“The Sky Is Low, The Clouds Are Mean” by Emily Dickinson: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Sky Is Low, The Clouds Are Mean” by Emily Dickinson

“The Sky Is Low, The Clouds Are Mean” by Emily Dickinson first appeared in 1891 as part of the posthumous collection “Poems: Second Series,” edited by Thomas Wentworth Higginson and Mabel Loomis Todd. This brief but vivid poem captures the gloomy, somber mood of nature, reflecting the harshness of the weather and drawing parallels to human emotions. The poem’s main qualities include its simplicity, metaphorical depth, and personification of natural elements such as clouds and snowflakes, which take on human-like characteristics. The main idea of the poem revolves around the connection between nature’s turbulence and human emotional instability, suggesting that both are subject to forces beyond their control, leading to moments of weakness and vulnerability.

Text: “The Sky Is Low, The Clouds Are Mean” by Emily Dickinson

Annotations: “The Sky Is Low, The Clouds Are Mean” by Emily Dickinson

Line	Annotation
The Sky is low — the Clouds are mean.	The speaker begins by personifying the sky and clouds, describing them as “low” and “mean.” The word “low” suggests that the sky is overcast, while “mean” implies harshness or unpleasantness, possibly reflecting a somber or gloomy mood. The use of personification suggests that nature shares human emotions.
A Travelling Flake of Snow	The flake of snow is given a sense of agency by the word “travelling,” indicating movement and uncertainty, which can symbolize human indecision. Snowflakes are delicate and transient, possibly hinting at fleeting moments in life.
Across a Barn or through a Rut	The snowflake’s journey takes it over mundane, earthy settings—a barn and a rut (a groove in the road). This suggests an ordinary, rural landscape, emphasizing nature’s interaction with the everyday world. The contrasting options of “barn” or “rut” may symbolize choices or paths in life.
Debates if it will go —	Personification is used again, this time for the snowflake, which “debates” whether to continue its journey. This line introduces the theme of indecision or hesitation, mirroring human thought processes. The dash at the end leaves the outcome uncertain, reflecting open-ended possibilities.
A Narrow Wind complains all Day	The wind is also personified, depicted as narrow (which could imply it is weak or restricted) and complaining. The act of complaining suggests dissatisfaction, as though nature itself is struggling with discomfort. This could be a reflection of human frustrations or minor irritations.
How some one treated him	The wind’s complaint is about mistreatment, implying that even the elements of nature can experience (or be imagined to experience) emotions like humans. It reflects the idea that nature reacts to external forces, possibly hinting at the human impact on the environment.
Nature, like Us, is sometimes caught	Here, Dickinson directly compares nature to humans, highlighting the commonalities between the two. Both nature and people are susceptible to being caught off guard, emphasizing their shared vulnerability. The word “caught” suggests being trapped or exposed in an unexpected situation.
Without her Diadem.	A “diadem” is a crown or symbol of royalty, often representing power, beauty, or dignity. Nature without her diadem symbolizes moments when nature (and by extension, humans) is stripped of its grandeur, left exposed and imperfect. This reflects the theme of imperfection and unpredictability in both nature and life.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “The Sky Is Low, The Clouds Are Mean” by Emily Dickinson

Device	Definition	Example	Explanation
Allusion	A reference to a famous person, place, event, or work of literature.	“Nature, like Us, is sometimes caught Without her Diadem.”	The allusion to a queen without her crown suggests that even nature can be imperfect or incomplete.
Analogy	A comparison between two things that are similar in some way.	“Nature, like Us, is sometimes caught Without her Diadem.”	The comparison between nature and a queen highlights their shared vulnerability.
Imagery	The use of vivid language to create mental images.	“A Travelling Flake of Snow”	The image of a traveling flake of snow creates a sense of motion and isolation.
Metaphor	A figure of speech in which one thing is said to be another thing.	“The Clouds are mean.”	The clouds are compared to mean people, suggesting a negative or hostile atmosphere.
Personification	A figure of speech in which non-human things are given human qualities.	“A Narrow Wind complains all Day”	The wind is given the human quality of complaining, suggesting its restlessness and annoyance.
Simile	A figure of speech that compares two things using “like” or “as.”	“The Sky is low — the Clouds are mean.”	The sky is compared to something low, suggesting a sense of oppression or heaviness.
Symbolism	The use of objects or images to represent ideas or concepts.	“The Sky is low”	The low sky can symbolize sadness, depression, or a sense of confinement.
Tone	The author’s attitude toward the subject matter.	The tone is melancholic and contemplative.	The use of negative imagery and a slow pace contributes to the overall melancholy tone.
Voice	The author’s unique style of writing.	The voice is simple and direct.	The use of short sentences and simple language creates a conversational and intimate tone.

Themes: “The Sky Is Low, The Clouds Are Mean” by Emily Dickinson

• Isolation and Loneliness: The poem’s depiction of a solitary flake of snow and the complaining wind underscores a profound sense of isolation and loneliness. The flake, “debating if it will go,” seems adrift and uncertain, mirroring the human experience of feeling disconnected and adrift in the world. The wind’s persistent complaints suggest a deep-seated yearning for companionship and understanding, highlighting the universal human desire for connection.
• The Impermanence of Nature: Dickinson’s use of imagery, such as the “traveling flake of snow,” emphasizes the fleeting nature of existence. The poem suggests that even the most seemingly permanent elements of nature, like the sky and clouds, are subject to change and decay. This theme resonates with the human experience of mortality and the constant reminder that nothing in life is truly enduring.
• The Human Condition: The poem’s melancholic tone and negative imagery offer a poignant reflection on the human condition. The “mean” clouds and the “narrow wind” can be seen as metaphors for the negative emotions and constraints that often shape our lives. The poem suggests that even in the most idyllic settings, humans may struggle with feelings of sadness, frustration, and a sense of being trapped.
• The Power of Nature:While the poem explores themes of isolation and melancholy, it also acknowledges the power and beauty of nature. The imagery of the “traveling flake of snow” and the “narrow wind” creates a sense of awe and wonder, reminding us of the majesty and mystery of the natural world. The poem suggests that even in its most challenging aspects, nature can be a source of inspiration and contemplation, offering solace and perspective amidst life’s trials.

Literary Theories and “The Sky Is Low, The Clouds Are Mean” by Emily Dickinson

1. Ecocriticism

• Theory Overview: Ecocriticism examines the relationship between literature and the natural environment. It looks at how nature is represented in literature and how these representations reflect human attitudes toward the natural world.
• Application: In “The Sky Is Low, The Clouds Are Mean,” nature is personified and presented as sharing human emotions and experiences. The sky is described as “low” and the clouds as “mean,” implying a connection between the mood of nature and human emotional states. The wind “complains all Day” (line 5), reflecting nature’s capacity to express dissatisfaction, much like humans. Ecocriticism would explore how Dickinson’s portrayal of nature mirrors the complexities of human emotion and how humans project their inner world onto the natural environment.

2. Romanticism

• Theory Overview: Romanticism emphasizes emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature. It often views nature as a reflection of human emotions and as a source of insight into the human condition.
• Application: Dickinson’s poem aligns with Romantic ideals by portraying nature as a mirror of human emotions. For example, the snowflake “Debates if it will go” (line 4), reflecting human indecision and introspection. The sky and clouds are described using emotional terms, emphasizing a connection between external nature and the speaker’s internal state. Romanticism would highlight how nature is not just a backdrop but an active participant in expressing the human condition.

3. Symbolism

• Theory Overview: Symbolism focuses on how specific images or objects in a literary work convey deeper meanings, often representing abstract concepts or emotions.
• Application: In this poem, natural elements like the “low” sky, “mean” clouds, and “narrow Wind” (lines 1-5) can be interpreted as symbols of human emotions such as sadness, frustration, or weariness. The absence of the “Diadem” (line 8) on nature symbolizes a lack of control or majesty, which could represent the vulnerability and unpredictability both in nature and in life. Symbolism would explore how Dickinson uses these elements to convey deeper emotional and philosophical meanings.

Critical Questions about “The Sky Is Low, The Clouds Are Mean” by Emily Dickinson

Literary Works Similar to “The Sky Is Low, The Clouds Are Mean” by Emily Dickinson

1. “There’s a Certain Slant of Light” by Emily Dickinson
   Similar in tone and theme, this poem also explores how nature reflects emotional states, particularly focusing on the oppressive weight of winter light.
2. “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost
   Like Dickinson’s poem, this work personifies nature and delves into themes of contemplation and the relationship between humans and the natural world.
3. “Windflowers” by Christina Rossetti
   This poem explores the delicate beauty of nature and its symbolic connection to human emotions, much like Dickinson’s treatment of the snowflake and wind.
4. “The Wind” by James Stephens
   Similar to the personification of the wind in Dickinson’s poem, this work gives the wind human qualities and emphasizes its unpredictability and power.
5. “The Snow-Storm” by Ralph Waldo Emerson
   This poem, like Dickinson’s, presents nature as a dynamic force that mirrors human emotions, with a focus on the harshness and beauty of snow.

Representative Quotations of “The Sky Is Low, The Clouds Are Mean” by Emily Dickinson

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“The Sky is low — the Clouds are mean.”	This opening line establishes a gloomy and harsh atmosphere, personifying the sky and clouds to reflect an emotional state.	Ecocriticism: Examines the relationship between nature and emotions, highlighting how external elements like the sky mirror internal human feelings.
“A Travelling Flake of Snow”	The snowflake is portrayed as moving, setting the stage for its indecisive nature and its journey across an ordinary landscape.	Romanticism: Nature is symbolic of human life, and the snowflake represents the transient and fleeting moments of existence.
“Across a Barn or through a Rut”	The snowflake’s path includes mundane options, suggesting that even in nature, ordinary choices must be made, much like in human life.	Symbolism: The barn and rut are symbols of life’s ordinary, perhaps challenging, paths.
“Debates if it will go —”	The snowflake’s hesitation is a metaphor for human indecision, emphasizing uncertainty and the inability to make a clear choice.	Existentialism: Reflects the theme of human indecision and the quest for meaning in seemingly trivial or everyday actions.
“A Narrow Wind complains all Day”	The wind is personified as narrow and complaining, adding to the poem’s mood of dissatisfaction and frustration.	Feminist Criticism: The wind’s complaints can be seen as a reflection of the marginalized voices in society, expressing dissatisfaction with their treatment.
“How some one treated him”	The wind feels mistreated, suggesting that even nature experiences the consequences of actions, much like humans who suffer from external influences.	New Historicism: Can be interpreted as a reflection of social hierarchies and power dynamics, where nature mirrors human struggles of inequality and injustice.
“Nature, like Us, is sometimes caught”	Dickinson draws a direct comparison between nature and humans, pointing out their shared vulnerabilities and imperfections.	Humanism: Highlights the shared experiences of nature and humanity, emphasizing that both are subject to imperfections and moments of exposure.
“Without her Diadem.”	Nature is portrayed as being without her diadem (crown), symbolizing the loss of power or control, much like humans are often caught without their defenses.	Symbolism: The diadem represents authority and dignity; nature without it symbolizes moments of weakness, reflecting human vulnerability.
“The Clouds are mean.”	The repetition of the clouds being “mean” emphasizes their harshness and negativity, reflecting the emotional weight of the poem’s mood.	Psychoanalytic Criticism: This phrase can be interpreted as a projection of the speaker’s internal emotional state onto the external world, revealing inner turmoil.

Suggested Readings: “The Sky Is Low, The Clouds Are Mean” by Emily Dickinson

1. Anderson, Paul W. “The Metaphysical Mirth of Emily Dickinson.” The Georgia Review, vol. 20, no. 1, 1966, pp. 72–83. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41396241. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.
2. Folsom, L. Edwin. “‘The Souls That Snow’: Winter in the Poetry of Emily Dickinson.” American Literature, vol. 47, no. 3, 1975, pp. 361–76. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/2925338. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.
3. DICKINSON’S, EMILY. “LOOSE POEMS.” Emily Dickinson’s Poems: As She Preserved Them, edited by Cristanne Miller, Harvard University Press, 2016, pp. 525–658. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctvjk2w53.8. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.
4. Leavitt, Donald L. “An Annual Survey: Secular Choral Octavos.” Notes, vol. 24, no. 1, 1967, pp. 156–60. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/894825. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.