Context

This line is from the poem "Hope Is the Thing with Feathers," written by Emily Dickinson (believed to be written in 1861, published in 1891).

Emily Dickinson didn’t title her poems. Probably because she never thought they be published. Today, we get titles from the first line of each poem and this one is an oldie, but goodie.

Here, the poet describes the idea of hope in the human heart as a little bird. Hope takes up residence inside us and sings a sweet little tune that never quite goes away. All people need is for that little feathered friend to survive. Think about it—if you didn’t believe that the future would be okay, why would you even want to get out of bed in the morning?

Where you've heard it

Anyplace where hope springs, this quote can be found fluttering around.

Additional Notable References:

• In the movie Quiz Show, one of the contestants is supposed to take a dive when answering a question about “Hope Is the Thing with Feathers,” but refuses because Emily Dickinson is one of his favorite poets. Take that, unethical game show hosts.
• On an episode of Criminal Minds, one of the detectives quotes this famous line about hope in reference to the mother of a kidnapped child who never gave up hope that her kid would be found.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Everyone loves hope! You’re cool to break this one out as needed.