Notes: 'Hope' is the thing with feathers Flashcards
What does the dash enable?
It enables thought
How was this poem’s subject different for Dickinson?
While obsessed with death, Dickinson also wrote poetry in which was filled with a happiness of one who relished the beauty of nature.
What is present throughout the poem?
An extended metaphor of a bird for hope
Is the extended metaphor effective?
The use of the bird as an extended metaphor for hope is perfectly-thoroughly effective.
It suggests the ability to rise above life’s challenges/problems/hurdles/struggles.
What does the extended metaphor for hope suggest?
It suggests the ability to rise above life’s challenges/problems/hurdles/struggles.
“And never stops-at all-“
explain the meaning of this line
We hope that hope is always present in life.
“And sweetest-in the gale-is heard-
And sore must be the storm”
Explain the meaning of this line
The storm/gale represents our life. Hope is the sweetest when our life is stormy and turbulent. It is best to have hope when in the eye of the storm/life’s troubles.
“I’ve heard it in the chillest land-“
What is present in this line? How does this effect the poem?
The use of personal pronouns (‘I’).
Dickinson draws on her personal experiences now. Hope has comforted her in times of crisis/anguish.
What is meant by ‘chillest land’ and ‘strangest sea’?
Extreme circumstances
“yet, never, in Extremity,
It asked a crumb-of Me.”
Explain this quotes meaning?
Hope has never asked for anything in return.
She explains that hope is not demanding in bad times; it is generous, giving rather than taking.
What does the optimistic tone reflect on?
The optimistic tone reflects the unconditional presence of hope in our lives.
How is hope expressed in this poem?
It is expressed in the metaphor of the bird, delicate and fragile, yet strong and unbeatable.
