A Drop Fell on the Apple Tree

A Drop Fell on the Apple Tree

By Emily Dickinson (incorrectly attributed)

A Drop fell on the Apple Tree –

Another – on the Roof –

A Half a Dozen kissed the Eaves –

And made the Gables laugh –

A few went out to help the Brook

That went to help the Sea –

Myself Conjectured were they Pearls –

What Necklaces could be –

The Dust replaced, in Hoisted Roads –

The Birds jocoser sung –

The Sunshine threw his Hat away –

The Bushes – spangles flung –

The Breezes brought dejected Lutes –

And bathed them in the Glee –

The Orient showed a single Flag –

And signed the fête away –

Summary of A Drop Fell on the Apple Tree

• Background: This poem, often mistakenly attributed to Emily Dickinson, actually reflects a modern voice that echoes her concise and observant style. Emily Dickinson died in 1886; her collected works were first published posthumously in 1890.
• Imagined Impact of Rain: The poem presents a gentle rain shower as it lands on an apple tree, a roof, and eaves, then journeys into a brook and the sea. The speaker muses that the drops might be pearls, hinting at the transformative beauty of nature.
• Central Themes: The work highlights nature’s renewal, the subtle power of everyday events, and a hopeful perspective that celebrates small miracles.

Analysis of Literary Devices Used in A Drop Fell on the Apple Tree

Emily Dickinson masterfully employs a range of literary devices to create a rich and evocative poem. These devices work in harmony to enhance the poem’s meaning and emotional impact.

1. Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds, such as the short “a” in “A Drop fell on the Apple Tree” and the “e” in “The Breezes brought dejected Lutes,” adds musicality and emphasis.
2. Alliteration: Consonant sounds at the beginnings of words create rhythm, as seen in “Sunshine threw his Hat away” with the repeated “h” sound.
3. Consonance: The repetition of consonant sounds within words, like the “s” in “The Bushes – spangles flung,” provides subtle echoes that mimic rustling leaves or sparkling droplets.
4. Imagery: Vivid images such as “The Dust replaced, in Hoisted Roads” and “The Bushes – spangles flung” engage the senses and create memorable scenes.
5. Metaphor: The poem gives raindrops human actions—kissing the eaves, helping the brook—creating deeper meaning.
6. Personification: Inanimate elements receive human traits: “Sunshine” throws off a hat, and “Breezes” bring dejected lutes, imbuing them with emotion.
7. Symbolism: The apple tree can symbolize life and growth, while the sea represents vastness and eternity.

Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in A Drop Fell on the Apple Tree

Beyond literary devices, the poem showcases Dickinson’s skill with poetic techniques, contributing to its unique style and emotional impact.

1. Diction: The word choice is precise and evocative, balancing common and unusual language to leave room for interpretation.
2. End Rhyme: The poem does not rely on a consistent end rhyme; its musicality arises from rhythm and internal sound patterns.
3. Rhyme Scheme: There is no fixed rhyme scheme; the structure is free and focused on imagery and sound.
4. Quatrain: The poem is divided into four quatrains, each consisting of four lines, providing a contained structure for observations.
5. Stanza: Stanzas organize ideas and create a sense of progression, each highlighting a different aspect of the rain shower and its impact.
6. Tone: The tone is quiet observation and gentle optimism, celebrating the transformative power of small raindrops.

Quotes to be Used

The following lines are useful to quote about the impacts of rain on different things.

A Drop fell on the Apple Tree –

Another – on the Roof –

A Half a Dozen kissed the Eaves –

And made the Gables laugh –

This opening stanza perfectly encapsulates the gentle and playful nature of the rain shower and its impact on the surrounding environment.