“My Life had stood – a Loaded Gun” An Analysis using the “Plan of Attack”

Rhyme Scheme In each stanza*, the second and fourth lines tend to rhyme: - “perfect” rhyme: stanzas 1 & 6 - “slant” rhyme: stanzas 3, 4, & 5 - no rhyme: stanza 2 (Hmmm. Why?) * Four-line stanzas are known as quatrains

Meter (rhythm) The first and third lines of each quatrain are written in iambic tetrameter: – “My Lífe had stoód – a Loáded Gún –” The second and fourth lines of each quatrain are written in iambic trimeter: – “In Córners – tíll a Dáy”

Use of language “fresh” diction and word play: – “every time I speak for Him” – “None stir the second time – On whom I lay a Yellow Eye” Irony: – “For I have but the power to kill, Without – the power to die –” Capitalization: throughout the poem

Imagery All senses but taste and smell

Metaphor The controlling metaphor* of this poem is the idea that the speaker’s life IS a loaded gun. *an extended metaphor that dominates the entire poem

Biographical connections “owner”/”master”—another poet? Rev. Wadsworth? Someone who might offer encouragement, in life, in poetry, or both? Note the movement in the poem from “corner” to the outdoors (“Woods,” “The Mountains,” etc.)

Shift in tone From lighthearted and playful to serious

Mood (the emotional atmosphere, the effect on the reader) Light? Mysterious? What else?

Meaning What is this poem really about? Does it reveal any truths?

Purpose Why did Dickinson write it? As a plea for help of some form? As a confession? As a demonstration of her skill as a poet (i.e., the controlling metaphor)?