As Imperceptibly as Grief Flashcards
Who wrote As Imperceptibly as Grief?
Emily Dickinson
When was As Imperceptibly as Grief written?
1880
What are some context points about Emily Dickinson?
- American poet of the 19th century
- Obsessed with an afraid of death
- At 13, close friend died of Typhus
- Her bedroom overlooked a cemetery where 5 of her friends were buried
- Temporary religious experience
- Recluse who cared for her ill mother, who demanded one of her daughters remained at her side at all times
- Mostly published after her death, suggesting the poems are personal
What is significant about the title of As Imperceptibly as Grief?
Foreshadows themes of death and creates a melancholic tone
“As imperceptibly…
…as Grief The Summer lapsed away-“
“Too imperceptible…
…at last To seem like Perfidy-“
What is significant about the dashes in As Imperceptibly as Grief?
Dashes create a contemplative stillness which also conveys breathlessness. Trying to express the inexpressible emotions of Grief
“A Quietness…
…distilled As Twilight long begun,”
“Or Nature…
…spending with herself Sequestered Afternoon-“
“The Dusk…
…drew earlier in-“
“The Morning…
…foreign shone-“
“A courteous,…
…yet harrowing Grace-“
“As Guest,…
…that would be gone-“
“And thus,…
…without a Wing”
“Or service…
…of a Keel”
“Our Summer…
..made her light escape Into the Beautiful”
What is As Imperceptibly as Grief about?
Dickinson compares the fading of Summer to the passing of grief. As Imperceptibly as Grief is a meditative poem reflecting on the nature of grief
