Understanding 'As Imperceptibly as Grief' by Emily Dickinson
I can explain how Dickinson uses metaphor in her poetry.
Understanding 'As Imperceptibly as Grief' by Emily Dickinson
I can explain how Dickinson uses metaphor in her poetry.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In Dickinson’s poem, the speaker discusses the transition between summer and autumn.
- The speaker says this transition is imperceptible, like grief.
- The poem can be read as a metaphor for the passing of time and grief, which can often be imperceptible
- There is a reflective, yet hopeful tone, encouraging the reader to not fear the passing of time.
Keywords
Imperceptible - unable to be noticed or detected by the senses
Grief - deep sorrow or sadness, often due to loss
Melancholy - a feeling of sadness or gloominess
Serenity - a state of calmness, peace, and tranquility
Common misconception
This poem is about a speaker who is mourning the loss of summer.
The poem can also be read as a metaphor for the passing of time. Whilst there are moments which feel mournful in the poem, there is a sense of hope and encouragement.
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: Understanding 'As Imperceptibly as Grief' by Emily Dickinson, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: Understanding 'As Imperceptibly as Grief' by Emily Dickinson, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the Poetry anthology continued unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the Eduqas poetry anthology for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
unable to be noticed or detected by the senses
deep sorrow or sadness, often due to loss
a feeling of sadness or gloominess
a state of calmness, peace, and tranquility