Page 1093 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing
P. 1093
Looking at Language
7. In the first stanza, what does Dickinson’s choice of the word
“rides” suggest about the movement of a snake?
a. that it is smooth and effortless, as though on wheels
b. that the snake hitches a ride on a tractor or plow
c. that it is slow, like a parade or a funeral procession
d. that it weaves back and forth
8. The phrase “Zero at the Bone” suggests
a. that the sight of the snake is bone-chilling.
b. that the speaker goes numb (feeling “nothing” or “zero”)
at the sight of the snake.
c. that the speaker is fond of snakes and has “zero” fear of
them.
d. Either a or b is possible.
Discussing the Poem
1. Emily Dickinson’s poetry is marked by simplicity of expression
and by phrases that capture the very essence of an emotion, a
sensation or an impression. Which phrases in the poem fit this
description and why?
2. Although the poem is about a snake, Dickinson creates a sense
of place in the poem and makes the surroundings clear. Which
lines tell you where the poem is set?
