Emily Dickinson - A Word Dropped Careless On a Page

This lesson is part of a poetry series focusing on Emily Dickinson's poem, 'A Word dropped careless on a Page.' It explores the power and potential dangers of words, analyzing the poem's structure, themes, and historical context. The lesson highlights Dickinson's use of poetic devices, such as rhyme and metaphor, and reflects on the poem's relevance in the information age.

What is the main theme of Emily Dickinson's poem 'A Word dropped careless on a Page'?

• The power and impact of words

• The importance of friendship

• The inevitability of death

• The beauty of nature

What writing style is Emily Dickinson known for?

• Metapoetry

• Epic poetry

• Sonnet

• Haiku

How does Dickinson's poem relate to the concept of metapoetry?

• It focuses on a romantic relationship

• It tells a story of a historical event

• It discusses the beauty of nature

• It reflects on the process of writing itself

In the first stanza, what literary device does Dickinson use to contrast the word and the writer?

• Hyperbole

• Onomatopoeia

• Juxtaposition

• Alliteration

What is the effect of Dickinson's use of slant rhyme and enjambment in the second stanza?

• It adds a humorous tone

• It simplifies the poem's message

• It makes the stanza more unsettling

• It creates a sense of harmony

What metaphor does Dickinson use to describe the impact of careless writing?

• A burning fire

• A spreading disease

• A gentle breeze

• A flowing river

What is the significance of the word 'malaria' in the poem?

• It is used as a pun and metaphor

• It symbolizes happiness

• It describes a type of flower

• It refers to a common illness

What historical event is mentioned as an example of misinterpretation of words?

• The Industrial Revolution

• The French Revolution

• The Salem witch trials

• The American Revolution

What does the em dash at the end of the poem signify?

• A sense of finality

• An ongoing conversation

• A pause for reflection

• A sudden stop

What does Dickinson caution against in her poem?

• Lack of education

• Excessive travel

• Reckless writing

• Overuse of technology