Read the Prereading information on page 662 and the author biography on page 665. Not only does Dickinson use imagery in her poems, but she also relies heavily on figurative language, including simile and metaphor, to create imagery. Discuss with the class the differences between simile and metaphor and the uses of each. As you read the poems, you will record and analyze the figurative language Dickinson employs.
1. Follow along in the text as your teacher reads “There is no frigate like a book.” Then, work as a class to identify the figurative language in the poem. Identify the first simile, and discuss how the similarities between the two things compare. Jot down the simile and your analysis of the comparison. Continue analyzing the poem and recording the figurative language and your analysis of it.
2. With a small group read the remaining two poems. At the end of each poem, discuss Dickinson’s use of figurative language and record it in your notebook with an explanation of the comparisons made.
If you have difficulty identifying the figurative language, use the Guided Reading Questions to help you analyze the text. Read the Guided Reading Questions for the poem. Then, read the poem to discover the answers. From the answers, infer the comparisons made in the poem. Continue using this strategy for the other poems.
Review your chart of figurative language and analyses of comparisons. Then, discuss with your group the effect that figurative language has on a reader. Write a brief essay describing how figurative language brings the poems to life for readers. Share your essay with your group.