The Poetry of Emily Dickinson

Dickinson Links
A Dickinson Biography
"I'm Nobody"
The Poetry of Emily Dickinson
"I'm Nobody"  Assignment
Dickinson Poetry Assignment


Dickinson "I'm Nobody" Assignment
1.  Read "I'm Nobody" by Emily Dickinson.
2.  Use the following pattern for writing a poem in response to Emily Dickinson's question:  "Who are you?"
    -Line one might reveal your identify or something about you explained in the other lines.
    -Lines 2 through 9 might contain four completely truthful statements and four imaginations / exaggerations about
    yourself.  Mix these together!
    -Line 10 should reflect your greatest wish / desire.
    -Line 11 might repeat line 1 or reveal something new about you.
    -Your tone can be serious or funny, but no unacceptable language, please.

Example:
I am more serious than you think.
But I used to chase boys around the neighborhood.
My mother wants me to become an opera star.
My father thinks I won't amount to much.
I wear lots of clothes I don't even like.
People see me, but they don't really know me.
But I hear their thoughts.
I keep a diary of all my good and bad stuff.
When my house burned down, only my cat survived.
I wish that the whole world could be at peace.
I am Sarah.


Dickinson Assignment
    Your group will read one poem by Emily Dickinson and give a full analysis of her poem.  All poems you will read will be in your textbook.  You may present your poem in any way you wish--create an appleworks presentation, an iMovie, a skit, a dramatic reading, a picture, etc.

You should include the following in your presentation:
1.  Read the poem.
2.  Discuss the poem's theme.
3.  Discuss what the poem is about.
4.  Discuss Emily Dickinson's use of literary devices.
5.  Discuss how the poem represents Dickinson's style.

Poems to choose from:

Love
"If you were coming in the Fall"
"Heart!  We will forget Him!"

Life
"The Soul selects her own Society"
"I taste a liquor never brewed"
"Much Madness is divinest Sense"
"Success is counted sweetest"

Time and Eternity
"Because I could not stop for Death"
"I heard a Fly buzz--when I died"
"I died for Beauty--but was scarce"

Nature
"Apparently with no surprise"
"Some keep the Sabbath going to Church"