• 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.

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