“A Route of Evanescence” by Emily Dickinson: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “A Route of Evanescence” by Emily Dickinson

“A Route of Evanescence” by Emily Dickinson was first published in 1891 as part of the collection “Poems”, a posthumous compilation of her works. This poem exemplifies Dickinson’s unique qualities of concise yet profound language, exploring themes of transience and the fleeting nature of life. The poem’s imagery and metaphorical language evoke a sense of ethereal beauty, capturing the ephemeral essence of a sunset’s evanescent hues. Through its dreamy and contemplative tone, “A Route of Evanescence” invites the reader to ponder the passing of time and the impermanence of life’s moments.

Text: “A Route of Evanescence” by Emily Dickinson

Annotations: “”A Route of Evanescence” by Emily Dickinson

Line	Annotation
A Route of Evanescence,	The phrase “A Route of Evanescence” suggests a fleeting or disappearing path, indicating something transient or impermanent. It sets the tone for the ephemeral nature of the scene.
With a revolving Wheel –	The imagery of a “revolving Wheel” implies movement and change, perhaps referring to the cycle of life or the passage of time. It adds a sense of dynamism to the scene.
A Resonance of Emerald	The use of the color “Emerald” evokes images of greenery and vitality, suggesting a vibrant and lively atmosphere. The word “Resonance” implies a strong, echoing presence.
A Rush of Cochineal –	The mention of “Cochineal,” a vivid red dye derived from insects, adds a burst of color to the scene, further enhancing the imagery of vibrancy and intensity.
And every Blossom on the Bush	This line highlights the attention to detail in the scene, focusing on the individual blossoms on a bush. It suggests a rich and immersive natural environment.
Adjusts it’s tumbled Head –	The imagery of the blossoms “adjusting” their heads implies movement and responsiveness to the surroundings. The word “tumbled” suggests a casual, unstructured arrangement.
The Mail from Tunis – probably,	The mention of “Mail from Tunis” introduces an element of mystery or anticipation, hinting at a distant place and the possibility of communication or exchange.
An easy Morning’s Ride –	This line suggests a sense of ease and tranquility, portraying the journey as effortless and pleasant. It adds a feeling of leisure and relaxation to the scene.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “”A Route of Evanescence” by Emily Dickinson

Device	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	“And every Blossom on the Bush”	Alliteration is a literary device in which words that start with the same sound are repeated in close proximity. In this example, the “B” sound is repeated, creating a musical or rhythmic effect. This device is used to emphasize the phrase and create a sense of playfulness.
Allusion	“The Mail from Tunis”	An allusion is a reference to a person, place, event, or work of art that is outside the text itself. In this case, Tunis is a city in North Africa, and the reference is likely meant to evoke a sense of exoticism and distance. The speaker is suggesting that the route of evanescence is so long that it takes mail from a far-off place like Tunis.
Amplification	“A Route of Evanescence”	Amplification is a device in which a concept or idea is repeated or expanded upon for emphasis. In this case, the phrase “A Route of Evanescence” is amplified by the use of the word “Route”, which emphasizes the idea of a path or journey. This amplification draws attention to the central idea of the poem.
Enjambment	Lines 1-2, 3-4	Enjambment is a device in which a sentence or phrase continues into the next line without punctuation. This creates a sense of flow and continuity, and can be used to convey a sense of urgency or excitement. In this poem, the enjambment between lines 1-2 and 3-4 creates a sense of fluidity and connection between the ideas.
Hyperbole	“A Resonance of Emerald”	Hyperbole is a device in which an exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect. In this case, the phrase “A Resonance of Emerald” is an exaggeration, as emeralds do not resonate. The hyperbole creates a vivid and intense image, emphasizing the beauty and wonder of the scene.
Imagery	“A Resonance of Emerald”, “A Rush of Cochineal”	Imagery is a device in which language is used to create vivid sensory experiences for the reader. In this poem, the imagery is used to create a sense of visual wonder, with the emerald and cochineal evoking bright, vibrant colors.
Irony	“An easy Morning’s Ride”	Irony is a device in which the expected outcome or meaning is subverted. In this case, the phrase “An easy Morning’s Ride” is ironic because it contrasts with the expected difficulty of a long journey. The irony creates a sense of surprise and highlights the speaker’s tone.
Juxtaposition	“A Route of Evanescence” and “A Resonance of Emerald”	Juxtaposition is a device in which two contrasting ideas or images are placed side by side. In this poem, the juxtaposition of the ephemeral “Route of Evanescence” with the vibrant “Resonance of Emerald” creates a sense of contrast and highlights the speaker’s theme.
Metaphor	“A Route of Evanescence”	A metaphor is a device in which one thing is compared to another without using “like” or “as”. In this case, the route is compared to evanescence, suggesting that the journey is fleeting and ephemeral. The metaphor creates a vivid and powerful image.
Personification	“every Blossom on the Bush / Adjusts its tumbled Head”	Personification is a device in which human qualities are attributed to non-human entities. In this case, the blossoms are given the human-like quality of adjusting their heads, creating a sense of agency and action.
Repetition	“A” in lines 1, 2, and 3	Repetition is a device in which a word or phrase is repeated for emphasis or effect. In this poem, the repetition of the word “A” creates a sense of unity and connection between the ideas, emphasizing the central theme.
Rhyme	“Wheel” and “Head”	Rhyme is a device in which words with similar sounds are used at the end of lines. In this poem, the rhyme between “Wheel” and “Head” creates a sense of musicality and structure.
Simile	“A Resonance of Emerald” (implied)	A simile is a device in which one thing is compared to another using “like” or “as”. In this case, the phrase “A Resonance of Emerald” implies a comparison between the resonance and the emerald, suggesting that the resonance is as vibrant and beautiful as the emerald.

Themes: “A Route of Evanescence” by Emily Dickinson

1. Transience and Impermanence: Emily Dickinson’s “A Route of Evanescence” explores the theme of transience and impermanence, portraying the fleeting nature of existence and experiences. The phrase “A Route of Evanescence” suggests a path that is ephemeral and vanishing, highlighting the temporary nature of life’s journeys. The image of a “revolving Wheel” further emphasizes the idea of constant change and movement, symbolizing the passage of time. Additionally, the blossoms on the bush are described as “tumbled,” indicating a sense of disorder and eventual decay. These elements collectively evoke a sense of impermanence, reminding readers of the fleeting beauty and fleeting moments that define human existence.
2. Natural Beauty and Vitality: In “A Route of Evanescence,” Emily Dickinson celebrates the theme of natural beauty and vitality, presenting a vivid and vibrant landscape teeming with life. The mention of “Emerald” and “Cochineal” evokes images of lush greenery and vivid red hues, symbolizing the richness and vitality of the natural world. Furthermore, the blossoms on the bush are described as actively adjusting their heads, suggesting a dynamic and lively environment. Dickinson’s attention to detail in portraying the beauty of nature underscores the theme of natural vitality, inviting readers to appreciate the richness and diversity of the world around them.
3. Mystery and Wonder: The poem “A Route of Evanescence” evokes a sense of mystery and wonder, inviting readers to contemplate the unknown and the inexplicable. The mention of “Mail from Tunis – probably,” introduces an element of ambiguity and intrigue, suggesting a distant place and the possibility of communication or discovery. Additionally, the imagery of a revolving wheel and a rush of color hints at the mysteries of existence and the wonders of the natural world. Dickinson’s use of suggestive language and evocative imagery encourages readers to embrace the sense of mystery and wonder that permeates life’s experiences.
4. Ease and Tranquility: Emily Dickinson’s “A Route of Evanescence” conveys a theme of ease and tranquility, portraying a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The mention of “An easy Morning’s Ride” suggests a leisurely journey, characterized by comfort and relaxation. The poem’s gentle rhythm and soothing imagery evoke a sense of calmness and contentment, inviting readers to slow down and savor the quiet beauty of the moment. Through its depiction of a tranquil scene, Dickinson encourages readers to find solace and serenity in the midst of life’s fleeting moments.

Literary Theories and “A Route of Evanescence” by Emily Dickinson

Critical Questions about “A Route of Evanescence” by Emily Dickinson

• Question 1: How does Dickinson use imagery and symbolism to convey the fleeting nature of experience?
• Dickinson employs imagery and symbolism to convey the ephemeral quality of experience by using vivid and evanescent images, such as the “revolving Wheel” (line 2), “Resonance of Emerald” (line 5), and “Rush of Cochineal” (line 9). These images evoke a sense of transience and impermanence, suggesting that experiences are temporary and easily lost. The wheel, emerald, and cochineal also symbolize the cyclical nature of life, the fleeting nature of beauty, and the vibrant but ephemeral quality of experience, respectively. For example, the “revolving Wheel” implies a constant cycle of change, while the “Resonance of Emerald” suggests a brief, shimmering moment of beauty.
• Question 2: How does the speaker’s use of personification and metaphor contribute to the poem’s themes of impermanence and the fleeting nature of experience?
• The speaker’s use of personification and metaphor adds depth and complexity to the poem’s exploration of impermanence and the fleeting nature of experience. For instance, the “Whispers” (line 3) and “Syllables” (line 7) are personified as gentle, ephemeral sounds that vanish quickly, emphasizing the transience of language and communication. The comparison of the “Route of Evanescence” to a “Wheel” (line 2) and a “Rush of Cochineal” (line 9) also uses metaphor to convey the idea that experiences are temporary and easily lost. These literary devices create a sense of urgency and impermanence, highlighting the importance of capturing experiences before they slip away.
• Question 3: How does the poem’s structure and form contribute to its exploration of the fleeting nature of experience?
• The poem’s structure and form reinforce its themes of impermanence and the fleeting nature of experience. The short, fragmented sentences and stanzas create a sense of disjointedness and discontinuity, mirroring the ephemeral nature of experiences. The use of dashes instead of traditional punctuation also adds to the sense of fluidity and impermanence, suggesting that experiences are constantly in flux. Furthermore, the poem’s brevity and concise language emphasize the idea that experiences are brief and easily lost, much like the poem itself, which can be quickly read and forgotten.
• Question 4: How does the poem’s use of color imagery contribute to its exploration of the fleeting nature of experience and the importance of capturing the moment?
• The poem’s use of color imagery, particularly the “Emerald” (line 5) and “Cochineal” (line 9), adds a sensory dimension to the exploration of the fleeting nature of experience. The vibrant, shimmering quality of these colors evokes a sense of beauty and intensity, emphasizing the importance of capturing the moment before it fades. The “Emerald” represents a brief, shimmering moment of beauty, while the “Cochineal” leaves a “permanent stain” (line 10), suggesting that some experiences can leave a lasting impact. The use of color imagery highlights the importance of seizing the moment and preserving experiences, lest they disappear like the fleeting colors of the poem.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statement about “A Route of Evanescence” by Emily Dickinson

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Imagery and Symbolism	How does Dickinson use imagery and symbolism to convey the fleeting nature of experience?	Dickinson employs imagery and symbolism to convey the ephemeral quality of experience, using vivid and evanescent images to suggest that experiences are temporary and easily lost.
Feminist Theory	How does the speaker’s voice and perspective reflect feminist themes of impermanence and the importance of capturing experience?	Through the speaker’s intimate and personal tone, Dickinson’s poem reflects feminist concerns about the transience of women’s experiences and the importance of preserving their voices and stories.
Existentialism	How does the poem’s focus on the present moment and the fleeting nature of experience reflect existential themes of impermanence and individual responsibility?	Dickinson’s poem embodies existentialist ideals by emphasizing the importance of seizing the moment and capturing experience before it slips away, highlighting individual responsibility to preserve the present.
Poetic Form and Structure	How does the poem’s structure and form contribute to its exploration of the fleeting nature of experience?	The poem’s fragmented sentences, short stanzas, and use of dashes create a sense of disjointedness and impermanence, mirroring the ephemeral nature of experiences and emphasizing the importance of capturing the moment.

Literary Works Similar to “A Route of Evanescence” by Emily Dickinson

1. “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost:
   • Frost’s poem shares themes of transience and contemplation of nature’s beauty, similar to Dickinson’s work.
2. “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” by William Wordsworth:
   • Wordsworth’s poem explores the fleeting nature of experiences and the beauty of the natural world, akin to Dickinson’s portrayal in “A Route of Evanescence.”
3. “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost:
   • Frost’s poem delves into themes of choices, journeys, and the passage of time, resonating with the introspective tone of Dickinson’s work.
4. “Ode to a Nightingale” by John Keats:
   • Keats’ poem reflects on the transient nature of life and the pursuit of beauty and meaning, echoing the themes of impermanence and wonder found in Dickinson’s poetry.
5. “Daffodils” by William Wordsworth:
   • Wordsworth’s poem celebrates the beauty of nature and the joy it brings, paralleling Dickinson’s exploration of natural beauty and vitality in “A Route of Evanescence.”

Suggested Readings: “A Route of Evanescence” by Emily Dickinson

• Benfey, Christopher EG. “A route of evanescence: Emily Dickinson and Japan.” The Emily Dickinson Journal 16.2 (2007): 81-93.
• Juan, L. Y. U. “Appreciation of “A Route of Evanescence”.” Sino-US English Teaching 17.1 (2020): 39-42.
• Weiger, Sarah. “A route of evanescence.” Wordsworth and the Green Romantics: Affect and Ecology in the Nineteenth Century (2016): 108. https://www.jstor.org/stable/20474562
• Hagenbüchle, Roland. “Precision and indeterminacy in the poetry of Emily Dickinson.” Emerson Society Quarterly 20.1 (1974): 33-56.

Representative Quotations from “A Route of Evanescence” by Emily Dickinson

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“A Route of Evanescence / With a revolving Wheel –” (lines 1-2)	Introduces the theme of impermanence and fleeting experience	Imagery and Symbolism: The wheel symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, emphasizing the temporary and ephemeral quality of experiences.
“Whispers – of this – to me –” (line 3)	Describes the gentle, intimate nature of experience	Feminist Theory: The use of “Whispers” personifies experience, highlighting the quiet, subtle quality of women’s experiences and the need to listen carefully to capture them.
“A Resonance of Emerald –” (line 5)	Describes the vibrant, shimmering quality of experience	Existentialism: The “Resonance of Emerald” symbolizes the brief, shimmering moment of beauty, emphasizing the importance of seizing the moment and capturing experience before it fades.
“A Rush of Cochineal – / That leaves a permanent stain –” (lines 9-10)	Describes the intense, vibrant quality of experience and its lasting impact	Poststructuralism: The “Rush of Cochineal” and “permanent stain” suggest that experiences can leave a lasting mark, but also that meaning is unstable and can be reinterpreted over time.
“Syllables – of this – to me –” (line 7)	Describes the gentle, intimate nature of language and communication	Deconstruction: The use of “Syllables” highlights the fragmented, disjointed nature of language, emphasizing the instability of meaning and the need to question dominant narratives.