Download We Grow Accustomed to the Dark

We Grow Accustomed to the Dark
Emily Dickinson
We grow accustomed to the Dark -When light is put away -As when the Neighbor holds the Lamp
To witness her Goodbye -A Moment -- We uncertain step
For newness of the night -Then -- fit our Vision to the Dark -And meet the Road -- erect -And so of larger -- Darkness -Those Evenings of the Brain -When not a Moon disclose a sign -Or Star -- come out -- within -The Bravest -- grope a little -And sometimes hit a Tree
Directly in the Forehead -But as they learn to see -Either the Darkness alters -Or something in the sight
Adjusts itself to Midnight -And Life steps almost straight.
1. What events do you think might have inspired Emily Dickinson to write the
poem? Support your answer.
2. Which stanza of the poem is the darkest? How do you know?
b) What do the Dark and Darkness represent? Why does Dickinson capitalize the
words?
c) What would Dickinson advise individuals who are dealing with dark
difficulties or dark moods to do? Is this good advice? Support your answer.
3. What is the effect of all the dashes in this poem? Explain.
4. Overall, is the tone of this poem pessimistic or optimistic? What phrases or
Images support your answer?
5. Compare and contrast this poem to Arnold’s “Dover Beach”: how do these two
Authors use light and dark imagery and how does it influence their tone? Which
author is more optimistic?