Chapter 7: Many Ways to See the World 7.3 Poem: I'm Nobody! Who are you? by Emily Dickinson
Learning Intentions In this section you will … ✓ Read a poem for comprehension and appreciation. ✓ Research a poet and poem. ✓ Create your own poem.
Before Reading
A nobody: a person of no authority or importance. A somebody: a person of importance or authority.
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Working in pairs, study the definitions above and then: 1. Think of two advantages and two disadvantages of being a nobody. 2. Think of two advantages and two disadvantages of being a somebody. 3. Which would you rather be – a nobody or a somebody? 4. Share your answers across the class.
Reading
Read the poem with a partner in at least three different ways: 1. First, take turns reading the entire poem to one another. 2. Second, take turns reading one line each until the end of the poem. 3. Finally, decide on your own creative way of reading the poem as a duo.
I’m Nobody! Who are you? by Emily Dickinson
I’m Nobody! Who are you? Are you – Nobody – too? Then there’s a pair of us! Don’t tell! they’d advertise – you know!
How dreary – to be – Somebody! How public – like a Frog – To tell one’s name – the livelong June – To an admiring Bog!
