I'm Nobody! Who are you? (260)
Think about what the speakers in the poem is saying about their own identities. Why you chose this poem. Also, discuss why this poem is most “unlike” you and why. Be sure the explanation makes specific references to the poem
I'm Nobody! Who are you? (260)
Emily Dickinson - 1830-1886
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!
Sample Solution
This poem by Emily Dickinson speaks to the importance of having a sense of self, and how being “nobody” can be liberating in comparison to living one's life in the public eye. In this poem, Dickinson is exploring her identity as someone who is not well-known and who values her privacy. She questions what it would be like to live as a somebody – constantly being seen, heard, and judged by others. The speaker creates an interesting contrast between those who are visible or celebrated (“Somebody”) and those that prefer to remain anonymous (“Nobody”).
This poem is unlike me in many ways because I am quite vocal about my interests, beliefs and goals. Unlike the speaker in this poem, I actively seek out opportunities to share my story with others through podcasts, blogs or social media outlets such as Instagram. My need for connection drives me to constantly be putting myself out there where people can see me rather than staying hidden away like ‘Nobody'. Additionally, while I do value my privacy immensely; something which Dickenson also values highly; I take pride in celebrating small victories that make up my day-to-day life - something which she does not desire nor indulge in.
I chose this poem specifically because it highlights the fact that our identities involve more than just what we show on the outside but deeply rooted personal traits that are often kept private from public view: desires for solitude versus seeking attention from others; admiration of anonymity versus yearning for fame etc.. These individualised aspects of our identity ultimately shape how we interact with society around us - giving us insight into how other individuals may choose to express themselves differently depending on their unique experiences and feelings toward their own existence.