What literary device is most prevalent in Dickinson's poem "A narrow fellow in the grass"?

In Emily Dickinson's poem "A narrow fellow in the grass," imagery is the most prevalent literary device. The poem is characterized by vivid descriptions that evoke sensory experiences, allowing readers to visualize the narrowness of the creature and feel the tension it creates within the speaker. The imagery captures the grassy setting and the feelings of unease that arise when encountering the "fellow," which most readers interpret as a snake. Dickinson's use of detailed visuals helps paint a clear picture of the scene and elicits emotional responses related to fear and discomfort.

While other devices like personification, metaphor, and symbolism may be present in the poem, they do not dominate as strongly as the imagery. Personification, for instance, is less applicable since the titular fellow is not given human-like traits; instead, it remains an unsettling presence. Metaphor can be found but is not the central focus; the poem primarily portrays a real creature through vivid details rather than abstract concepts. Symbolism is also present, but the immediate and striking images of the grass and the fellow reinforce the theme more effectively.

Thus, the primary literary device that shapes the reader's understanding and emotional engagement with the poem is the rich and evocative imagery Dickinson employs throughout her work.