Emily Dickinson's Poetry

Question 1

What do you notice about the structure?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: Alternating lines are about the same length and all end with a dash.

Question 2

What impact does the use of dashes have on the rhythmic structure of this poem?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

B: The dashes create a slow rhythm that is pleasant for the reader.

Question 3

How are the images in the first and second stanzas different?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

B: The first is dreary; the second is cheerful.

Question 4

What do the contrasting images reveal about the tone of the speaker?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

B: The speaker is optimistic.

Question 5

The images reveal that the poem is about

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: the joy that follows a struggle.

Emily Dickinson's Poetry Answers