Literary Senses

Worksheet Description

This worksheet focuses on the poem “I heard a Fly buzz when I died” by Emily Dickinson and directs students to explore the use of synesthesia within it. Students must read the poem and identify the specific line that employs synesthesia. They are then tasked with determining which sense is typically associated with the imagery in that line and which additional sense is evoked through the synesthetic description. The activity is designed to enhance students’ literary analysis skills, particularly in recognizing and understanding the use of sensory language in poetry.

The purpose of this worksheet is to teach students how to identify and interpret synesthesia in literature. It guides them to analyze the blending of sensory experiences in Dickinson’s poetry, understanding how such a device can add depth and complexity to literary works. This exercise helps students appreciate the nuanced ways in which poets like Dickinson can convey profound experiences and emotions. Moreover, it encourages students to think about the impact of synesthetic imagery on the reader’s engagement with a poem, enriching their own writing and analytical abilities.