illustrated portrait of English author Emily Brontë

Emily Brontë

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Student Question

In Emily Brontë's poem "The Night-Wind," what does the night-wind symbolize?

Expert Answers

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Interesting question. I would say no, not evil per se, but rather the seduction of the wild, the untamed, and anything that goes beyond limits. In many systems, some of these things would be evil, but I take it more as a Romantic call to give in to nature, the senses, etc., and go out into the wild night, rather than staying safe at home, inside. Look at how it emphasizes things of nature, and how the body responds (cheeks blush, etc.).

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