In "The Cricket Sang," Emily Dickinson employs figurative language, like "smiles," to convey a deeper meaning and reinforce the main theme of the poem. The line "And winter instantly becomes an incumbent truth" uses the metaphor of "incumbent truth" to illustrate the sudden arrival and significance of winter. By describing winter as an obligatory and necessary force, Dickinson emphasizes that it is not just a passing season but a formidable presence.
Similarly, Dickinson employs the word "smiles" in the line "The grass divides as with a comb, a spotted shaft is seen, And then it closes at your feet, and opens further on" as a metaphor for nature's active involvement in our lives. This metaphor suggests that nature is not merely a passive backdrop but a living entity that interacts with us and reacts to our presence, symbolized by the smile.
Overall, by skillfully employing figurative language, Dickinson evokes a sense of awe and enigma surrounding the natural world. Her words prompt readers to reflect on the deeper meanings and interconnectedness between ourselves and the environment we inhabit.