These questions regard the poem "We Never Know How High We Are" by Emily Dickinson.

1. What happens "if we are true to plan"?

A: “If we are true to plan” (295), then “our statures [will] touch the skies,” (295) which, in other words, means that we will reach our maximum potential.

2. How might Dickinson define heroism?

A: Dickson might define heroism as “a normal thing” or something that should be done on a daily basis.

3. According to the poem, what prevents people from acting heroically all the time?

A: According to the poem, the fear of what would happen if we actually realized our true potential in life is what prevents people from acting heroically all the time.

4. Does Dickinson think people do not live to their full potential or that they are too humble to accept praise? Exaplain.

A: Dickson thinks that people do not live to their full potential because we diminish ourselves and refuse to see our own greatness. This is because we are afraid of our own power. We "warp" or distort our own measure, falsely believing we are smaller and weaker than we are, out of fear of what would happen if we actually realized our true potential in life.

According to the p According to the poem, what happens when we re asked to rise to an occasion? what might this happen

No idea.

5. Why might Dickinson use the metaphor of heights and skies to convey her message?

A: Well, maybe Dickinson just really loved the view from mountaintops and thought everyone should experience it. Or perhaps she wanted to remind us that there is unlimited potential within each of us, just like the vastness of the sky. So, aim high, my friend, and reach for the stars, or in this case, touch the skies!

6. What's with all this talk about statures and warpings? Is Dickinson secretly a fitness enthusiast?

A: Ah, good catch! It seems like Dickinson was on to the importance of posture and fitness back in the day. You see, she's not just talking about physical stature here, but also about the way we carry ourselves in life. So, stand tall, my friend, both physically and metaphorically, and show the world your mighty stature!

7. Does Dickinson think we should all become superheroes and wear capes?

A: Well, wouldn't that be a sight to behold? Imagine a world where everyone dons a cape and saves the day! But alas, Dickinson isn't suggesting we all become superheroes in the traditional sense. She's encouraging us to embrace our hidden powers, our unique abilities, and strive to be the best versions of ourselves. So, don't worry about the cape, but do embrace your inner superhero!

8. If I reach for the sky and fall flat on my face, should I blame Dickinson for giving me false hope?

A: Oh, dear reader, let's not go blaming poor Emily Dickinson for any nose-dives you may take in life! Remember, reaching for the sky is about pushing your limits and embracing your potential. Sometimes we stumble, but that doesn't mean we should stop reaching. So, if you fall flat on your face, just laugh it off, get back up, and keep aiming for the stars! Dickinson would want you to find humor in your attempts, just like I do.

5. Who or what does Dickinson compare human potential to in the poem?

A: Dickinson compares human potential to the mountains in the poem. She suggests that just as mountains appear majestic and touch the skies, our potential is vast and limitless.

6. What does Dickinson mean by the line "We never know how high we are"?

A: By saying "We never know how high we are," Dickinson means that humans often underestimate their own abilities and potential. We are unaware of the true heights we can reach and the great things we can accomplish if we embrace our full capabilities.

7. What does the phrase "Till we are called to rise" imply?

A: The phrase "Till we are called to rise" implies that individuals need a certain catalyst or external influence to recognize and utilize their full potential. It suggests that there needs to be a triggering event or moment when one is compelled or motivated to step out of their comfort zone and strive for greatness.

8. How does Dickinson convey the idea of self-limitation in the poem?

A: Dickinson conveys the idea of self-limitation by emphasizing how people often undermine their own worth and abilities. She mentions how we "constrain" and "warp" our own sense of self, which suggests that we deliberately hold ourselves back and shy away from embracing our full potential. This self-imposed limitation prevents us from experiencing the heights of our capabilities.

9. What is the overall message or theme of the poem?

A: The overall message of the poem is that humans have immense potential and capabilities, but it is often our own self-doubt and fear that prevent us from reaching our true heights. Dickinson encourages us to recognize and embrace our own greatness without fear, and to live our lives to the fullest without limitations.

To answer these questions about the poem "We Never Know How High We Are" by Emily Dickinson, I analyzed the poem and identified key lines that provide insights into Dickinson's thoughts. By closely examining these lines, we can understand the context and meaning behind her words.

1. What happens "if we are true to plan"?
In the poem, Dickinson writes, "If we are true to plan, / Our statures touch the skies" (lines 295-296). Here, she suggests that if we remain committed to our goals and aspirations, we will reach our maximum potential. By being true to our own plans and following them diligently, we have the potential to achieve great heights in life.

2. How might Dickinson define heroism?
Dickinson's definition of heroism can be inferred from the line, "Heroism is a normal thing" (line 274). From this, we can understand that she perceives heroism not as an extraordinary or rare occurrence but as something that should be a part of our everyday lives. According to Dickinson, acts of heroism should be a usual and expected aspect of our behavior.

3. According to the poem, what prevents people from acting heroically all the time?
The poem implies that people are often hesitant to act heroically due to fear. Dickinson writes, "And fear, and be afraid, / And fear, and be afraid, / And fear again" (lines 286-288). This repetition emphasizes the role of fear in hindering individuals from consistently behaving in a heroic manner. It suggests that the fear of what could happen if they fully realized their potential holds people back from consistent heroic action.

4. Does Dickinson think people do not live to their full potential or that they are too humble to accept praise? Explain.
Dickinson seems to believe that people do not live up to their full potential. She suggests that individuals "diminish" themselves and distort their own measure (line 293). This means that people underestimate their own abilities and limit their potential because they fear the consequences of fully embracing their power. Dickinson implies that we are often too afraid to acknowledge our own greatness and, consequently, fall short of living to our full potential. While humility may play a part, it is primarily the fear of realizing our true potential that holds us back.

In conclusion, by closely examining key lines of the poem, we can gain insights into Dickinson's thoughts on reaching our potential, defining heroism, the role of fear, and the reasons why people may not live up to their full potential. Dickinson emphasizes the importance of being true to our plans, perceiving heroism as a normality, and overcoming the fear that prevents us from consistently acting heroically and living to our full potential.