Analysis of "A narrow fellow in the grass" -Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson's "A narrow fellow in the grass" begins by describing a boy who has found a snake. However there is a shift at "several of nature's people" that makes the poem an extended metaphor. The metaphor or the snake, reminds the narrator of people he has seen within his life time who have shocked him or placed him in a state of awe. The lines "his notice instant" and "without a tighter breaking" show the break taking feeling the narrator experiences. "Several of nature's people I know, and the know me" changes the poem to be not only about the snake, but about "several people" he knows. (The narrator is a he "but when a boy, and barefoot".)

In addition to the extended metaphor, examples of consonance can be found through out the poem. "Spotted Shaft is Seen", "Cool for Corn", "a Boy, and Barefoot", "Stooping to Secure it" all add to the shocked, astonished tone of the poem. 

I chose two of Emily Dickinson's poems because I had read her work before and wanted to compare the two. Of the couple that I read, I enjoyed "A certain slant of light" more because of its deceptive first appearance. However, I did enjoy this poem as well. It was more cheerful than the last and I found the extended metaphor interesting. It tells the reader than the narrator had met many awe inspiring people in his lifetime. While a snake might be the most interesting as a boy, there is always more surprises that life has to offer. 

Analysis of "There's a certain slant of light"-Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson's "There's a certain slant of light" is a poem that can trick the reader at first glance. The word "light" is almost instinctively thought of as a good thing. However, the symbol of light in this poem, represents more of an oppressing, ominous weight; that serves as a burden for the narrator. This can be seen in "oppresses like the heft of cathedral tunes" and "heavenly hurt". The idea that a religious song could weigh down on someone or the idea of a sort of unearthly pain, supports this burdensome light. The interesting thing about both of these quotes is the allude to religion, which could be used to reinforce the religious aspect of light.
In addition the symbol of light, there is an abundance of imagery found within the poem. The lines "heavenly hurt it gives us. We can find no scar", and "an imperial affliction" are two of the most important lines in my opinion. They are what really create the true image of light in the poem. "Heavenly hurt" leaving "no scar" suggests an emotional, no physical pain felt due to this light. "imperial affliction" is an interesting description of light; one that covers everything but is a plague rather than something that is good.
In my opinion, the tone of the poem is one of gloom and depression, much like most of Dickinson's work. However it interested me how at first glance how the poem seemed more of an uplifting one due to the use of the word light. The way in which the author transforms light into darkness within a few short lines is what really captured my interest.