Thanksgiving Day by Emily Dickinson
The poem explores the theme of gratitude and the fleeting nature of life. The speaker reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of death, yet finds solace in the present moment and the beauty of nature. The poem's tone is contemplative and introspective, inviting the reader to consider their own mortality and the importance of appreciating the simple things in life.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Reflection, Philosophical · 124 words
First lines
One day is there of the series Termed Thanksgiving day, Celebrated part at table, Part in memory.
Neither patriarch nor pussy, I dissect the play; Seems it, to my hooded thinking, Reflex holiday.
Had there been no sharp subtraction From the early sum, Not an acre or a caption Where was once a room,
Not a mention, whose small pebble Wrinkled any bay, -- Unto such, were such assembly, 'T were Thanksgiving day.
What this Textopian page supports
Thanksgiving Day is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emily Dickinson, dated 1896 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Emily Dickinson
- Date: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Reflection, Philosophical, Literary
- Length: 124 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Reflection — The poem reflects on the nature of Thanksgiving, contemplating its meaning and significance.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential and philosophical ideas about memory and tradition.
- Literary — The use of metaphor and symbolic language aligns with literary genre conventions.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Thanksgiving · Holiday · Family · Food · Gratitude · Nature · Seasonal · Autumn · Symbolism