To make a prairie

“There is no frigate like a book” by Emily Dickinson (1894)

Though this particular Dickinson poem appeared in publication in 1894, Dickinson originally wrote it in a letter in 1873. Just as visions and dreams are deemed essential components of production and industry in “To make a prairie,” “There is no frigate like a book” expounds on the ability of literature to transport its readers to new worlds through the imagination.

“Come Slowly - Eden” by Emily Dickinson (1891)

Dickinson’s poem first appeared in 1890 in Poems and also in 1891 in the Independent (from a copy Dickinson sent to her sister-in-law and friend, Susan Gilbert). The imagery of the flower (clover) and the bee found in “To make a prairie” repeats in “Come Slowly - Eden,” though in a much more provocative manner. Instead of referring to industry and self-reliance, the bee and flower in this particular Dickinson poem represent the union of two lovers.

“Fame is a bee” by Emily Dickinson (1999)

Dickinson wrote “Fame is a bee” in 1788. Continuing with the bee imagery utilized in her other poems, Dickinson uses the bee as a metaphor for fame and its various effects—some negative, some pleasant, some fleeting, and some painful.