As Imperceptibly As Grief

Question 1

Poet

Answer 1

Emily Dickinson

Question 2

Summary + vehicle starement

Answer 2

Emily Dickinson uses the poem “ As Imperceptibly as Grief” as a vehicle to explore the almost unnoticeable passing of time through the metaphor of the changing of season. The disappearance of summer is gradual without a specific moment of transition, fading just as feelings of loss and grief diminish over time. By drawing a parallel between the end of summer and the fading of grief, Dickinson presents the idea that life and emotions are transient, like the seasons, and that loss is an inevitable part of both the human experience and the natural world.

Question 3

Themes

Answer 3

Passing of time
Loss and death
Nature

Question 4

Quotes for passing of time

Answer 4

“As Imperceptibly as Grief”
“The summer lapsed away”
“Or nature spending with herself Sequested Afternoon”

Question 5

“As Imperceptibly as Grief”

Answer 5

Disorientating simile, contains two prepositions. Starting off poem with this line and also in title allows the melancholic tone to quickly enter the poem, but still allows a tone of reflecting and calmness as well. The line talks about the gradualness of grief which is then explained throughout the whole poem.