In Emily Dickinson “The Cricket Sang”, explain how figurative language such as the use of metaphors or similes can help the reader create meaning.

Answer 1

In Emily Dickinson's poem "The Cricket Sang," figurative language, specifically metaphors and similes, play a crucial role in helping the reader create meaning. Let's explore how this language device enhances the poem's message.

Firstly, metaphors allow the reader to make connections between unrelated ideas, objects, or concepts. In the opening lines of the poem, the speaker states, "The cricket sang, / And set the sun." Here, the cricket is metaphorically compared to a musician whose song has the power to bring about dusk. By using this metaphor, Dickinson enables the reader to visualize and understand the impact the cricket's song has on the natural world. The metaphor helps the reader appreciate the significance of the cricket's song beyond its musicality, highlighting its ability to shape the environment.

Additionally, metaphors and similes can evoke vivid imagery and sensory experiences, making the poem more immersive. In the third stanza of the poem, the speaker describes the sound of the cricket as "creaking," likening it to a wheel. This comparison not only gives a distinct sound to the reader but also conjures images of movement. This use of metaphor allows the reader to hear and see the cricket's song in their mind, thereby enhancing the emotional connection to the poem.

Moreover, metaphors and similes can convey abstract or complex ideas in a more accessible manner. In the fourth stanza, the speaker compares the cricket's song to an "asthmatic bone." While it may seem perplexing at first, this metaphor suggests a frail or struggling sound, emphasizing the vulnerability within the cricket's song. By associating the sound of the cricket to an asthmatic bone, the reader can comprehend the fragility and weakness in the song, adding depth to its emotional impact.

Lastly, figurative language helps to establish a sense of unity and coherence within the poem. In "The Cricket Sang," Dickinson uses the recurring theme of music throughout various metaphors and similes related to song and musicianship. By employing these literary devices consistently, the poem becomes a cohesive piece of work, enabling the reader to explore the different facets and implications of the central theme.

Overall, the use of metaphors and similes in "The Cricket Sang" enriches the reader's experience by facilitating connections, evoking imagery, conveying complex ideas, and establishing cohesion. These figurative language devices enable the reader to create meaning by engaging their imagination, emotions, and senses, making the poem more compelling and thought-provoking.