Emily Dickinson

Dickinson is famous for her short poems that also break with tradition. Her poetry experiments with form (uses dashes, often includes “off” or “slant” rhymes) and is set apart in subject matter with bold themes and startling imagery that come through compressed statements. Select one or more of Dickinson’s poems from the readings (be sure to list the first line of the poem) and explain specifically how the poem shows experimentation in form and daring subject matter. Why do you find this particular poem so interesting?