Poetry Reading for Wednesday

For Wednesday, I really want you to spend some time practicing your own interpretation AND how you would back it up.

1. Begin by reading the brief bio on Emily Dickinson on p. 1042-1051 in the textbook.
2. Then spend some time on each of the following poems:  "I heard a Fly buzz--when I died--" p.1065, "Because I could not stop for Death--" p.1066, and "Wild Nights--Wild Nights!" p.1058.
3. For each poem, note details and interpretation in your journal--not just a vague "I think it's about this"--but rather a clearly stated interpretation and some support for why you think that with details from the poem as evidence.
4. Next, read the criticism at the end of the chapter that discusses these three poems p.1077-1082.  Note in your journal how it impacts your interpretation.  Does it support your thoughts?  Give you additional details to consider?  Change your mind about some things?  Point out details you've overlooked or even misinterpreted?

The goal of this activity is to help you get more practice on actually arguing your interpretation...and forcing some of you to actually come to clearly defined interpretations BEFORE I make you do it on the test. =)

When you come to class, you'll practice on a couple of other Dickinson poems. The background with her poetry should help you with the class task.