The Spider by Emily Dickinson
This poem explores the idea of a spider's existence and its relationship with nature. The speaker describes the spider's web as a symbol of life and death, where threads are spun to catch prey but also to be caught themselves. The poem touches on themes of mortality, the fleeting nature of life, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
By Emily Dickinson · Genre: Poetry, Symbolism, Philosophical · 55 words
First lines
A spider sewed at night Without a light Upon an arc of white.
If ruff it was of dame Or shroud of gnome, Himself, himself inform.
Of immortality His strategy Was physiognomy.
What this Textopian page supports
The Spider is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emily Dickinson, dated Date unknown.
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: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Symbolism, Philosophical, Nature
- Length: 55 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- Fringed Gentian by Emily Dickinson
- Cocoon by Emily Dickinson
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- The Hemlock by Emily Dickinson
- Whether My Bark Went Down At Sea by Emily Dickinson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and imagery, characteristic of poetry.
- Symbolism — The poem uses the spider as a symbol to explore themes of creation and immortality.
- Philosophical — The themes of immortality and existential reflection suggest a philosophical exploration.
- Nature — The imagery of the spider and its web connects to themes of nature and the natural world.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Mystery · Death · Life · Existentialism · Philosophy · Metaphor · Allegory · Mythology