'A narrow Fellow in the Grass' by Emily Dickinson
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
986
A narrow Fellow in the Grass
Occasionally rides—
You may have met Him—did you not
His notice sudden is—
The Grass divides as with a Comb—
A spotted shaft is seen—
And then it closes at your feet
And opens further on—
He likes a Boggy Acre
A Floor too cool for Corn—
Yet when a Boy, and Barefoot—
I more than once at Noon
Have passed, I thought, a Whip lash
Unbraiding in the Sun
When stooping to secure it
It wrinkled, and was gone—
Several of Nature's People
I know, and they know me—
I feel for them a transport
Of cordiality—
But never met this Fellow
Attended, or alone
Without a tighter breathing
And Zero at the Bone—
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Narrow Fellow in the Grass: A Masterpiece in Poetry
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and for good reason. Her works are a testament to her brilliance and creativity, and they continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems is "A Narrow Fellow in the Grass," which is an exquisite example of her ability to express complex emotions through her writing.
The poem is a masterpiece in poetry, and it has been studied and analyzed by literary scholars for decades. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the themes, symbolism, and imagery of the poem to uncover its hidden meanings and explore the genius of Emily Dickinson.
Overview of the Poem
"A Narrow Fellow in the Grass" is a short poem consisting of six stanzas of four lines each. It was first published in 1866, and it has since become one of Dickinson's most renowned works. The poem tells the story of a encounter between the speaker and a snake "a narrow fellow" in the grass.
Themes
One of the most prominent themes in the poem is the idea of fear. From the very beginning of the poem, the speaker expresses their unease about the narrow fellow in the grass. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker describes the snake as a "narrow fellow in the grass" that "rides" through the grass without a sound.
The theme of fear is further explored in the fourth stanza, where the speaker describes the snake's movements as "a whip lash" that "unbraids" in the grass. This image is significant because it conveys the unpredictability of the narrow fellow and the danger it poses.
Another theme that is explored in the poem is the idea of nature. The poem takes place in a natural setting, and the speaker's observations of the snake and the grass are filled with vivid descriptions of the natural world. The poem also explores the relationship between humans and nature, and the tension that can arise between the two.
Symbolism
One of the most significant symbols in the poem is the snake itself. The snake is a symbol of danger and unpredictability, and it serves as a metaphor for the unknown. The snake's movements are described as "whip lash" and "unbraids," which suggest that it is a force to be reckoned with. The snake is also a symbol of temptation and evil, which is a common motif in literature.
Another important symbol in the poem is the grass. The grass is a symbol of nature, and it represents the beauty and complexity of the natural world. The grass is also a symbol of concealment, as it hides the snake from view. This symbol is significant because it conveys the idea that danger can be lurking just beneath the surface of our everyday lives.
Imagery
The imagery in the poem is rich and vivid, and it helps to bring the story to life. The descriptions of the snake and the grass are particularly striking, and they create a sense of tension and unease in the reader.
For example, in the first stanza, the speaker describes the snake as a "narrow fellow in the grass" that "rides" through the grass without a sound. This image is significant because it conveys the idea that the snake is sneaky and unpredictable.
In the second stanza, the speaker describes the snake's movements as "divides as with a comb" as it makes its way through the grass. This image is significant because it conveys the idea that the snake is a powerful force that can move through the natural world with ease.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "A Narrow Fellow in the Grass" is a masterpiece in poetry that explores themes of fear, nature, and the unknown. The poem is filled with rich symbolism and vivid imagery, which helps to bring the story to life. Emily Dickinson's genius shines through in this poem, as she is able to express complex emotions and ideas through her writing. It is no wonder that this poem has stood the test of time, and it will continue to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Narrow Fellow in the Grass: A Masterpiece of Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of the 19th century, is known for her unique style of writing and her ability to capture the essence of human emotions in her poems. Among her many works, "A Narrow Fellow in the Grass" stands out as a masterpiece that has intrigued readers for generations. This poem is a perfect example of Dickinson's ability to use vivid imagery and metaphors to convey complex ideas and emotions. In this article, we will explore the meaning and significance of "A Narrow Fellow in the Grass" and why it continues to captivate readers today.
The poem begins with the speaker describing a "narrow fellow in the grass" that she encountered one day. The speaker describes the snake's movements as "whip-lash" and "horizontal," and notes that it "rides" on the grass. The snake is described as "a whip" and "a lash," which suggests that it is dangerous and unpredictable. The use of the word "rides" is also significant, as it implies that the snake is in control and that the grass is merely a vehicle for its movement.
The second stanza of the poem describes the speaker's reaction to the snake. She notes that she was "tightened" by the sight of the snake and that her "fear" was "chill." The use of the word "tightened" suggests that the speaker's body was physically affected by the sight of the snake, while the word "chill" implies that she was emotionally affected as well. The speaker also notes that the snake "passed" her, which suggests that it was not interested in her and that she was merely an observer.
The third stanza of the poem describes the snake's movements in more detail. The speaker notes that the snake "moved in circles" and that it "divides" the grass. The use of the word "circles" suggests that the snake is moving in a repetitive and cyclical pattern, while the word "divides" implies that the snake is creating a boundary or barrier between itself and the rest of the world. The speaker also notes that the snake "parted" the grass, which suggests that it is powerful and capable of exerting its will on its surroundings.
The fourth stanza of the poem describes the speaker's continued fear of the snake. She notes that she "liked the look of" the snake, but that she also "dreaded" it. The use of the word "liked" suggests that the speaker is fascinated by the snake and its movements, while the word "dreaded" implies that she is also afraid of it. The speaker also notes that the snake "wrinkled" and "doubled" in size, which suggests that it is capable of changing and adapting to its environment.
The final stanza of the poem describes the speaker's continued fascination with the snake. She notes that she has seen the snake "several times" since her initial encounter and that it has become a familiar sight to her. The speaker also notes that she has "never met" the snake, which suggests that she is still afraid of it and that she is content to observe it from a distance.
So, what is the meaning of "A Narrow Fellow in the Grass"? At its core, this poem is about the fear and fascination that humans have with the natural world. The snake in the poem represents the wild and unpredictable forces of nature, while the speaker represents humanity's desire to understand and control those forces. The snake's movements and actions are described in vivid detail, which suggests that the speaker is both fascinated and afraid of it. The use of the word "narrow" in the title of the poem is also significant, as it implies that the snake is both small and powerful, and that it is capable of exerting its will on the world around it.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it is about the fear of death. The snake in the poem is often associated with death and the underworld, and its movements are described in a way that suggests that it is both powerful and unpredictable. The speaker's fear of the snake may represent humanity's fear of death and the unknown, while her fascination with it may represent our desire to understand and come to terms with our mortality.
In conclusion, "A Narrow Fellow in the Grass" is a masterpiece of poetry that continues to captivate readers today. Through its vivid imagery and metaphors, the poem explores complex ideas and emotions such as fear, fascination, and the human relationship with the natural world. Whether you interpret the poem as a meditation on death or a reflection on humanity's relationship with nature, there is no denying the power and beauty of Emily Dickinson's words.
Editor Recommended Sites
Modern CLI: Modern command line tools written rust, zig and go, fresh off the githubLearn Rust: Learn the rust programming language, course by an Ex-Google engineer
Roleplay Community: Wiki and discussion board for all who love roleplaying
Model Shop: Buy and sell machine learning models
Tree Learn: Learning path guides for entry into the tech industry. Flowchart on what to learn next in machine learning, software engineering
Recommended Similar Analysis
An Immorality by Ezra Pound analysisPoem, Or Beauty Hurts Mr. Vinal by e.e. cummings analysis
Dead Man's Dump by Isaac Rosenberg analysis
Under The Waterfall by Thomas Hardy analysis
Sonnet 144: Two loves I have, of comfort and despair by William Shakespeare analysis
Pied Piper Of Hamelin, The by Robert Browning analysis
A Lover's Complaint by William Shakespeare analysis
A Work Of Artifice by Marge Piercy analysis
A Last Confession by William Butler Yeats analysis
Road Not Taken, The by Robert Lee Frost analysis