illustration of a gray snake moving through a field of green grass

A Narrow Fellow in the Grass

by Emily Dickinson

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Dickinson portrays a snake in her poem without ever explicitly naming it, yet she doesn't obscure its identity, making it clear that this poem isn't a riddle. Compose a poem where your topic is evident from the beginning, eliminating the need to directly state what it is.

Compare this poem with William Blake’s “The Lamb.” What do you perceive as each poet's attitude toward their subject? Which poet appears to have a greater affection for nature? Which poet do you believe demonstrates more poetic skill?

Describe the setting of this poem—are there numerous or few of “nature’s people” present for the speaker to interact with?

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