Analysing 'As Imperceptibly as Grief' by Emily Dickinson
I can explain how Dickinson uses language and poetic structure to express her viewpoint.
Analysing 'As Imperceptibly as Grief' by Emily Dickinson
I can explain how Dickinson uses language and poetic structure to express her viewpoint.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Perhaps Dickinson uses light imagery in her poem to represent hope within the darkness of grief.
- The cyclical nature of her poem illustrates that life, and grief, come and go - a natural process.
- Dickinson uses a regular rhythm to represent the predictability of the passing of time.
- Subtle shifts in rhythm and near rhyme could represent the imperceptibility of time passing and healing from grieving.
Keywords
Cyclical - repeating in a predictable pattern or cycle
To lapse - to temporarily fall into a state of inactivity or failure
Harrowing - extremely distressing or traumatic, causing intense emotional pain
Liminal - relating to a transitional or intermediate stage
Metre - a rhythmic pattern or arrangement of syllables in poetry
Common misconception
Rhythm and rhyme are used to make the text sound poetic.
Pupils should always link the poet's use of rhythm and rhyme back to their intentions. How does this help explore some of the messages the poet is trying to convey?
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the Eduqas poetry anthology for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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