I like to see it lap the Miles: Plot

“I like to see it lap the Miles: Plot”

• The poem narrates the journey of a train as it traverses over hills, valleys, towns, and other facets of nature.
• The train’s journey is described through personification, as if it were a living creature.
• The train’s strength and power are contrasted with the tranquility and timidity of nature.

“I like to see it lap the Miles: Structure & Language Techniques”

• The poem is a lyric poem and uses a quatrain stanzaic structure.
• Dickinson employs extensive personification, giving the train human or animal-like characteristics such as “lapping,” “fitting,” and “neighing.”
• The regular rhyme (ABCB) and meter of the poem reflect the steady, rhythmic movement of a train.

“I like to see it lap the Miles: Themes & Linking Poems”

• Themes of the poem include the contrast between nature and industry, power and progress, and harm and benefit.
• This poem can be linked to other Dickinson poems that consider the interaction of society and nature, such as “A Bird came down the Walk.”

“I like to see it lap the Miles: Key Quotes”

• “I like to see it lap the Miles” - the title itself introduces the poet’s admiration or curiosity for the train, emphasized by the first person viewpoint.
• “And stop to feed itself at Tanks” - this brings into view the industrial aspect of the train, depicting it like a living creature that stops for feeding.

“I like to see it lap the Miles: Poet & Context”

• Emily Dickinson’s writing flourished during an era of rapid advancement and industrialization, which had a significant impact on her work.
• The poem, written in the mid-19th century, reflects the cultural and social norm of that time when railway was a symbol of progress and modernization.
• Dickinson, however, lived a largely secluded life, and her poetry often contains themes of nature and introspection.