27- Brielle Stanek

Brielle Stanek 3/22/09 (Last update, 3/23/09)

I’m Nobody by Emily Dickinson

I'm nobody! Who are you?
Are you nobody, too?
Then there's a pair of us -- don't tell!
They'd advertise -- you know!

How dreary to be somebody!
How public like a frog
To tell one's name the livelong day
To an admiring bog!

1. What words or phrases are repeated? Why does the poet repeat these words?

Nobody, because she saying how she’s not anyone.

2. What images (using any of the five senses) does the poet use.

There’s a two of us, They’d advertise, Like a frog and To an admiring bog.

3. Explain the metaphors.

To be some somebody in the public eye. Sometimes looks like a frog, croaking in the delight to other frogs.

4. Is there a regular rhythm? Is there regular rhyme? How do rhythm and/or rhyme affect the poem?

You and too and frog and bog. It affects the poem by keeping a rhythm.

5. What is the theme or message of the poem? Use text examples from each stanza.

It’s okay to be a “nobody.” You don’t have to be seen by other peers.

A Door Just Opened by Emily Dickinson

A door just opened on a street--I, lost, was passing by--

An instant's width of warmth disclosed

And wealth, and company.

The door as sudden shut, and I,

I, lost, was passing by,--

Lost doubly, but by contrast most,

Enlightening misery.

1. What words or phrases are repeated? Why does the poet repeat these words?

“I, lost, was passing by,-”While the door opened and closed, she passed by.
2. What images (using any of the five senses) does the poet use.
Sees an open door, wealth and company and feels more miserable.
3. Explain the metaphors.
She sees a group of people enjoying wealth and each other’s kindness and starts to feel sadness.
4. Is there a regular rhythm? Is there regular rhyme? How do rhythm and/or rhyme affect the poem?
The words don’t really rhyme but the phrase “I, lost, was passing by,-“keeps that 6 syllable rhythm though the poem. That keeps the poem in tune.
5. What is the theme or message of the poem? Use text examples from each stanza.
New opportunities are wide open, but if you take the chance, you may never get that opportunity again. “A door just opened on the street-“and “The door as sudden shut, and I,”