Thinking critically about capitalization

THINKING CRITICALLY ABOUT CAPITALIZATION

The following poem uses unconventional capitalization. Read it over a few times, at least once aloud. What effect does the capitalization have? Why do you think the poet chose to use capitals as she did?

A little Madness in the Spring

Is wholesome even for the King,

But God be with the Clown—

Who ponders this tremendous scene—

This whole Experiment of Green—

As if it were his own!

—EMILY DICKINSON

Question

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The following poem uses unconventional capitalization. Read it over a few times, at least once aloud. What effect does the capitalization have? Why do you think the poet chose to use capitals as she did? A little Madness in the Spring Is wholesome even for the King, But God be with the Clown— Who ponders this tremendous scene— This whole Experiment of Green— As if it were his own! —EMILY DICKINSON