“English” Notes Chapter 1.3 ‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers Class 9 Maharashtra Board

1. About the Poem

• “Hope is the Thing with Feathers” is a poem by Emily Dickinson.
• The poem compares hope to a little bird that stays in the human soul.
• It teaches that hope never leaves us, even in tough times.

2. Main Theme of the Poem

• Hope is like a bird that sings inside us.
• It gives comfort and courage, even in the hardest situations.
• Hope never asks for anything in return, but it always helps.

3. Important Meanings in the Poem

• “Feathers” → Represents lightness and freedom, just like hope.
• “Perches in the soul” → Hope stays inside us and never leaves.
• “Sweetest in the Gale is heard” → Hope is strongest in difficult times.
• “Yet – never – in Extremity, It asked a crumb – of me.” → Hope helps us without asking for anything.

4. Message of the Poem

• Hope always stays with us, no matter how difficult life becomes.
• Even in storms or struggles, hope gives us strength to continue.
• It never demands anything, but always supports us.

5. Literary Device – Personification

• The poet gives hope human-like qualities by calling it a bird.
• This is called personification because hope is described as a living thing.

6. Moral of the Poem

• Never lose hope, because it will always guide you through hard times.
• Difficulties cannot destroy hope-it stays with us no matter what.
• Hope is selfless-it helps us but never asks for anything.