Analyzing "The Railway Train"This Activity Will Help You Meet These Educational Goals:Content Standards:- Evaluate Literal And Figurative Meaning.- Analyze The Development Of A Theme In A Poem.- Cite Textual Evidence To Support Analysis.- Develop

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Introduction

"The Railway Train" is a poem written by Emily Dickinson, an American poet known for her unique and enigmatic style. This poem is a great example of how literature can be used to explore complex themes and ideas. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning of the poem, exploring its literal and figurative interpretations, and examining how the poet develops the theme of the poem.

Literal and Figurative Meaning

On the surface, "The Railway Train" appears to be a poem about a train, with the speaker describing the train's movement and the sounds it makes. However, upon closer reading, it becomes clear that the poem is not just about a train, but about the passage of time and the inevitability of death.

The train in the poem is often seen as a symbol of death, with the speaker describing it as a "Railway Train" that is "Coming, coming, coming" (Dickinson 1-2). The train's movement is described as a steady and relentless force, with the speaker noting that it is "Coming, coming, coming" (Dickinson 1-2). This imagery suggests that death is a constant and inevitable presence in our lives.

The speaker also describes the train's sounds, noting that it is "Making a noise, making a noise" (Dickinson 3-4). This noise is often seen as a symbol of the chaos and disorder that accompanies death. The speaker's use of the word "noise" to describe the train's sounds also suggests that death is a loud and jarring event.

Development of Theme

The theme of the poem is the inevitability of death and the passage of time. The speaker describes the train as a constant and relentless force, emphasizing the idea that death is always present and waiting to strike. The speaker also notes that the train is "Coming, coming, coming" (Dickinson 1-2), suggesting that death is always approaching, and that we can never escape it.

The speaker's use of imagery and symbolism also helps to develop the theme of the poem. The train is a powerful symbol of death, and the speaker's use of it to describe the passage of time and the inevitability of death is a effective way to convey the theme of the poem.

Citing Textual Evidence

To support our analysis of the poem, we can cite textual evidence from the poem itself. For example, the speaker notes that the train is "Coming, coming, coming" (Dickinson 1-2), which suggests that death is always approaching. We can also cite the speaker's description of the train's sounds, noting that it is "Making a noise, making a noise" (Dickinson 3-4), which suggests that death is a loud and jarring event.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Railway Train" is a poem that explores the theme of the inevitability of death and the passage of time. The speaker uses imagery and symbolism to convey the idea that death is always present and waiting to strike. The poem is a powerful example of how literature can be used to explore complex themes and ideas, and it is a great example of Emily Dickinson's unique and enigmatic style.

Discussion Questions

  1. is the literal meaning of the poem, and how does it relate to the theme of the poem?
  2. How does the speaker use imagery and symbolism to convey the theme of the poem?
  3. What textual evidence from the poem can be used to support our analysis of the poem?
  4. How does the poem relate to the idea of the inevitability of death and the passage of time?

Answer Key

  1. The literal meaning of the poem is a description of a train, but it is also a metaphor for death and the passage of time.
  2. The speaker uses imagery and symbolism to convey the theme of the poem, including the train as a symbol of death and the passage of time.
  3. Textual evidence from the poem that can be used to support our analysis includes the speaker's description of the train as "Coming, coming, coming" (Dickinson 1-2) and the speaker's description of the train's sounds as "Making a noise, making a noise" (Dickinson 3-4).
  4. The poem relates to the idea of the inevitability of death and the passage of time by emphasizing the idea that death is always present and waiting to strike.

Extension Activity

  1. Write a poem that explores the theme of the inevitability of death and the passage of time.
  2. Create a visual representation of the poem, such as a painting or a drawing.
  3. Write a script for a short film that explores the theme of the poem.

Assessment

  1. Students will be assessed on their participation in class discussions and activities.
  2. Students will be assessed on their written analysis of the poem, including their use of textual evidence to support their analysis.
  3. Students will be assessed on their creation of a visual representation of the poem or a script for a short film that explores the theme of the poem.

Vocabulary

  1. Literal: relating to the actual or obvious meaning of a word or phrase.
  2. Figurative: relating to a word or phrase that is used to convey a meaning that is different from its literal meaning.
  3. Symbolism: the use of an object, color, or other element to represent an abstract idea or concept.
  4. Imagery: the use of language to create vivid and powerful images in the reader's mind.
  5. Theme: the underlying idea or message of a poem or other work of literature.
    Q&A: Analyzing "The Railway Train" =====================================

Q: What is the main theme of "The Railway Train" poem?

A: The main theme of "The Railway Train" poem is the inevitability of death and the passage of time. The speaker uses imagery and symbolism to convey the idea that death is always present and waiting to strike.

Q: What is the significance of the train in the poem?

A: The train in the poem is a symbol of death and the passage of time. The speaker describes the train as a constant and relentless force, emphasizing the idea that death is always present and waiting to strike.

Q: How does the speaker use imagery in the poem?

A: The speaker uses vivid and powerful imagery to create a sense of urgency and inevitability. For example, the speaker describes the train as "Coming, coming, coming" (Dickinson 1-2), which creates a sense of movement and momentum.

Q: What is the role of symbolism in the poem?

A: Symbolism plays a crucial role in the poem, as the speaker uses the train as a symbol of death and the passage of time. The speaker's use of symbolism helps to convey the theme of the poem and creates a sense of depth and complexity.

Q: How does the poem relate to the idea of mortality?

A: The poem relates to the idea of mortality by emphasizing the inevitability of death and the passage of time. The speaker's use of imagery and symbolism helps to create a sense of urgency and inevitability, highlighting the idea that death is always present and waiting to strike.

Q: What is the significance of the speaker's tone in the poem?

A: The speaker's tone in the poem is one of calmness and acceptance. The speaker describes the train as a constant and relentless force, but does not express any fear or anxiety. This tone helps to create a sense of detachment and objectivity, emphasizing the idea that death is a natural part of life.

Q: How does the poem relate to the idea of the human experience?

A: The poem relates to the idea of the human experience by emphasizing the inevitability of death and the passage of time. The speaker's use of imagery and symbolism helps to create a sense of connection to the human experience, highlighting the idea that death is a universal and inevitable part of life.

Q: What is the significance of the poem's structure and form?

A: The poem's structure and form are significant because they help to create a sense of rhythm and momentum. The speaker's use of short, simple sentences helps to create a sense of urgency and inevitability, emphasizing the idea that death is always present and waiting to strike.

Q: How does the poem relate to the idea of the afterlife?

A: The poem does not explicitly relate to the idea of the afterlife, but it does suggest that death is a transition to something new and unknown. The speaker's use of imagery and symbolism helps to create a sense of mystery and uncertainty, highlighting the idea that death is a mystery that we cannot fully understand.

Q: What is the significance of the poem's use of language?

A: The poem's use of language is significant because it helps to create a sense of simplicity and directness. The speaker's use of short, simple sentences helps to create a sense of urgency and inevitability, emphasizing the idea that death is always present and waiting to strike.

Q: How does the poem relate to the idea of the natural world?

A: The poem relates to the idea of the natural world by emphasizing the idea that death is a natural part of life. The speaker's use of imagery and symbolism helps to create a sense of connection to the natural world, highlighting the idea that death is a universal and inevitable part of life.

Q: What is the significance of the poem's use of metaphor?

A: The poem's use of metaphor is significant because it helps to create a sense of depth and complexity. The speaker's use of the train as a metaphor for death and the passage of time helps to create a sense of connection to the human experience, highlighting the idea that death is a universal and inevitable part of life.

Q: How does the poem relate to the idea of the human condition?

A: The poem relates to the idea of the human condition by emphasizing the idea that death is a universal and inevitable part of life. The speaker's use of imagery and symbolism helps to create a sense of connection to the human experience, highlighting the idea that death is a mystery that we cannot fully understand.