Perhaps I asked too large –
Fr358
Lesson guide by Sylvie Cathrall
This lesson guide provides a playful, imaginative approach to teaching with “Perhaps I asked too large – ” that focuses on the power of fantasy as a tool for self-expression. At the end of the lesson sequence, students will engage in a creative collaboration with Emily Dickinson by writing short-form prose responses that reflect their own interests and imaginations.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
Engagement
Connect the fantastical imagery in Dickinson’s poem to contemporary genres that students enjoy.
Content Knowledge
– Describe the imagery featured in the poem.
– Identify how the poem relates to representations of the cosmos from Dickinson’s era.
Process Knowledge
– Analyze the poem’s cosmic metaphors to interpret its content.
– Write a creative response inspired by the poem.
Transfer Goals
– Recognize that modern fantasy and science fiction emerged from a history of writers, artists, and thinkers using their imaginations to transform reality.
– Demonstrate how engaging with historical poetry can prompt new writing, art-making, and creative expression across genres and media.
Perhaps I asked too large –
I take – no less than skies –
For Earths, grow thick as
Berries, in my native Town –
My Basket holds – just – Firmaments –
Those – dangle easy – on my arm,
But smaller bundles – Cram.
Sylvie Cathrall is the author of the Sunken Archive duology. Her first novel, A Letter to the Luminous Deep, was an Indies Introduce debut pick and one of Library Journal’s best books of 2024. She lives in Wales with her spouse (formerly her pen pal) and their child (currently an inquisitive toddler).