There is no frigate like a book
To take us lands away, Nor any coursers like a page Of prancing poetry. This traverse may the poorest take Without oppress of toll; How frugal is the chariot That bears a human soul! |
denotationAnalyzing the first line of the poem solely using denotation, one would take that Dickinson was saying that there is no ship like a book, due to frigate meaning "a warship with a mixed armament, generally heavier than a destroyer." However, that would be an analysis from someone who does not know the hidden meaning Dickinson had strategically placed in the poem with the help of connotation.
ConnotationFurther examining the first line with the use of connotation, one would interpret that Dickenson actually meant that a book serves almost as a mode of transportation. She is saying that a book provides an escape from life and allows us to escape from it as much as we want to.
SymbolThe main symbol in the poem (at least to me) revolves around the book, obviously. The book symbolizes hope, escape, and relief. Through reading a book, you can find all of these.
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