Emily Dickinson - I Had Been Hungry, All The Years

This video is part of the Perfecting Poetry series, focusing on Emily Dickinson's poem "I had been hungry, all the Years." It explores the poem's allegorical nature, using hunger as a metaphor for unfulfilled desires. The analysis delves into the poem's structure, themes, and Dickinson's unique writing style. The lesson also provides context about Dickinson's life and her views on society and religion, offering insights into her preference for self-seclusion. The video concludes with a reflection on the poem's themes and their relevance to modern life.

What is the main theme of Emily Dickinson's poem "I had been hungry, all the Years"?

How does the persona's experience of hunger relate to their desires in the poem?

What does the metaphor of hunger symbolize in the context of the poem?

What is the significance of the poem being written in the form of a ballad?

What role does the imagery of windows play in the poem?

In what ways does Dickinson use imagery to convey the persona's feelings?

Discuss the emotional impact of the phrase "the plenty hurt me" in the poem.

How does the poem reflect Dickinson's personal context and views on society?

What does the poem suggest about the nature of fulfillment and desire?

How does Dickinson's use of capitalization and punctuation affect the reading of the poem?