MODULE TWO - Discussion Board Notes

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Southern New Hampshire University *

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200 X1454

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English

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Jan 9, 2024

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docx

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In the poem "A Narrow Fellow in the Grass," by Emily Dickinson, there are elements that show New Criticism's symbolism and formal elements. 1. Symbolism : New Criticism focuses on the use of symbols in a literary work. In this poem, the "narrow fellow" symbolizes a snake. Dickinson uses vivid imagery to describe the snake's movements and appearance. The snake represents nature's mysterious and often unsettling presence. By using the snake as a symbol, Dickinson explores themes of fear, danger, and the unknown. 2. Formal elements : New Criticism pays close attention to the formal elements of a poem, such as rhyme, meter, and structure. In "A Narrow Fellow in the Grass," Dickinson utilizes a consistent meter and rhyme scheme to create a musical and rhythmic flow. The poem consists of six quatrains, with each line following the iambic trimeter pattern. This consistent structure enhances the poem's impact and emphasizes the snake's stealthy movements. Overall, the connection between New Criticism's symbolism and formal elements in "A Narrow Fellow in the Grass" lies in how Dickinson effectively uses the snake as a symbol and employs a consistent structure to convey the poem's themes and evoke an emotional response in the reader. Why is A Narrow Fellow in the Grass New Criticism? AI-generated answer "A Narrow Fellow in the Grass" can be analyzed from a New Criticism perspective due to its focus on close reading and the examination of textual elements to uncover multiple layers of meaning.

1. Symbolism : New Criticism focuses on the exploration of symbols within a text. In "A Narrow Fellow in the Grass," the snake can be interpreted as a symbol representing fear, deception, or even mortality. By closely examining the poem's symbols, readers can gain a deeper understanding of its thematic elements. 2. Formal elements : While New Criticism primarily focuses on textual analysis, it also acknowledges the importance of formal elements. In this poem, attention can be paid to the structure, rhyme scheme, and language choices. For example, the poem's consistent quatrains and ABCB rhyme scheme contribute to its overall formal structure and highlight the poet's meticulous attention to form. In summary, "A Narrow Fellow in the Grass" can be considered a New Criticism poem because it invites close reading and textual analysis to explore its ambiguity, paradoxical language, symbolism, and formal elements. This approach allows readers to uncover multiple layers of meaning and appreciate the intricacies of the poem's construction. Two symbolic quotes: Two symbolic quotes in "A Narrow Fellow in the Grass" are: 1. "A spotted shaft is seen—/And then it closes at your feet/And opens further on." This quote symbolizes the snake's movement and its elusive nature. The "spotted shaft" represents the snake's body, which is spotted or patterned. The line "And then it closes at your feet/And opens further on" illustrates how the snake moves swiftly and unpredictably. It symbolizes the snake's ability to disappear and reappear, creating a sense of mystery and evoking feelings of surprise and uncertainty.

2. "But never met this Fellow/Attended, or alone/Without a tighter breathing/And zero at the bone." This quote symbolizes the fear and awe associated with encountering the snake. The phrase "tighter breathing" suggests a physical and emotional response to fear, indicating the speaker's increased breathlessness or tension in the presence of the snake. The line "And zero at the bone" symbolizes a bone-chilling sensation or a feeling of numbness, emphasizing the intense impact the snake has on the speaker. This symbolizes the primal fear and deep reverence that the snake elicits. Two formal element quotes: AI-generated answer Two formal elements in "A Narrow Fellow in the Grass" are: 1. Meter: The poem follows a consistent meter known as iambic tetrameter. This means that each line contains four iambs, which are two-syllable units with the stress falling on the second syllable. An example of this formal element can be found in the line: "A NARrow FELlow IN the GRASS." The iambic meter creates a rhythmic and musical quality, contributing to the poem's overall structure and flow. 2. Rhyme: "A Narrow Fellow in the Grass" features an end rhyme scheme, where the final words of each line rhyme with one another. The rhyme scheme in this poem follows an ABAB pattern. For instance, the first and third lines of the poem rhyme with each other, and the second and fourth lines rhyme as well. An example of this formal element can be seen in the lines: "You may have met Him—did you not?/His notice sudden is—." The use of rhyme adds a musical quality to the poem, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and creating a sense of cohesion.

What are the advantages of A Narrow Fellow in the Grass being New Criticism? Analyzing "A Narrow Fellow in the Grass" from a New Criticism perspective offers several advantages: 1. In-depth interpretation: New Criticism encourages readers to closely examine the text, focusing on its language, imagery, and symbolism. By applying this approach to the poem, readers can uncover multiple layers of meaning and gain a deeper understanding of the poet's intentions and the poem's thematic elements. 2. Attention to formal elements: New Criticism recognizes the importance of formal elements, such as structure, rhyme, and meter. By paying close attention to these aspects in "A Narrow Fellow in the Grass," readers can appreciate the poet's skillful use of form to enhance the poem's overall meaning and impact. 3. Appreciation of ambiguity: This poem is rich in ambiguity, offering multiple interpretations and possibilities. New Criticism encourages readers to embrace this ambiguity and engage in close analysis to unravel its complexities. By doing so, readers can appreciate the intricacies of the poem and the range of meanings it can evoke. 4. Exploration of paradox: "A Narrow Fellow in the Grass" employs paradoxical imagery, presenting seemingly contradictory ideas within the same line or stanza. New Criticism allows readers to delve into these paradoxes, examining the tension and deeper meanings they create. This exploration enriches the reading experience and fosters a deeper appreciation for the poem's complexity. In summary, analyzing "A Narrow Fellow in the Grass" from a New Criticism perspective offers advantages such as in-depth interpretation, attention to formal elements, appreciation of

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