1. In what ways can hunger be seen as a metaphor for not belonging
Quatrain 1
In what ways can hunger be seen as a metaphor for not belonging
I had been hungry all the years’
I had been hungry all the years.
My noon had come to dine.
I trembling drew the table near
And touched the curious wine.
Describe the rhyme scheme
Quatrain alternate eight and six syllable lines
What is suggested by the word “noon”
This seems an interesting
choice of words. Are there any
religious allusions in this poem?
Why trembling?

2. Extended gastronomic metaphor continues from first quatrain.
'Twas this on tables I had seen
When turning hungry home
I looked in windows for the wealth
I could not hope for mine.
Comment on the narrative perspective and the adjectives used throughout the poem.
The image of the window is introduced- the persona is positioned figuratively, outside,alone, looking in. How effective is this imagery in consideration of the poem as a whole?
How are images of dissociation and the persona’s feelings of displacement established in this stanza?

3. I did not know the ample bread. 'T was so unlike the crumb
Quatrain 3
I did not know the ample bread.
'T was so unlike the crumb
The birds and I had often shared
In nature's dining-room.
Contrast ample bread and crumb..religious allusions? Also comment on the rhyme scheme
The persona does not feel she belongs inside. How does she feel about nature? Does the personification suggest she is any more comfortable here?

4. The plenty hurt me, 't was so new. Myself felt ill and odd,
Quatrain 4
Why did the plenty hurt?
The plenty hurt me, 't was so new.
Myself felt ill and odd,
As berry of a mountain bush
Transplanted to the road.
Comment on the word choice here.
Comment on the effectiveness of this simile? How does the simile convey the persona’s feelings
Why is the gastronomic metaphor so appropriate to the emotional and spiritual states of the speaker presented in this poem?

5. Extended metaphor of window image.
Quatrain 5
“ Nor was I hungry…” the persona realises that she does not desire what she previously lacked.
Nor was I hungry, so I found
That hunger was a way
Of persons outside windows
The entering takes away.
Extended metaphor of window image.
What is Dickinson’s final argument?

6. Homework –due in two days .
Homework –due in two days
Write an extended response words where you bring together some of the main ideas in “I had been hungry all the years’.”
You could consider, the structure and progression of the poem. The use and effect of poetic techniques, the use of extended metaphors…
Ideas concerning: displacement, dissociation, isolation, belonging, not belonging…
Complete during one of your study periods (hand written response required). Bring to class on Wednesday