'Hope' is the Thing with Feathers

'Hope' is the Thing with Feathers

1. Definition Poem

   • Poet attempts to provide a physical description of an abstract concept
   • Hope is like a small bird which exists within us
     • 'perches in the soul'

2. Stanza 1

   • Description of hope
   • Bird/Hope
     • Vulnerable
     • Strong
     • Fragile
     • Resiliant

3. Stanza 2

   • The comfort hope provides in times of stress + uncertainty
   • What hopes has been for others
   • Storm must be very strong to quieten the bird (hope)
   • Many people have experienced the comfort of hope in times of distress
     • 'That could abash the little Bird that kept so many warm-'

4. Stanza 3

   • Personal experience of hope in times of personal anguish
   • Hope is very generous - constantly giving without asking for anything
   • Poet has been through bad times but found hope
   • 'I've heard it in the chillest land - And on the strangest Sea - Yet, never, in Extremity, It asked a crumb - Of Me.

5. Hope

   • Fragile but strong + resiliant
   • Bird is placed in the harshest of environments but sings and keeps 'many warm' all the while
   • Never dies: It is said to 'never' stop singing 'at all'

6. Hardship

   • Images of freezing + strange lands describe her suffering
   • Speaker is not alone (as in other poems) - Hope is always there