Emily Dickinson Group

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tubaa
tubaa
Student

Please explain "There is no Frigate like a Book" by Emily Dickinson.

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Posted by tubaa on Tuesday November 3, 2009 at 10:19 PM and tagged with chariot, courser, emily dickinson, reading, theme, there is no frigate like a book.

Answers:

  1. lit24
    lit24 Teacher
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    eNotes Editor

    Emily Dickinson foregrounds the simple pleasure of reading an enjoyable book by four striking metaphors:

    1. A book is compared to a "frigate" - a light sailing vessel capable of travelling at high speeds.

    2. light verse is compared to a "courser" - a very swift horse.

    3. The escapist pleasure which an enjoyable read provides is compared to a toll free highway which  even the poorest of the poor can afford.

    4. The human body is compared to the "chariot" which bears the human soul which enables an individual to enjoy the inexpensive - "frugal" - pleasure of reading which enlightens and liberates the human mind.

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    Posted by lit24 on Wednesday November 4, 2009 at 6:33 AM