Influence of Happiness on the Speaker in “So Much Happiness”

Understanding the Impact of Happiness on the Speaker

The lines 15 through 19 in Naomi Shihab Nye's poem 'So Much Happiness' delve into the intricate relationship between the speaker and the emotion of happiness. The speaker's portrayal of happiness as a "glowing luminous cloud" signifies its ethereal and captivating nature. This imagery conveys the transient and elusive quality of happiness, implying that it can be fleeting and momentary.

The comparison to a cloud that "shimmered like pebbles in the rain" adds depth to the speaker's perception of happiness. It suggests that while happiness can be dazzling and alluring, it also has elements of fragility and impermanence. The speaker's choice of imagery underscores the enchanting yet delicate essence of happiness.

Furthermore, the speaker's admission that she could "hardly see to see" encapsulates the overwhelming effect of happiness on her. This paradoxical statement highlights the intense and bewildering impact that happiness can have on an individual. It reflects the idea that happiness can be all-consuming, blurring one's vision and perception of reality.

In essence, the lines 15 to 19 in “So Much Happiness” reveal the speaker's complex emotions towards happiness. It showcases the profound influence of happiness, portraying it as a powerful force that can both uplift and disorient an individual. The speaker's depiction of happiness as a luminous yet fleeting presence evokes a sense of wonder and introspection, emphasizing the transformative power of this emotion.