Question

Read the following poem and answer the question that follows. "Fame is a Bee," by Emily Dickinson Fame is a bee, It has a song- It has a sting- Ah, too, it has a wing. In one paragraph of at least three to five sentences, analyze the tone and imagery used in the line in bold. Identify the mood the author intended to create with this imagery, as well as the connotations used in the words "Ah" and "wing." Use proper spelling and grammar.

Answer 1

     Ms. Dickinson uses rhyming (sting and wing) and alliteration (song and sting) to create a playful, carefree tone.  The imagery is simplistic and gives a childlike perspective of a bee.  Ms. Dickinson then uses the lighthearted imagery to poignantly compare fame to a bee; fame is whimsical (the song and wings), but can also be painful (the sting).  This imagery creates a cheerful mood.  When she uses the words "Ah" and "wing", Ms. Dickinson invokes the connotation of a blissful sigh and a happy feeling. 

Answer 2

Answer:

The tone created by Emily Dickinson in "Fame is a Bee" is a sincere and playful since she uses extended metaphors, rhyming, and imagery to easily portray her emotions of fame. Dickinson compares her fame to the characteristics of a bee which symbolizes the experience of nature overall. Bees play an important role in the ecosystem but we cannot forget the power they have to harm not only others, but themselves with their sting which reminds the audience of the downside of having fame. The author then uses the words "Ah" and "Wing" to keep the tone lighthearted while symbolizing the wings of a bee to explain fame can be temporary and can "fly away" at any moment.

Explanation: