about Emily Dickinson's life. Born in 1830 in Amherst, Massachusetts, Dickinson lived much of her life in relative seclusion. Despite her isolation, she wrote over 1,800 poems, most of which were published posthumously. Her works explore profound themes such as death, immortality, nature and loneliness."Montaigne": A philosophical inspiration
The poem "Montaigne" by Emily Dickinson is a tribute to Michel de Montaigne, the 16th-century French philosopher known for his essays exploring the human condition. Dickinson was fascinated by the way Montaigne reflected on life, death, and the nature of knowledge. In this poem, Dickinson pays homage to the philosopher and captures his essence with his unique style.Analysis of Poetry
Emily Dickinson's poem "Montaigne" is not among her best-known, but it offers a valuable window into her inner world and her admiration for Montaigne.Here is the text of the poem:How happy is the little Stone
That rambles in the Road alone,
And doesn't care about Careers
And Exigencies never fears—
Whose Coat of elemental Brown
A passing Universe put on,
And independent as the Sun
Associates or glows alone,
Fulfilling absolute Decree
In casual simplicity—
Main themes
- Autonomy and Freedom: Dickinson celebrates the stone as a symbol of independence and freedom. The stone is not bound by human concerns, representing a state of pure and simple existence.
- Simplicity and Nature: The stone is described as wearing the "Coat of elemental Brown", representing its intrinsic connection with nature. This image evokes the simplicity and purity that Dickinson admires.
- Indifference to Convention: The stone does not care about "Careers" or "Exigencies", suggesting a life lived in harmony with oneself rather than with social expectations.