Emily Dickinson: Imagery

"His notice sudden is..."

7D: Poetry & Poe

Sub-Unit 1, Lesson 2

I can identify and analyze imagery in Emily Dickinson's poem to help me visualize what the poem is describing.

Learning Target

RL.7.4
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama

Standard

Open Ended

Raise your hand to discuss a place in the first two stanzas (lines 1–8) that gave you a clear mental image.

When you can identify who or what the "narrow fellow" (1) is, write your answer.

Open Ended

Reread stanzas 1–4 (lines 1–16)

Select one image used to describe what the "narrow fellow" looks like.

Poll

Choose the answer that best describes how sure you are about who or what the "narrow fellow" is.

• I am so sure that I would bet my lunch on my answer.

• 
  

  I feel certain, but I might be wrong

• 
  

  I think I could use one more clue.

• I still have no idea.

A whiplash is a whip.

What does the poem say that the whiplash is doing? (“unbraiding,” “wrinkled,” “was gone”)

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What is a whiplash?

​Without saying anything aloud, I want you to think about what a whiplash looks like and what it can do. Then, think about the other visual images in the poem. Now, you’re going to write about who or what you think the “narrow fellow” is.

Open Ended

Describe how the clues helped you figure out who or what the "narrow fellow" is.

Descriptive language that helps a reader imagine how something looks, sounds, smells, feels, tastes, and/or conveys a certain emotion.

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What is imagery?

Draw

Highlight two examples of imagery that are used to describe the snake.

Multiple Choice

Exit Ticket: Choose the quote from the poem to the sentence it best matches.

If you come across a snake, it's usually unexpected.

• “You may have met him, — did you not, His notice sudden is.” (lines 3–4)

• “The grass divides as with a comb, A spotted shaft is seen;“ (lines 5–6)

• “He likes a boggy acre, A floor too cool for corn.” (lines 9–10)

Multiple Choice

Exit Ticket: Choose the quote from the poem to the sentence it best matches.

The grass looks like it's being parted with a comb. You see the snake's body in the part:

• “You may have met him, — did you not, His notice sudden is.” (lines 3–4)

• “The grass divides as with a comb, A spotted shaft is seen;“ (lines 5–6)

• “He likes a boggy acre, A floor too cool for corn.” (lines 9–10)

Multiple Choice

Exit Ticket: Choose the quote from the poem to the sentence it best matches.

This is a snake hanging out in a cool marsh:

• “You may have met him, — did you not, His notice sudden is.” (lines 3–4)

• “The grass divides as with a comb, A spotted shaft is seen;“ (lines 5–6)

• “He likes a boggy acre, A floor too cool for corn.” (lines 9–10)