Background of Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, poet and author of the mid-19th century, is widely regarded as one of the most influential poets in American literature. She was born in Amherst, Massachusetts in 1830 and was educated at Amherst Academy and Mount Holyoke Female Seminary. She wrote over 1800 poems, more than 800 of them published posthumously. Her grandfather was an influential lawyer, her father an elected politician. She was an eccentric recluse, with a reputation for independence and what some would deem moodiness.
Main Influence of Emily Dickinson’s Life on Her Poetry
Emily Dickinson’s life and experiences have had a significant impact on her poetry. It is evident that her life experiences influenced the themes and topics that she wrote about in her poetry. She hails from a wealthy family, was educated and was a member of the church, all of which appear to have had an influence on her work. For example, her poem ‘The Soul Selects Her Own Society’ reflects her independent nature and longing for a solitary life, as well as her religious convictions. The poem also appeared to be a criticism of her place in society as she sought to distance herself from the established norms of the day.
Some of her poems were considered by some to be sexually provocative and perhaps an indication of her attitude towards traditional gender roles. Additionally, she wrote poems about ill health such as her own limited mobility, and alluded to the ‘blithe spirits’ she met and interacted with in her final days. Her writing has since been interpreted by feminist scholars as a reflection of her frustrations with the expectations placed upon her as a woman. As such, Emily Dickinson’s life experiences have had a profound influence on her poetry.
Application of Emily Dickinson’s Life to Her Poetry
Emily Dickinson’s poetry is a reflection of her life experiences. Her poem, ‘The Soul Selects Her Own Society’ is a clear reference to her patriarchal society, and conveys her desire for self-reliance and independence. Her refusal to take part in traditional gender roles is reflected in the poem ‘It Was Not Death, For I Stood Up’, where she questions death and mortality. The poem ‘One Need Never Leave Her Room’ is inspired by her ill health, as she mentions being ‘the only one alive/ In this forgotten world’.
The poem also alludes to her eccentric reclusiveness as she is seemingly happiest being alone. The poem ‘To Fill a Gap’ reflects her struggles with religion and speaks of her desire to be closer to God in an unconventional manner. This poem, along with many others, emphasizes Emily Dickinson’s internal struggle to define who she was and where she belonged in her world.
Emily Dickinson’s Legacy
Emily Dickinson is recognized as a pioneering poet who shaped the course of American literature. Her life and experiences, particularly the tragedy and tragedies encountered, all of which shaped her world view and ultimately helped define her work. As a woman, she faced restrictions and expectations, yet she used her creativity to express her feelings and her growing understanding of the world around her. Through her unique expression, she has left a lasting legacy and inspired countless readers and writers.
Significance of Emily Dickinson’s Life to Her Poetry
Emily Dickinson’s life had an enormous influence on her poetry, as her experiences and observations found their way into her work. Through her poems, she spoke of the joy of a solitary life, the shame of traditional gender roles, the tragedy of ill health and death, and her struggles with religion. Her use of romantic language and emotion in her poems shed light on her own inner experiences and her quest to find her place in the world.
These themes are still relevant today and readers continue to be inspired by Emily Dickinson’s work because of the connections it establishes with their own lives. Her poetry encourages readers to reflect upon their own lives and ask questions about themselves and their place in the world. In this way, Emily Dickinson’s life has had an enormous impact on her poetry and has left an enduring legacy for readers and writers alike.
Poetical Devices Used in Emily Dickinson’s Poetry
Emily Dickinson was a master at using poetic devices to convey her feelings and experiences. She often crafted her works using creative metaphors and imagery to evoke powerful emotions from her readers. Her most effective tool was her use of personification, which she used to bring her characters to life and lend them a human quality.
She often used repetition of words and phrases to emphasize certain ideas and draw attention to certain topics. Through her use of alliteration, Dickinson was able to make her words flow smoothly and beautifully. Her use of rhyme, rhythm and meter also enabled her to create strong, rhythmic lines that captivated her readers.
Dickinson also used symbolism as a way to express her innermost thoughts and feelings. She often compared tangible objects to metaphorically represent abstract concepts such as death, freedom, and love. Her use of symbols inspired readers to explore her poems and gain a deeper understanding of herself and her poetry. This unique style of writing is what has made Emily Dickinson one of the most beloved poets of all time.
Unique Writing Style of Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson was known for her unique style of writing which is often characterized by her creative use of poetic devices, such as metaphors, symbols, and alliteration. She employed a melancholic, almost dreary tone when describing her experiences and thoughts. This unique writing style is oftentimes referred to as a ‘Dickinsonian’ style.
Her writing style was also greatly influenced by her love of nature and the outdoors, which is evident in the vivid imagery she often used to depict her experiences. Her use of hyperbole, irony and sensory imagery allowed her to convey her innermost thoughts and feelings in an artistic and powerful way.
Emily Dickinson’s writing style is often praised as being extremely expressive and emotive. She used her words to evoke powerful emotions from her readers and this is what gave her work its lasting impact. Her unique writing style has set her apart from other poets of her time and continues to inspire contemporary writers.
Emily Dickinson’s Reception by Critic and Public
Although Emily Dickinson was an acclaimed poet during her lifetime, her works did not attract much attention as she rarely shared them outside of her close circle of friends. Her works were largely misunderstood when they were first published due to the unique style in which she wrote them. However, as she gained more recognition and was praised by literary critics, her popularity grew.
The public also reacted positively to Emily Dickinson’s work and she quickly gained a devoted fan base. Her work was often praised for its depth and complexity, as well as its ability to make readers think and reflect upon their own life. Her poetry was also seen as revolutionary as it challenged traditional views of poetry and embraced a new style of expression.
The feminist perspective is another reaction to Emily Dickinson’s work. Dickinson’s struggles with traditional gender roles are widely evident in her writing and through her work, she brought these issues to the forefront. This re-examination of her work in light of contemporary debates on women’s rights has further increased her popularity.
Conclusion of Emily Dickinson’s Contribution to Poetry
Emily Dickinson stands out as one of the most influential American poets of all time. Her life experiences have had a profound influence on her work and she has left a lasting legacy through her unique use of language, her exploration of traditional gender roles and her understanding of death and mortality. Her use of poetic devices such as personification and symbolism have allowed her to convey her inner thoughts and musings in a deeply personal way.
Emily Dickinson’s work has been widely praised and continues to inspire readers and writers alike. Through her work, she has re-envisioned what poetry is, allowing readers to delve into their own individual experiences and ponder upon their place in the world. Emily Dickinson has indeed made an enduring impression on the world of poetry and will continue to deeply inspire fore generations to come.
