Read the following poem and then respond to the question below:

“I’m Nobody! Who are you?” By Emily Dickinson

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!

In this poem, Emily Dickinson expresses the importance of being “Nobody.” In a paragraph of four to six sentences, explain how the poet feels about being “Nobody” and use specific examples from the poem to support your interpretation.

How does Dickinson feel about being a "Nobody"?

In this poem, Emily Dickinson conveys a positive attitude towards being "Nobody." She suggests that being nobody offers a sense of freedom and anonymity. The poet expresses her preference for remaining unnoticed and unacknowledged, as she sees this as a way to escape the pressures and expectations that come with being somebody. The tone of the poem is light-hearted and even playful, as she asks the reader if they too are a nobody. The line, "Are you – Nobody – too?" indicates her desire for companionship in being a nobody. Additionally, when Dickinson says, "How dreary – to be – Somebody!," she emphasizes the burdens of being somebody, contrasting it with the joy of being a nobody. By comparing being somebody to a frog publicly croaking its name to an admiring bog, the poet illustrates the sense of loss of privacy and personal identity that comes with being somebody. Overall, through her use of language and imagery, Dickinson portrays being nobody as desirable and even preferable to being somebody.

In "I'm Nobody! Who are you?" by Emily Dickinson, the poet expresses a favorable attitude towards being "Nobody." She views being anonymous as a source of freedom and secrecy, contrasting it with the dreariness and lack of privacy associated with being a "Somebody." Dickinson's tone suggests a pride in not conforming to societal expectations and a disdain for those who seek recognition. One example of this is when she asks if the reader is also a "Nobody," emphasizing the sense of camaraderie and exclusivity that comes with being unknown. Additionally, she warns against revealing one's identity, as it would lead to unwanted attention and potential exploitation. The phrases "How dreary - to be - Somebody!" and "To tell one's name - the livelong June - To an admiring Bog!" further emphasize her belief that being anonymous allows for a more fulfilling and authentic existence.