Read "The Cricket Sang" by Emily Dickinson to answer the following prompt: The cricket sang, And set the sun, And workmen finished, one by one, Their seam the day upon. The low grass loaded with the dew, The twilight stood as strangers do With hat in hand, polite and new, To stay as if, or go. A vastness, as a neighbor, came,— A wisdom without face or name, A peace, as hemispheres at home,— And so the night became. In 3-5 sentences, give an example of figurative language from the poem and identify the type of figurative language being used. Include the words "lunchbox" and "beetle" in this response. Next, explain the meaning of the example you provided. (4 points)

In Emily Dickinson's poem "The Cricket Sang," an example of figurative language is found in the line "The twilight stood as strangers do / With hat in hand, polite and new." This simile compares twilight to strangers who are respectful and hesitant, evoking an image of a visitor, much like a beetle shyly entering a lunchbox. This comparison suggests that twilight arrives with a sense of etiquette and unfamiliarity, quietly transitioning the day into night, embodying both a sense of beauty and a gentle formality as it settles in.

In the line "The twilight stood as strangers do / With hat in hand, polite and new," the type of figurative language being used is a simile. This is evidenced by the use of "as" to draw a comparison between twilight and the behavior of strangers.

In the poem "The Cricket Sang," several types of figurative language can be identified. Here are a few examples:

1. Personification: Phrases like "The cricket sang" and "The twilight stood" give human attributes to the cricket and twilight, suggesting that they can actively participate in events and emotions.

2. Simile: As previously mentioned, the comparison "The twilight stood as strangers do" uses "as" to equate twilight with the behavior of strangers.

3. Metaphor: The lines "A vastness, as a neighbor, came" suggest an expansive presence that feels familiar and intimate, invoking a sense of comfort through metaphorical language.

Each of these figurative language types contributes to the poem's rich imagery and emotional depth.

In addition to the examples of personification, simile, and metaphor already mentioned, here are some more types of figurative language present in Emily Dickinson's "The Cricket Sang":

4. Imagery: The poem uses vivid descriptions like "low grass loaded with the dew" to create sensory experiences that evoke the sights and feelings of twilight.

5. Alliteration: The repetition of initial consonant sounds, as in "workmen finished," produces a rhythmic quality that enhances the reading experience.

6. Symbolism: The cricket, twilight, and night can all be seen as symbols representing transitions—between day and night, labor and rest, or life and death.

7. Hyperbole: Phrases like "wisdom without face or name" suggest an overwhelming presence of wisdom that transcends human understanding, emphasizing the enormity of the experience.

By integrating these various forms of figurative language, Dickinson deepens the poem's meaning and emotional resonance, contributing to its overall impact.

One prominent type of figurative language used in Emily Dickinson's "The Cricket Sang" is personification. This is demonstrated in lines such as "The cricket sang" and "The twilight stood," where both the cricket and twilight are given human attributes, allowing them to take on active roles in the poem's imagery and atmosphere.