I Started Early—Took My Dog
by Emily Dickinson

I started Early—Took my Dog—
And visited the Sea—
The Mermaids in the Basement
Came out to look at me—

And Frigates—in the Upper Floor
Extended Hempen Hands—
Presuming Me to be a Mouse—
Aground—upon the Sands—

But no Man moved Me—till the Tide
Went past my simple Shoe—
And past my Apron—and my Belt
And past my Bodice—too—

And made as He would eat me up—
As wholly as a Dew
Upon a Dandelion’s Sleeve—
And then—I started—too—

And He—He followed—close
behind—
I felt His Silver Heel
Upon my Ankle—Then my Shoes
Would overflow with Pearl—

Until we met the Solid Town—
No One He seemed to Know—
And bowing—with a Mighty look—
At me—The Sea withdrew—

Question 1
Part A

What is a central idea of "I Started Early—Took My Dog"?


Safety depends on understanding the ebb and flow of ocean tides.

By respecting the awesome power of nature, it can be better appreciated.

The vastness of the ocean makes people feel intimidated.

With close observation, ordinary sights become easier to understand.
Question 2
Part B

Which detail from the poem best develops the central idea in Part A?


“The Mermaids in the Basement / Came out to look at me—"

“Until we met the Solid Town— / No One He seemed to Know—"

“And bowing—with a Mighty look— / At me—The Sea withdrew—"

“Presuming Me to be a Mouse— / Aground—upon the Sands—"