- 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
No practice questions available for this chapter yet.