The Life and Poetry of Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson was an American poet who lived from 1830-1886 and is often regarded as a pioneer of modern poetry. Her life was relatively secluded, as she lived mainly within her family home in Amherst, Massachusetts. She was a prolific writer, producing almost 1800 poems during her life.

Life Events Timeline: Emily Dickinson

Year	Event
1830	Emily Elizabeth Dickinson is born on December 10 in Amherst, Massachusetts.
1840s	Emily attends Amherst Academy, receiving a classical education.
1855	Emily meets Reverend Charles Wadsworth, who becomes a close friend and correspondent.
1861-1865	The American Civil War takes place, influencing many of Dickinson’s poems.
1862	Emily begins writing poetry prolifically, creating almost 1,800 poems during her lifetime.
1861	Some of her poems appear in print, anonymously in the Springfield Daily Republican.
1874	Emily's father, Edward Dickinson, dies after suffering a stroke.
1882	Emily's mother, Emily Norcross Dickinson, dies, contributing to Emily’s reclusiveness.
1884	Emily's health begins to decline, though she continues writing poetry until shortly before her death.
1886	Emily dies on May 15 at the age of 55 and is buried in Amherst's West Cemetery. Her sister Lavinia discovers a collection of her poems, and they are first published in 1890.

Early Life of Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson was born on December 10, 1830, in Amherst, Massachusetts, to Edward and Emily Norcross Dickinson. She was the second of three children; her older brother, Austin, was born in 1829, and her younger sister, Lavinia, was born in 1833.

The Dickinson family was prominent and wealthy, and Emily grew up in a comfortable and privileged environment. Her father was a prominent lawyer and politician who served in both the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the United States Congress. He was also a trustee of Amherst College and a founder of the Amherst Railway.

Emily was educated at home by her mother and various tutors. She showed an early interest in reading and writing, and her parents encouraged her to pursue her studies. She was particularly fond of the works of William Shakespeare, John Milton, and the English Romantic poets, and she also studied the Bible and other religious texts.

Despite her interest in learning, Emily was increasingly withdrawn and reclusive during her teenage years. She rarely left the family home, and when she did, she often wore white clothing and a veil to shield herself from the outside world. She spent much of her time in the gardens and fields around her family's home, where she developed a love of nature and a keen eye for observation.

Education of Emily Dickinson

At the age of 16, Emily enrolled at Mount Holyoke Female Seminary (now Mount Holyoke College) in nearby South Hadley, Massachusetts. However, she only stayed at Mount Holyoke for one year before returning home to Amherst. The reasons for her departure are not entirely clear, but some scholars speculate that she may have been homesick or unhappy with the strict religious environment at the school.

After returning home, Emily continued to read and study on her own. She was particularly interested in the works of the English Romantic poets, such as William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and John Keats, as well as the Bible and other religious texts. She also developed a love of botany and spent many hours exploring the gardens and fields around her family's home.

Despite her lack of formal education, Emily was a gifted writer and thinker. She corresponded with several prominent literary figures, including Thomas Wentworth Higginson and Helen Hunt Jackson, and her poetry has been praised for its originality, depth, and emotional power. Though she remained reclusive throughout her life, she left behind a rich and enduring legacy as one of America's greatest poets.

Family Dynamics and Writing

Emily Dickinson's family dynamics had a significant impact on her writing. Her family was influential in shaping her personality, her beliefs, and her interests. Her father, Edward, was a prominent lawyer and politician, while her mother, Emily Norcross, was a devoutly religious woman who suffered from poor health. Her siblings also played a role in her upbringing and in the development of her literary talent.

One of the most significant influences on Emily's writing was her relationship with her father. Edward Dickinson was a strict and controlling figure, and his expectations for his daughter were high. He encouraged her education and supported her writing, but he also expected her to conform to the social norms of the time. Emily, however, was a free spirit who defied convention and questioned authority. Her poetry often reflects this tension between the desire for independence and the constraints of social expectations.

Emily's mother, Emily Norcross, was a deeply religious woman who suffered from poor health. Her piety and her struggles with illness had a profound impact on Emily's worldview and her understanding of suffering. Many of Emily's poems explore the themes of death, grief, and the afterlife, and her reflections on these topics are often informed by her mother's experiences.

Emily's relationship with her siblings was also important to her development as a writer. Her older brother, Austin, was her closest confidant, and they shared a deep bond throughout their lives. Austin was also a prominent figure in the Amherst community and a friend to many literary figures of the time. His influence helped to shape Emily's literary tastes and her understanding of the publishing industry.

In her writing, Emily often explores the themes of family, love, and loss. Her poems are filled with references to her parents, her siblings, and her close friends. Her relationships with these individuals are often complicated, marked by both affection and conflict. Through her poetry, Emily sought to understand the complex emotions that arise from familial bonds, and to explore the meaning of love and connection in a world that can be both beautiful and cruel.

>Overview of Emily Dickinson's Life and Poetry

Emily Dickinson's poetry is deeply connected to her life experiences, her relationships, and her personal beliefs. Her poetry often reflects her struggles with issues such as death, spirituality, and the limitations of the human experience.

One of the most prominent themes in Dickinson's poetry is death. Throughout her life, she experienced a great deal of loss, including the deaths of her parents, several close friends, and numerous acquaintances. In her poetry, she often explores the idea of death as a transition from one state of being to another. For example, in "Because I could not stop for Death," she writes:

Because I could not stop for Death,
He kindly stopped for me;
The carriage held but just ourselves
And Immortality.

This poem portrays death as a kindly figure who guides the speaker to the afterlife. The use of the word "kindly" suggests a sense of comfort and reassurance, even in the face of one of life's most difficult challenges.

Another important theme in Dickinson's poetry is the nature of the self. Many of her poems explore the idea of individual identity, and the tension between the inner self and the external world. In "I'm Nobody! Who are you?" she writes:

I'm Nobody! Who are you?
Are you – Nobody – too?
Then there's a pair of us!
Don't tell! they'd advertise – you know!

This poem suggests that individual identity is something to be protected and cherished, rather than something to be shared or publicized. The use of the word "Nobody" implies a rejection of societal expectations and a celebration of individuality.

Finally, Dickinson's poetry often explores the tension between spirituality and the limitations of the human experience. In "This World is not Conclusion," she writes:

This World is not Conclusion.
A Species stands beyond –
Invisible, as Music –
But positive, as Sound –

This poem suggests that there is a spiritual realm that exists beyond the limitations of the physical world. The use of the words "Invisible" and "positive" imply that this realm is both mysterious and powerful, and that it holds the key to understanding the mysteries of life and death.

Emily Dickinson was deeply introspective and spent much of her life in self-imposed isolation. She rarely left her family home and corresponded with few people outside of her immediate family. This sense of isolation is reflected in her poetry, which often explores the inner workings of the mind and the complexities of human emotion.

In addition to exploring themes of death, identity, and spirituality, Dickinson's poetry also frequently examines the relationship between the individual and the natural world. Many of her poems feature vivid descriptions of the natural world, and Dickinson often uses the natural world as a metaphor for the human experience. For example, in "A Bird came down the Walk," she writes:

And then he drank a Dew
From a convenient Grass –
And then hopped sidewise to the Wall
To let a Beetle pass –

This poem suggests a sense of wonder and reverence for the natural world, as well as a recognition of the interconnectedness of all living things.

Despite her isolation, Dickinson was deeply engaged with the cultural and political issues of her time. Many of her poems express a sense of skepticism about conventional societal norms, particularly around issues of gender and power. In "The Soul selects her own Society," she writes:

The Soul selects her own Society –
Then – shuts the Door –
To her divine Majority –
Present no more –

This poem suggests a rejection of societal expectations and a celebration of individual choice and autonomy.

Overall, Emily Dickinson's poetry is marked by a deep sense of intellectual curiosity, a keen awareness of the complexities of the human experience, and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. Her work continues to be celebrated for its innovative use of language and its profound insights into the nature of human existence.

Stylistics of Dickinson's Poetry

Emily Dickinson's poetry is known for its unique style, which often includes unconventional punctuation, syntax, and capitalization. Here are some of the stylistic elements that are commonly found in her poetry:

Capitalization: Dickinson's use of capitalization was unconventional for her time. She often capitalized words such as "Nature," "Truth," and "Soul," which were not typically capitalized in standard English. This use of capitalization served to give these words a sense of importance and to elevate them to a more elevated or spiritual level. It also allowed her to create new meanings for words by giving them additional weight.

Dashes: Dickinson frequently used dashes in her poetry to create a sense of fragmentation and ambiguity. The dashes can indicate a shift in thought or perspective, or can indicate a pause or hesitation. They can also create a sense of interruption or dislocation in the reader, which can be disorienting or unsettling. In some cases, the dashes can be seen as an extension of Dickinson's use of unconventional syntax.

Unconventional syntax: Dickinson often used unconventional syntax in her poetry, such as sentence fragments, inverted syntax, and unusual word order. This use of syntax can create a sense of ambiguity and complexity, forcing the reader to slow down and pay close attention to the language and meaning of the poem. It can also create a sense of intimacy, drawing the reader into the speaker's inner world.

Slant Rhyme: Dickinson's use of slant rhyme was also unconventional for her time. Slant rhyme involves using words that have similar, but not identical, sounds. Dickinson's use of slant rhyme can create a sense of tension and unease in the reader, as the words do not fit together perfectly. This can also create a sense of richness and depth, as the words resonate with each other in unexpected ways.

Metaphor: Dickinson's poetry is known for its use of metaphor to create a sense of richness and depth. She often used metaphors drawn from the natural world, such as "Hope is the thing with feathers" or "I'm nobody! Who are you?". These metaphors can create a sense of resonance and emotional impact in the reader, as they connect abstract concepts to concrete images.

Emily Dickinson's poetry is a testament to her innovative style and creative spirit. Her unique use of capitalization, dashes, unconventional syntax, slant rhyme, and metaphor set her apart from her contemporaries and contributed to the development of modern poetry. Her work is known for its emotional impact and intellectual depth, and continues to inspire readers today. Dickinson's poetry is a reflection of her inner world and her experiences, and serves as a window into the mind of one of the most influential and innovative poets in American history. Her legacy continues to shape the literary landscape today, and will undoubtedly continue to do so for many years to come.

Rejection of Conventional Rhyme and Meter

Emily Dickinson is known for her rejection of conventional rhyme and meter in her poetry. Instead of adhering to traditional poetic forms, she often used irregular line lengths and syllable counts, and experimented with unconventional rhyme schemes.

This rejection of conventional rhyme and meter allowed her to focus on the emotional content of her poetry, and to explore more complex themes and ideas. By breaking free from the constraints of traditional poetic forms, she was able to express herself in a more authentic and honest way, and to create a unique poetic voice that was distinctly her own.

In addition to her rejection of traditional rhyme and meter, Dickinson also used unconventional syntax and punctuation, such as her use of dashes and ellipses, to create a sense of fragmentation and ambiguity in her poetry. This fragmentation can be seen as a reflection of the dislocation and isolation that she often experienced in her life, and serves to create a sense of intimacy and emotional depth in her work.

Therefore, Dickinson's rejection of conventional rhyme and meter was a bold and innovative move that helped to redefine the boundaries of poetry. Her willingness to experiment with language and form helped to pave the way for future generations of poets, and continues to inspire readers and writers today.

Influences

Emily Dickinson was a prolific reader and drew inspiration from a wide range of sources throughout her life. Here are some additional details about her key influences:

The Bible and religious faith: Dickinson's family was deeply religious, and she was raised in a household that placed great importance on scripture and prayer. Her poetry often draws on biblical themes and imagery, such as the Garden of Eden, the crucifixion of Christ, and the Resurrection. Dickinson was particularly drawn to the Psalms, which she saw as a source of comfort and solace.

Romanticism: The Romantic movement, which emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, emphasized the importance of emotion, individualism, and the natural world. Dickinson was particularly influenced by the poetry of William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and John Keats. Her own poetry often features vivid descriptions of nature, such as the buzzing of bees or the fluttering of butterflies, and explores themes of love, longing, and the search for meaning.

Transcendentalism: The Transcendentalist movement, which emerged in the mid-19th century, emphasized the importance of intuition and personal experience in understanding the world. Dickinson was influenced by the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, and her poetry often reflects a sense of spiritual longing and a desire to connect with something beyond the material world.

Shakespeare: Dickinson was an avid reader of Shakespeare and was deeply influenced by his use of language and his exploration of universal themes. She often used Shakespearean language and allusions in her own poetry, and drew on his plays for inspiration and reference.

The Civil War: Dickinson lived through the Civil War, which had a profound impact on her life and work. She was deeply affected by the loss of life and the emotional turmoil of the war years, and many of her poems explore themes of death, grief, and loss.

Emily Dickinson's poetry is widely regarded as some of the most influential and innovative in American literature. She was known for her unconventional style, using short lines, irregular meter, and innovative punctuation to create a unique poetic voice. Her poetry often explores themes of nature, love, death, and the mysteries of existence, and her work has been celebrated for its vivid imagery and profound emotional depth.

In addition to her unique style, Dickinson's work was shaped by her engagement with the literary and intellectual movements of her time. She drew inspiration from a wide range of sources, including the Bible, Romanticism, Transcendentalism, Shakespeare, and the Civil War. This eclectic mix of influences helped to shape her distinctive voice and gave her poetry a timeless quality that still resonates with readers today.

Emily Dickinson's Legacy

Emily Dickinson's legacy is one of the most enduring in American literature. Her contributions to 19th century poetry were groundbreaking, and her innovative use of language and form have inspired countless poets in the years since. One of her most famous quotes, "A fickle food upon a shifting plate," has become emblematic of her unique style and her willingness to challenge conventional literary norms.

Despite her success during her lifetime, Dickinson's critical reception was mixed. Many of her poems were published posthumously, and it was only after her death that her work began to gain widespread recognition. Today, however, she is regarded as one of the most important poets in American history, and her books continue to sell millions of copies around the world.

One of the hallmarks of Dickinson's work was her exploration of love and romance, and her love poems are still celebrated for their emotional depth and raw intensity. She had a unique ability to capture the nuances of human emotion and to convey complex feelings through simple, yet powerful language.

Beyond her contributions to poetry, Dickinson's legacy also includes her imagination and creativity. She was a prolific writer, with thousands of poems and letters to her name, and her work continues to inspire artists and writers in all disciplines.

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's legacy is one that spans generations and disciplines. Her impact on American literature and culture cannot be overstated, and her books and poetry remain beloved and celebrated around the world. Her critical reception may have been mixed during her lifetime, but her enduring legacy is a testament to the power of imagination, creativity, and the enduring power of great literature.

Emily Dickinson on Feminism

Emily Dickinson's life and poetry have been the subject of feminist analysis and interpretation. Many critics view her work as a powerful expression of female creativity and resistance to patriarchal norms.

One way in which Dickinson's work reflects feminist themes is in her exploration of female experience and identity. In many of her poems, she presents a deeply introspective and nuanced view of the lives and inner worlds of women. For example, in her poem "I'm 'wife'--I've finished that," Dickinson challenges traditional notions of marriage and female identity:

"I'm 'wife'—I've finished that—
That other state—
I'm Czar—I'm 'woman' now—
It's safer so—"

In this poem, Dickinson suggests that the traditional roles of wife and woman are constraining and limiting, and that women can achieve greater freedom and agency by rejecting them.

In addition to her exploration of female identity, Dickinson's poetry also touches on themes related to feminism and social justice. For example, in her poem "They shut me up in Prose," she criticizes the way in which women's voices are silenced and marginalized by patriarchal institutions:

"They shut me up in Prose—
As when a little Girl
They put me in the Closet—
Because they liked me 'still'—"

Here, Dickinson uses her own experience of being silenced as a metaphor for the larger societal forces that work to silence and suppress women's voices.

"I'm Nobody! Who are you?": This poem speaks to the idea of selfhood and the societal pressures that women face to conform to certain expectations. The speaker declares herself as a "nobody" and asks if the reader is also a nobody, implying that it's a form of rebellion against the status quo. By embracing her own outsider status, the speaker is able to reject the notion that women should strive to be somebody in the eyes of society.

"Much Madness is divinest Sense": In this poem, Dickinson challenges the idea that women who deviate from societal norms are "mad." She argues that those who dare to think differently are often labeled insane, when in reality they are simply not conforming to expectations. This can be seen as a commentary on the way that women who don't adhere to traditional gender roles are often stigmatized.

"Because I could not stop for Death": This poem presents death as a companion, taking the speaker on a journey through life's milestones. In many ways, it can be interpreted as a feminist statement, since it portrays the speaker as an active participant in her own life, rather than a passive object to be acted upon by outside forces. The fact that Death is personified as a gentleman who treats the speaker with kindness and respect can also be seen as a nod to women's empowerment.

"Wild Nights – Wild Nights!": This poem is a love poem that uses metaphor to describe a passionate relationship. While the gender of the speaker's lover is never specified, the fact that the speaker is a woman and the poem was written in the 19th century makes it a subversive and feminist statement. By asserting her own desires and passions, the speaker is rejecting the societal norms that would require her to be passive and submissive in romantic relationships.

Emily Dickinson's engagement with feminist themes in her poetry was ahead of its time and continues to inspire contemporary feminist movements. Through her unconventional language and form, she challenged the patriarchal norms of her time and advocated for women's empowerment and agency. Her poems explore themes of gender, sexuality, identity, and power dynamics, offering a unique perspective on the experiences of women in the 19th century.

Despite living in an era that often overlooked or suppressed women's voices, Dickinson boldly asserted her own perspective and refused to conform to societal expectations. As she famously wrote in one of her letters, "I am too fond of reading books to care to write them, but when a new thought strikes me, it is like a comet, and I feel as if an inhabitant of the earth had received a message from the planet Neptune." Her innovative and imaginative approach to poetry and life exemplifies the potential of feminist thinking and serves as an enduring example of female creativity and agency.

Life and Poetics of Confinement

Emily Dickinson was known for being a recluse and spending much of her adult life in isolation, largely confined to her room in her family's home in Amherst, Massachusetts. She rarely left the house and was notoriously private, receiving few visitors aside from a few close friends and family members.

Dickinson's self-imposed solitude has been attributed to a variety of factors, including her own physical and mental health issues, a desire for privacy and independence, and a fascination with the mysteries of the human mind and consciousness.

Her bedroom, where she spent most of her time writing and reflecting, was her sanctuary and a place of great creative productivity. In this space, she was free to explore the depths of her imagination and engage with the world around her on her own terms.

Interestingly, Emily Dickinson did not attend her own father's funeral in 1874, despite being in the house at the time. Some historians believe that this was a result of her profound fear of death and an unwillingness to confront the reality of mortality. Her reclusive nature made it difficult for her to cope with the loss of loved ones and engage in the rituals of mourning and remembrance that were common at the time.

Despite her personal struggles with solitude and confinement, Dickinson was able to channel her experiences into her poetry, creating a body of work that continues to captivate readers and scholars today.

Emily Dickinson is known for her reclusive lifestyle, and many of her poems explore themes of solitude and confinement. Dickinson often wrote about the isolation of the individual, and how this can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.

In her poem "I felt a Funeral, in my Brain," Dickinson uses vivid imagery to convey a sense of confinement and suffocation:

And then a Plank in Reason, broke,
And I dropped down, and down—
And hit a World, at every plunge,
And Finished knowing—then—

Here, Dickinson's use of the metaphor of a funeral procession to describe her mental state emphasizes the feeling of confinement and the sense of being trapped in one's own thoughts.

In another poem, "There's a certain Slant of light," Dickinson explores the feeling of confinement brought on by the onset of winter

When it comes, the Landscape listens—
Shadows—hold their breath—
When it goes, 'tis like the Distance
On the look of Death—

Here, Dickinson uses the metaphor of winter to represent the feeling of confinement and isolation that can come with the end of the year.

Well, Dickinson's poetry reveals a fascination with the themes of solitude and confinement, which she explores through her use of vivid imagery and metaphorical language. Her work speaks to the human experience of isolation and the search for meaning in a world that can often feel closed off and oppressive.

General Note

Emily Dickinson was a revolutionary poet whose writings helped to define the aesthetics and poetics of nineteenth-century American poetry. Her verse, characterized by its imaginative use of language and form, is considered a sublime example of the Romantic literature of her time. Dickinson's writings were discovered posthumously in manuscript form, and since then have been widely anthologized and studied by scholars of American literature.

Her poetics were heavily influenced by Victorian philosophers and intellectuals, and her aesthetic was deeply rooted in idealism, consciousness, and imagination. Dickinson's isolation and solitude, which were due to her recluse nature, were also significant themes in her work, and many of her narratives explore the human mind and its relation to the sublime.

Dickinson's poetry was also notable for its feminist themes, and her free verse and use of rhythm helped to usher in a new era of contemporary poetry. Her selected poems were highly regarded for their sentiment, sensibility, and poetic diction, and they continue to be celebrated for their melancholy and delight.

Dickinson's literary works were reflective of various literary periods and movements, including romantic poetry, realism, and modernism. Her journals and essays offer a descriptive and detailed account of her life and artistic process, while her ballad and prelude compositions have become beloved examples of the literary sublime.

Dickinson's interest in mysticism and goodness were also reflected in her literary works, which have captivated readers from her time to the present day. Her contributions to American poetry and the humanities have been immeasurable, and her literary legacy remains an inspiration to scholars and readers alike.

QUICK FACTS

Fact 1: "I taste a liquor never brewed" In life and in art Emily Dickinson was idiosyncratic – she did not choose the prescribed life of a well to-do woman of her era (marriage etc.) rather she become an outsider. (1)

Fact 2: According to a letter written by Dickinson after Newton's death, he had been "with my Father two years, before going to Worcester – in pursuing his studies, and was much in our family".(2)

Fact 3: Was ‘“Hope” is the thing with feathers’ influenced by Brontë’s poem ‘Hope’, within which hope ‘stretched her wings and soared to Heaven’? (3)

FAQs

What is Emily Dickinson's most famous quote?

Emily Dickinson is known for many memorable quotes, but her most famous and often quoted line is probably:

"Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all."

This quote is from one of her most well-known poems, "Hope is the Thing with Feathers."

Did Emily Dickinson get married?

Emily Dickinson never got married. She remained unmarried throughout her life and lived as a recluse in her family home in Amherst, Massachusetts. There is speculation that she may have had romantic relationships with a few individuals, including Susan Gilbert (who later married Emily's brother), but there is no conclusive evidence to confirm this. Dickinson's poetry often explores themes of love and desire, but she never entered into a conventional marriage or long-term romantic partnership.

What is unique about Emily Dickinson?

Emily Dickinson is considered unique in many ways. Here are a few reasons:

1. Her poetry: Dickinson's poetry is often characterized by its unconventional style and structure. Her use of slant rhyme, unexpected syntax, and compressed language set her apart from other poets of her time. She is also known for her explorations of themes like death, spirituality, and nature.
2. Her reclusive nature: Dickinson spent most of her adult life living as a recluse in her family home in Amherst, Massachusetts. She rarely left her home and had very few visitors. This isolation gave her a unique perspective on the world and may have contributed to the intensity and depth of her poetry.
3. Her independence: Dickinson defied many of the societal expectations placed on women in her time. She never married, rarely left her home, and pursued her writing without seeking public recognition. Her independence and autonomy were rare for a woman in the 19th century.
4. Her posthumous recognition: Dickinson's poetry was largely unknown during her lifetime, but after her death, her work was discovered and published. Today, she is considered one of America's most important poets and her influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary poets.

What Emily Dickinson died of ?

Emily Dickinson died of Bright's disease, which is a historical term used to describe a range of kidney diseases. Today, Bright's disease is known as nephritis or inflammation of the kidneys. Dickinson's exact cause of death is not entirely clear, as the language used to describe medical conditions was not as precise during her time. However, it is widely believed that Bright's disease was the primary cause of her death.

Is Emily Dickinson a confessional poet?

Emily Dickinson is not generally considered a confessional poet. Confessional poetry is a type of poetry in which the poet writes about intensely personal and often controversial subjects, such as their private lives, experiences, and emotions. While Dickinson's poetry often deals with themes such as love, death, and the mysteries of the human condition, she typically does not write in a confessional style.

Instead, Dickinson is known for her highly personal and often enigmatic style of writing, in which she explores the complexities of human experience through metaphor, imagery, and symbolism. Her poetry often reflects her own inner life and struggles, but in a more abstract and universal way than confessional poetry.

How old was Emily Dickinson when she died?

Emily Dickinson died on May 15, 1886, at the age of 55.

Was Emily Dickinson homosexual?

There is no conclusive evidence that Emily Dickinson had same-sex romantic relationships or identified as a homosexual. However, some scholars have speculated that she may have had romantic relationships with women, based on letters and poems that suggest she had close emotional bonds with some of her female friends. Nonetheless, the exact nature of these relationships remains a subject of debate and speculation, and it is important to remember that Emily Dickinson lived in a time when same-sex relationships were not openly discussed or accepted.

How do you compare Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman?

Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman are two of the most influential and renowned poets in American literature. They both lived during the 19th century, and although they were contemporaries, their writing styles and poetic approaches were quite different.

Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman are often considered as the "twin towers" of American poetry, with Dickinson's introspective and condensed poetry standing in contrast to Whitman's expansive and celebratory verse. While they were both experimental poets who broke away from traditional forms and conventions, they had different visions of poetry and its role in society.

Dickinson's poetry is characterized by its brevity and introspection, often focusing on the individual's inner life and emotions. In contrast, Whitman's poetry is characterized by its expansive and inclusive nature, often celebrating the common man and his place in society.

Despite their differences, Dickinson and Whitman shared a deep appreciation for language and its power to convey complex emotions and ideas. They both rejected the conventions of their time and experimented with form, syntax, and diction to create a new kind of poetry that was uniquely American.

Their work was not widely recognized during their lifetimes, but their influence on American poetry and literature is undeniable. In the words of critic Harold Bloom, they are "the two greatest poets in the English language since the seventeenth century."

In conclusion, Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman were two of the most innovative and influential poets of the 19th century. While they had different approaches to poetry, they shared a deep love of language and a commitment to breaking away from traditional forms and conventions. Their legacy continues to influence American poetry and literature to this day.

Did Emily Dickinson have a Fascination with Death?

Emily Dickinson had a fascination with death that is evident in many of her poems. Death was a constant theme in her work, and she often approached it with a mix of fear, curiosity, and wonder. For Dickinson, death was not just the end of life, but a gateway to something beyond the physical world.

In her poem "Because I could not stop for Death," she personifies death as a kind, gentlemanly figure who takes her on a carriage ride towards eternity:

"Because I could not stop for Death –
He kindly stopped for me –
The Carriage held but just Ourselves –
And Immortality."

In "I heard a Fly buzz – when I died," Dickinson describes the moment of death as a quiet, almost mundane event, yet one with profound significance:

"I heard a Fly buzz – when I died –
The Stillness in the Room
Was like the Stillness in the Air –
Between the Heaves of Storm –"

Throughout her poetry, Dickinson grapples with the mystery and finality of death, exploring its meaning and the impact it has on life. Her fascination with death was not just a morbid preoccupation, but a deep and profound part of her understanding of the human experience.

What was the relation between Emily Dickinson and Susan Gilbert?

Susan Gilbert was a close friend of Emily Dickinson, and their relationship has been the subject of much speculation and interpretation. Some scholars believe that Dickinson was romantically involved with Gilbert, while others suggest that their relationship was primarily a close friendship.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the nature of their relationship, it is clear that Gilbert played an important role in Dickinson's life and work. Gilbert was a frequent visitor to the Dickinson household, and the two women exchanged numerous letters and poems. In fact, some scholars believe that Gilbert was a key figure in shaping Dickinson's poetic voice and encouraging her to pursue her writing.

In one of her letters to Gilbert, Dickinson wrote: "Susie, forgive me darling for every word I say – my heart is full of you, none other than you in my thoughts, yet when I seek to say to you something not for the world, words fail me. If you were here – and Oh that you were, my Susie, we need not talk at all, our eyes would whisper for us, and your hand fast in mine, we would not ask for language."

While the exact nature of their relationship may never be fully known, it is clear that Dickinson and Gilbert shared a deep and meaningful connection that influenced both of their lives and creative work.

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