Skip to content
The Enigmatic Encounter: Emily Dickinson’s ‘A Narrow Fellow in the Grass’ Summary

The Enigmatic Encounter: Emily Dickinson’s ‘A Narrow Fellow in the Grass’ Summary

Emily Dickinson is widely regarded as one of the greatest American poets of all time, and her works continue to captivate readers to this day. One of her most enigmatic poems is “A Narrow Fellow in the Grass,” which has puzzled scholars and casual readers alike since it was first published in 1866. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and symbolism behind this intriguing poem, exploring its themes of fear, nature, and mortality.

The Enigmatic Encounter: Emily Dickinson’s ‘A Narrow Fellow in the Grass’ Summary

Emily Dickinson’s poem “A Narrow Fellow in the Grass” is a haunting and enigmatic encounter with a snake. The poem is structured in six stanzas, each with four lines, and follows a simple ABCB rhyme scheme. The speaker describes encountering a snake in the grass, which she describes as a “narrow fellow.” The snake is described as moving “in a tight figure” and as having a “whip-lash” tongue. The speaker is both fascinated and afraid of the snake, and the poem ends with the speaker admitting that she prefers the safety of her own home to the dangers of the natural world. The poem has been interpreted in many different ways, with some readers seeing it as a metaphor for the dangers of the natural world and others seeing it as a commentary on the fear of the unknown. Regardless of how one interprets the poem, it is clear that Dickinson’s use of language and imagery creates a powerful and memorable encounter with a mysterious and dangerous creature.

Background Information on Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson was an American poet born in Amherst, Massachusetts in 1830. She is known for her unique style of writing, which often includes unconventional punctuation and capitalization. Despite being a prolific writer, only a handful of her poems were published during her lifetime. It wasn’t until after her death in 1886 that her sister discovered hundreds of her poems and worked to have them published. Dickinson’s poetry often explores themes of death, nature, and spirituality, and her work continues to be studied and admired by scholars and readers alike.

The Poem’s Structure and Literary Devices

Emily Dickinson’s “A Narrow Fellow in the Grass” is a poem that is structured in six stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter. This structure allows Dickinson to convey the sense of unease and unpredictability that the speaker feels when encountering the snake.

The poem also employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning. One of the most prominent devices is personification, where the snake is given human-like qualities. For example, in the first stanza, the snake is described as “a whip-lash,” which suggests that it is alive and has a will of its own. Similarly, in the second stanza, the snake is described as “a comb,” which implies that it has a smooth and sleek appearance.

Another literary device used in the poem is imagery, which helps to create a vivid picture of the snake in the reader’s mind. The use of words such as “narrow,” “long,” and “zero” in the first stanza, for instance, helps to create an image of a thin and elongated creature. Similarly, the use of words such as “grass,” “meadow,” and “hill” throughout the poem helps to create a sense of the natural environment in which the encounter takes place.

Overall, the structure and literary devices used in “A Narrow Fellow in the Grass” contribute to the poem’s enigmatic and haunting quality. Through her use of free verse, personification, and imagery, Dickinson creates a sense of unease and uncertainty that lingers long after the poem has been read.

The Speaker’s Emotions and Thoughts

In “A Narrow Fellow in the Grass,” Emily Dickinson’s speaker expresses a range of emotions and thoughts as she encounters the snake. At first, she is filled with fear and describes the snake as a “whip-lash” and a “lashless whip.” However, as the poem progresses, the speaker’s fear turns to fascination and admiration for the snake’s agility and grace. She even describes the snake as a “spotted shaft” and a “cordial giant.” This shift in the speaker’s emotions and thoughts highlights the complexity of human reactions to the natural world and the power of nature to evoke a range of responses.

The Symbolism of the Snake

The snake has long been a symbol of both good and evil in various cultures and religions. In some ancient civilizations, the snake was revered as a symbol of wisdom and healing, while in others it was seen as a symbol of temptation and deceit. In Emily Dickinson’s poem “A Narrow Fellow in the Grass,” the snake is portrayed as a mysterious and enigmatic creature, with its movements and appearance captivating the speaker. The snake’s symbolism in the poem can be interpreted in various ways, including as a representation of the natural world, the unknown, or even death. Dickinson’s use of the snake as a symbol adds depth and complexity to the poem, inviting readers to explore its many possible meanings.

The Theme of Fear and Anxiety

Emily Dickinson’s poem “A Narrow Fellow in the Grass” explores the theme of fear and anxiety. The speaker describes encountering a snake in the grass and the intense emotions that arise from this encounter. The use of vivid imagery and personification of the snake as a “narrow fellow” adds to the eerie and unsettling tone of the poem. The fear and anxiety felt by the speaker is palpable, as they describe their heart racing and their breath catching in their throat. This theme of fear and anxiety is a common thread throughout many of Dickinson’s poems, as she often explores the darker aspects of human emotion.

The Theme of Nature and its Relationship to Humans

Emily Dickinson’s poem “A Narrow Fellow in the Grass” explores the theme of nature and its relationship to humans. The poem describes a encounter with a snake, which is portrayed as a mysterious and enigmatic creature. The snake is described as “a whip-lash / Unbraiding in the sun,” and its movements are compared to “a tight-rope / Walker.”

The poem suggests that nature is both beautiful and dangerous, and that humans have a complex relationship with it. The speaker is both fascinated and frightened by the snake, and the poem suggests that humans have a similar ambivalent relationship with nature. On the one hand, we are drawn to its beauty and power, but on the other hand, we are aware of its potential to harm us.

Overall, “A Narrow Fellow in the Grass” is a powerful exploration of the theme of nature and its relationship to humans. The poem suggests that nature is both awe-inspiring and terrifying, and that humans have a complex and often contradictory relationship with it.

The Theme of Trust and Deception

The theme of trust and deception is a prevalent one in Emily Dickinson’s poem “A Narrow Fellow in the Grass.” The speaker of the poem initially trusts the “narrow fellow” as it moves through the grass, describing it as “a whip-lash / Unbraiding in the sun.” However, as the poem progresses, the speaker’s trust is betrayed as the snake “rides” away and the speaker is left feeling “zero at the bone.” This theme of trust and deception is further emphasized by the use of imagery, such as the snake’s “velvet head” and “rustling” movements, which initially seem harmless but ultimately reveal the snake’s true nature. Dickinson’s poem serves as a reminder to be cautious of those who may deceive us, even if they initially appear harmless.

The Interpretation of the Poem’s Ending

The ending of Emily Dickinson’s “A Narrow Fellow in the Grass” has been the subject of much interpretation and debate among literary scholars. Some argue that the final lines, “But never met this Fellow/ Attended or alone/ Without a tighter breathing/ And zero at the bone,” suggest a sense of fear or unease towards the snake-like creature described in the poem. Others argue that the poem is actually a celebration of nature and the beauty of encountering unexpected creatures in the wild. Ultimately, the interpretation of the poem’s ending is left up to the reader’s own perspective and understanding of the themes presented throughout the poem.

The Poem’s Reception and Critical Analysis

The reception of Emily Dickinson’s “A Narrow Fellow in the Grass” has been varied and complex. Some readers have interpreted the poem as a simple description of a snake, while others have delved deeper into the symbolism and themes present in the work. Critics have praised the poem for its vivid imagery and use of language, as well as its exploration of fear and the unknown. However, some have criticized the poem for its ambiguity and lack of clear meaning. Despite these differing opinions, “A Narrow Fellow in the Grass” remains a beloved and enigmatic work in Dickinson’s oeuvre.

The Poem’s Place in Emily Dickinson’s Body of Work

Emily Dickinson’s “A Narrow Fellow in the Grass” is a poem that stands out in her body of work for its vivid imagery and unique subject matter. While Dickinson is known for her introspective and often melancholic poetry, this particular piece takes a different approach, exploring the natural world and the fear that it can inspire. Despite its differences from her other works, “A Narrow Fellow in the Grass” still fits within the larger context of Dickinson’s poetry, showcasing her ability to capture the complexities of human emotion and experience in a few carefully chosen words. As such, it remains a beloved and enigmatic piece in her canon, one that continues to captivate readers and inspire new interpretations.

The Influence of ‘A Narrow Fellow in the Grass’ on Literature and Culture

Emily Dickinson’s poem “A Narrow Fellow in the Grass” has had a significant impact on literature and culture since its publication in 1866. The poem’s enigmatic nature and vivid imagery have inspired countless interpretations and adaptations in various forms of media.

One of the most notable influences of the poem is its impact on the genre of nature poetry. “A Narrow Fellow in the Grass” is often cited as a prime example of how nature can be used as a metaphor for human experiences and emotions. The poem’s depiction of a snake as a “narrow fellow” has been interpreted as a symbol for fear, danger, and even death. This use of nature as a metaphor has been emulated by many poets and writers in the years since the poem’s publication.

The poem has also had a significant impact on popular culture. References to “A Narrow Fellow in the Grass” can be found in various forms of media, including literature, music, and film. The poem has been adapted into several short films and even inspired a horror movie titled “The Snake Woman.” The poem’s influence can also be seen in popular music, with artists such as Bob Dylan and Joan Baez referencing the poem in their lyrics.

Overall, “A Narrow Fellow in the Grass” has left a lasting impact on literature and culture. Its enigmatic nature and vivid imagery have inspired countless interpretations and adaptations, cementing its place as a classic of American poetry.