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Teaching The Railway Train

The Railway Train

Helen Vendler points out that the railroad (as a symbol of progress) was not an uncommon subject for literature in 19th century America, and indicates Dickinson's father (a lawyer) was instrumental in bringing the railroad to their home town of Amherst, Massachusetts. The station was situated not far from the Dickinson Homestead on Main Street, and the reclusive Dickinson attended its opening, watching alone from the woods.

Emily Dickinson
Public Domain

ESSENTIAL QUESTION:

How does Dickinson use metaphor to characterize transportation technology?
STANDARDS:
RL.4 - Key Terms & Tone

DEPTH OF KNOWLEDGE (DOK) LEVELS:

2,3
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