Emily Dickinson – Notes and Discussion Questions
1. Elliptical Phrasing-
Examples
Original Line
For only Gossamer, my Gown
Possible Meaning
Probable Meaning
2. Slant Rhyme example (copy from PowerPoint)
3. Exact Rhyme example (copy from PowerPoint)
4. Paradox example (copy from PowerPoint)
Discussion Questions
“Because I Could Not Stop For Death” (408-409)
1.Who are the important characters?
2. How does the poet represent Death?
3. Summarize lines 14-16 in your own words. (Use elliptical phrasing.)
4.Define surmised.
“I Heard a Fly Buzz-When I Died”(411)
1.What two words form a slant rhyme in the first stanza and what is the effect?
2.What actions has the speaker taken in preparation for death?
3. Why is there stillness in the room?
“There’s a Certain Slant of Light”(412)
1.Define affliction
2. What is the image of the late-afternoon winter light symbolizing?
3. What is the major focus of this poem that a lesson can be learned?
4. Summarize the poem in one sentence.
“Soul Selects Her Own Society” (414)
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Which words create slant rhyme in the second stanza and what is the effect?
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Define ample.
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What leaves the soul “unmoved?”
“The Brain Is Wider Than The Sky”(415)
1. What does the speaker compare the brain to?
2. What is the paradox in the first stanza? (Explain in your own words)
3. In the second stanza, which words create an exact rhyme?
“Water is Taught by Thirst”(417)
1. Using elliptical phrasing, what can you conclude is the message of this poem?
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