![]() In Linda Ellis’s poem, “The Dash,” the dash between a person’s date of birth and their date of death on their tombstone represents the time that the person spent on earth and serves as a symbol for their life. The dash is a powerful symbol that represents the time a person has spent on earth. What does the dash represent in the poem? In an interview, Smith said that Dickinson used the dash to “highlight the ambiguity of the written word” “The dash is an invitation to the reader to make meaning,” Dr. Martha Nell Smith, a professor of English at the University of Maryland, is the author of five books on the poet Emily Dickinson. ![]() In a sense, Dickinson is playing a big game of “Red Light, Green Light” with her readers, using the dashes to control the pace of the poem. The dashes in Dickinson’s poem act as pauses, breaking up the flow of lines and forcing the reader to take stock as they go. You might likeA great hope fell emily dickinson analysis? Why does Emily Dickinson use dashes in Hope is a thing with feathers This allows the reader to contemplate and ponder over the lines, which is important for understanding the poem.ĭickinson uses dashes to draw attention to a particular word or phrase in “Much Madness is Divinest Sense.” By doing so, she emphasizes the importance of that word or phrase in the poem. The capitalized words, dashes, and specific words and phrases all work together to draw the reader’s attention and force them to slow down while reading. Why does Emily Dickinson use dashes and capitalization? Ultimately, it is up to the reader to interpret the use of dashes in Dickinson’s writing. Finally, dashes can also be used for comedic effect, or to lighten the tone of a piece. Additionally, dashes can be used as a way to create intrigue or mystery, by hinting at something without fully revealing it. One reason could be to create a sense of pauses or breaks in the text, which can be used for dramatic effect or to emphasize certain words or phrases. Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.There are a number of reasons why Emily Dickinson may have used dashes in her writing. If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile, If we could just slow down enough to consider what’s true and real,Īnd always try to understand the way other people feel.īe less quick to anger and show appreciation more,Īnd love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before. Are there things you’d like to change?įor you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged. What matters is how we live and love, and how we spend our dash. He noted first came the date of the birth and spoke the following date with tears.īut he said what mattered most of all was the dash between the years.įor that dash represents all the time that they spent life on Earth.Īnd now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.įor it matters not how much we own, the cars, the house, the cash. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning to the end. I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. We wish you a very Happy New Year from our Board and Team here at the North Georgia Community Foundation! The Dash Poem Think about your own ‘Dash.” Do you want to give more of your time? Your talents? Your treasures? How can you continue to live out and build your own unique legacy? Then, she challenged our Board with this thought: “How are you living your ‘Dash’? What is it that will fill the moments of time from the beginning of your life, to the end?”Īs we embark on this new year, whether you have heard this poem before or not, we encourage you to take a minute and read the words carefully. ![]() Recently, at our North Georgia Community Foundation Board Retreat, Mary Hart shared a poem, “The Dash” by Linda Ellis. One of the things we appreciate the most about Mary Hart is how she is always sharing her words of wisdom and encouragement everywhere she goes. We are honored that she is a current (and founding) NGCF Board Member, as well as a past Board Chair. ![]() Mary Hart Wilheit is a woman of grace and love. “The Dash” ~ a Poem by Linda Ellis posted: December 31, 2021 ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |