- Understand and analyze the imagery used by the poet to depict a Summer's day.
- Interpret the meaning of ‘Psalteries of Summer’ in the context of the poem.
- Identify lines where creatures are given human qualities and discuss their contribution to the poem's beauty.
- Explain the metaphor of ‘Hindered Flags’ and its significance.
- Analyze the use of capitalized pronouns referring to the Sun and their implications.
- Provide examples from the poem that illustrate the connection between great poetry and keen observation of nature.
Trees
Learning Objectives
Detailed Notes
Notes on Emily Dickinson's Poetry
Overview of Emily Dickinson
- Lifespan: 1830-1886
- Reputation: Regarded as one of America's quintessential poets of the nineteenth century.
- Publication: Published very few poems during her lifetime; total of 1789 poems published posthumously.
- Style Characteristics:
- Unconventional capitalisation
- Extensive use of dashes
- Unusual imagery and lyric style
Analysis of Selected Poems
Imagery in 'A Bird sat careless on the fence'
- Imagery Used:
- A bird, a snake, bright flowers, and flags.
- Example: “Bright Flowers slit a Calyx”
- Human Qualities:
- Creatures are attributed with human qualities, enhancing the beauty of the summer day.
Themes in 'The Trees'
- Nature's Representation:
- Trees are compared to tassels, suggesting movement and sound.
- Example: “There seemed to rise a Tune From Miniature Creatures”
- Sun's Personification:
- The Sun is depicted as optional, with estates of clouds, indicating its whimsical nature.
- Example: “As if Himself were optional”
Language Study
- Musical Instruments:
- Comparison of 'Psaltery' and 'dulcimer' as musical instruments.
- Suggested activity: Look up illustrations to understand differences.
Suggested Reading
- Title: The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson
- Reprint Year: 2025-26
Practice & Assessment
Multiple Choice Questions
A.
The bird is worried.
B.
The bird is alert.
C.
The bird is indifferent.
D.
The bird is aggressive.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The phrase 'A Bird sat careless on the fence' implies that the bird is indifferent.
A.
It makes the poem humorous
B.
It adds to the beauty of the summer's day
C.
It creates a sense of mystery
D.
It emphasizes the harshness of nature
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Attributing human qualities to creatures adds to the beauty of the summer's day by making the imagery more vivid and relatable.
A.
The Sun owns vast lands.
B.
Clouds are permanent structures.
C.
Clouds are like properties owned by the Sun.
D.
The Sun is hidden behind large clouds.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The phrase 'Estates of Cloud' implies that the clouds are like properties or territories that the Sun can retreat to, suggesting a sense of ownership and control over its visibility.
A.
To signify its divine nature
B.
To follow traditional grammar rules
C.
To indicate it is a proper noun
D.
To highlight its importance and power
Correct Answer: D
Solution:
The capitalization of pronouns referring to the Sun emphasizes its significance and power, portraying it as a dominant force in the poem.
A.
By describing creatures as gossiping and charming
B.
By comparing creatures to machines
C.
By depicting creatures as silent observers
D.
By illustrating creatures as menacing
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The poem attributes human qualities to creatures by describing them as gossiping and charming, which adds to the lively and enchanting depiction of Summer.
A.
It highlights the violent nature of growth.
B.
It emphasizes the delicate beauty of flowers.
C.
It shows the struggle of flowers to bloom.
D.
It depicts the rapid growth of nature.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The imagery emphasizes the delicate and graceful unfolding of flowers, contributing to the poem's serene depiction of nature.
A.
The Sun is constant and unchanging.
B.
The Sun appears and disappears at will.
C.
The Sun is partially visible due to clouds.
D.
The Sun is hidden by the night.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The phrase 'The Sun shone whole at intervals' suggests that the Sun appears and disappears, as if it has control over its visibility, which aligns with the idea of the Sun being optional and having 'Estates of Cloud'.
A.
A type of flower
B.
A musical instrument
C.
A type of bird
D.
A type of tree
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The term 'Psalteries of Summer' refers to a musical instrument, similar to a dulcimer.
A.
It creates a sense of freedom
B.
It suggests a struggle against constraints
C.
It symbolizes victory
D.
It indicates a change in season
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The imagery of 'Hindered Flags' suggests a struggle against constraints.
A.
Conventional capitalization
B.
Extensive use of dashes
C.
Frequent use of rhyming couplets
D.
Use of iambic pentameter
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Emily Dickinson's poetry is characterized by unconventional capitalization and extensive use of dashes.
A.
The trees are decorated with tassels
B.
The trees are swaying in the wind
C.
The trees are being cut down
D.
The trees are covered in snow
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The imagery 'The Trees like Tassels' suggests that the trees are swaying in the wind, resembling tassels.
A.
Flowers blooming in the morning
B.
Flowers wilting in the sun
C.
Bright Flowers slit a Calyx and soared upon a Stem
D.
Flowers covered in dew
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The imagery used is 'Bright Flowers slit a Calyx and soared upon a Stem'.
A.
Personification
B.
Metaphor
C.
Simile
D.
Hyperbole
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Personification is used here as the sun is given human-like qualities, suggesting it has control over its appearance.
A.
Metaphor
B.
Simile
C.
Personification
D.
Alliteration
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
The phrase personifies the Sun, suggesting it has the choice to appear whole or partially, as if it has human-like whims.
A.
The Sun moves steadily across the sky
B.
The Sun shines intermittently, as if optional
C.
The Sun remains hidden behind clouds
D.
The Sun rises and sets quickly
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The poet describes the Sun as shining intermittently, as if it were optional.
A.
To emphasize its importance
B.
To indicate a grammatical error
C.
To follow a traditional poetic form
D.
To show the Sun as a deity
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The pronouns referring to the Sun are capitalized to emphasize its importance in the poem.
A.
Imagery of a dulcimer
B.
Imagery of 'Psalteries of Summer'
C.
Imagery of 'Hindered Flags'
D.
Imagery of 'Orchards grow'
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The poet uses the imagery of 'Psalteries of Summer' to delineate Summer's day more picturesquely than any painter could.
A.
To emphasize the Sun's importance
B.
To follow grammatical rules
C.
To indicate a proper noun
D.
To show the Sun's anger
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The pronouns referring to the Sun are capitalised to emphasize the Sun's importance.
A.
The destruction of flowers.
B.
The growth and blooming of flowers.
C.
The wilting of flowers.
D.
The artificial creation of flowers.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The imagery of 'Bright Flowers slit a Calyx and soared upon a Stem' symbolizes the natural process of growth and blooming, emphasizing the vitality of nature.
A.
By attributing human qualities to the sun.
B.
By describing the trees as static objects.
C.
By depicting flowers as mechanical devices.
D.
By portraying the sky as an inanimate backdrop.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Dickinson uses personification by attributing human qualities to the sun, describing it as having 'Estates of Cloud' and whims, which enhances the depiction of nature.
A.
It represents freedom.
B.
It symbolizes restriction.
C.
It indicates celebration.
D.
It denotes defeat.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The 'Hindered Flags' imagery symbolizes restriction, as the flags are hindered and not free to fly.
A.
It emphasizes the Sun's importance and personifies it.
B.
It indicates a grammatical error.
C.
It highlights the Sun's literal brightness.
D.
It shows the poet's disregard for conventional grammar.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The capitalization of pronouns referring to the Sun emphasizes its importance and personifies it, suggesting it has agency and choice.
A.
Conventional capitalization
B.
Extensive use of dashes
C.
Regular rhyme schemes
D.
Frequent publication during her lifetime
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Emily Dickinson's poetry is characterized by unconventional capitalization and extensive use of dashes.
A.
It indicates the sun is always visible.
B.
It suggests the sun's presence is intermittent.
C.
It implies the sun is setting.
D.
It portrays the sun as a constant source of light.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The phrase 'The Sun shone whole at intervals' suggests that the sun's visibility is intermittent, highlighting the changing nature of the day.
A.
Musical instruments played in summer festivals
B.
The sounds of nature during summer
C.
A collection of summer poems
D.
A type of summer fruit
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The phrase 'Psalteries of Summer' metaphorically refers to the harmonious and musical sounds of nature during the summer season.
A.
The Trees like Tassels hit and swung
B.
A Bird sat careless on the fence
C.
The Sun shone whole at intervals
D.
Bright Flowers slit a Calyx
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The line 'A Bird sat careless on the fence' attributes human qualities to creatures.
A.
It creates a rhythmic and musical quality.
B.
It makes the poem difficult to understand.
C.
It emphasizes the importance of certain words.
D.
It follows the traditional rules of grammar.
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Emily Dickinson's use of unconventional capitalization and dashes emphasizes certain words and phrases, drawing the reader's attention to them and enhancing the poem's meaning.
A.
It emphasizes the importance of certain words.
B.
It follows traditional grammar rules.
C.
It makes the poem difficult to read.
D.
It has no effect on the poem.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The unconventional capitalization in Dickinson's poetry serves to emphasize the importance of certain words, drawing attention to key themes and ideas.
A.
Musical instruments played in summer
B.
The sounds of nature in summer
C.
A type of flower that blooms in summer
D.
A festival celebrated in summer
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The phrase 'Psalteries of Summer' refers to the sounds of nature in summer, likening them to musical instruments.
A.
It suggests the flags are struggling against the wind.
B.
It symbolizes the vibrant colors of flowers.
C.
It represents the obstacles in nature's growth.
D.
It indicates a lack of movement in the scene.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The imagery of 'Hindered Flags' symbolizes the vibrant and colorful appearance of flowers, contributing to the poem's vivid depiction of nature.
A.
The struggle of nature to flourish
B.
The triumph of human achievements
C.
The beauty of a calm day
D.
The limitations of artistic expression
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The 'Hindered Flags' symbolize the struggle of nature to flourish, as flags are hindered by lack of wind, similar to flowers struggling to bloom.
A.
It suggests the trees are static and unchanging.
B.
It conveys a sense of movement and liveliness in nature.
C.
It indicates the trees are being cut down.
D.
It implies the trees are musical instruments.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The phrase 'The Trees like Tassels hit and swung' uses imagery to convey movement, suggesting a lively and dynamic aspect of nature.
A.
A type of musical instrument
B.
A kind of bird
C.
A type of tree
D.
A kind of flower
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The term 'Psalteries' refers to a type of musical instrument, which aligns with the poem's theme of nature creating a symphony.
A.
Harp
B.
Psaltery
C.
Flute
D.
Violin
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
The poem mentions 'Psaltery' as a musical instrument similar to a dulcimer.
A.
Simile
B.
Metaphor
C.
Personification
D.
Alliteration
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The line uses a simile, comparing trees to tassels, to create a vivid image of the trees moving in the wind.
A.
1000
B.
1500
C.
1789
D.
2000
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Emily Dickinson wrote 1789 poems in all, which were published posthumously.
A.
It suggests the unpredictable nature of the weather.
B.
It indicates the Sun's constant presence.
C.
It implies the Sun's dominance over the landscape.
D.
It portrays the Sun as a minor element in the scene.
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
The imagery of 'The Sun shone whole at intervals' suggests the unpredictable nature of the weather, highlighting the whimsical and dynamic aspects of nature.
True or False
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Her poetry is characterised by unconventional capitalisation and extensive use of dashes.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Her poetry is characterized by unconventional capitalization and extensive use of dashes.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The poem personifies the Sun, suggesting it can choose to hide itself with clouds, as if it had estates of cloud sufficient to enfold it.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Emily Dickinson published very few of her poems during her lifetime; the majority were published posthumously.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The poem describes the Sun as if it were a person with estates of cloud to hide itself, indicating personification.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Her poetry is known for its unconventional capitalization and extensive use of dashes.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The poem mentions 'Bright Flowers slit a Calyx And soared upon a Stem'.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Her poetry includes imagery of nature, as seen in the descriptions of trees, sun, and orchards.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Emily Dickinson's poetry is characterized by unconventional capitalization and extensive use of dashes.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Dickinson's poetry is characterised by unconventional capitalisation and extensive use of dashes.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The term 'Psalteries of Summer' is used metaphorically to evoke the musical quality of the summer landscape.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Emily Dickinson published very few of her poems during her lifetime; most were published posthumously.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The poem suggests the sun can hide behind clouds as if it were a whim of His, indicating a sense of agency.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Emily Dickinson published very few of her poems during her lifetime; most were published posthumously.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
A psaltery is a musical instrument, and the poem uses this imagery to describe the sounds of summer.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
The poem uses personification, attributing human qualities to creatures, which adds to the beauty of the summer's day.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
The imagery of 'Hindered Flags' suggests a sense of being restrained or limited, not freedom.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Her poetry is characterized by unconventional capitalisation and extensive use of dashes.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Emily Dickinson published very few of her poems in her lifetime; most were published posthumously.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Her poetry is known for its unconventional capitalization and extensive use of dashes.