Hope is the thing with feathers

Question

by Emily Dickinson

“Hope” is the thing with feathers -

That perches in the soul -

And sings the tune without the words -

And never stops - at all -



And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -

And sore must be the storm -

That could abash the little Bird

That kept so many warm -



I’ve heard it in the chillest land -

And on the strangest Sea -

Yet - never - in Extremity,

It asked a crumb - of me.

"Hope is the Thing with Feathers" by Emily Dickinson

Question
Use the poem to answer the question.

What conclusion can be drawn about the poem’s speaker?

(1 point)
Responses

The speaker is comforted thinking about hope as a bird that lives in everyone’s soul.
The speaker is comforted thinking about hope as a bird that lives in everyone’s soul.

The speaker feels nervous, like there are birds fluttering in their soul.
The speaker feels nervous, like there are birds fluttering in their soul.

The speaker feels scared, like a bird caught in a storm would feel.
The speaker feels scared, like a bird caught in a storm would feel.

The speaker wishes the bird would take a break and rest for a while.
The speaker wishes the bird would take a break and rest for a while.

Answer 1

The best conclusion that can be drawn about the poem’s speaker is:

The speaker is comforted thinking about hope as a bird that lives in everyone’s soul.

This interpretation is supported by the imagery of hope as a bird that sings continuously and provides warmth, even in difficult circumstances. The speaker expresses resilience and finds solace in the concept of hope being ever-present, despite challenges.