Question

Read the poem.

I Dwell In Possibility

by Emily Dickinson

I dwell in Possibility –
A fairer House than Prose –
More numerous of Windows –
Superior – for Doors –

Of Chambers as the Cedars –
Impregnable of eye –
And for an everlasting Roof
The Gambrels of the Sky –

Of Visitors – the fairest –
For Occupation – This –
The spreading wide my narrow Hands
To gather Paradise –

Question 1
Part A

What is a key theme of "I Dwell in Possibility"?

Responses

Just a small amount of interaction can sustain life.
Just a small amount of interaction can sustain life.

Imagination is a powerful force of creativity.
Imagination is a powerful force of creativity.

Pent-up feelings can be deadly to the soul.
Pent-up feelings can be deadly to the soul.

People can handle isolation only in small doses.
People can handle isolation only in small doses.
Question 2
Part B

How does Emily Dickinson develop the theme indicated in Part A?

Responses

Dickinson compares the "roof" of poetry to the limitless sky.
Dickinson compares the "roof" of poetry to the limitless sky.

She only occasionally visits the "house" of poetry.
She only occasionally visits the "house" of poetry.

She describes prose as a house with many windows and doors.
She describes prose as a house with many windows and doors.

Dickinson views her hands as narrow and weak.

Answer 1

**Question 1**
**Part A**
What is a key theme of "I Dwell in Possibility"?

**Response:**
Imagination is a powerful force of creativity.

---

**Question 2**
**Part B**
How does Emily Dickinson develop the theme indicated in Part A?

**Response:**
Dickinson compares the "roof" of poetry to the limitless sky.