The Early Years of Dickinson
Emily Dickinson grew up in Amherst, Massachusetts with her family. The dawn of the 19th-century saw her as a withdrawn and shy girl. She was not particularly interested in socialising yet she was always a very bright student. As she grew older, Dickinson developed an interest in writing and the world of literature, but her family was largely unimpressed by her heightened imagination and creativity. Dickinson’s family saw writing as a frivolous hobby and rarely encouraged her. Despite this, Dickinson was determined to pursue her dreams and master the craft of writing. She started to write more consistently, demonstrating a great deal of passion for literature.
The Overview of Dickinson’s Writing
One of the most noteworthy aspects of Dickinson’s writing is that she wrote mostly poetry. However, she also wrote some short stories, letters, and philosophical texts. Dickinson’s poetry was largely reflective in nature and often contained vivid descriptions of her personal life and experiences. Her poetry can be seen as an expression of her inner world, one that is both mystical and profound. A lot of her poetry includes concepts of afterlife, mortality and death, as well as other abstract notions.
The Societal Significance of Dickinson’s Writing
Dickinson was living during a time of strong religious and conservative values. The notion of a woman expressing her thoughts and feelings through her writing was frowned upon. This made Dickinson’s writing even more significant and powerful, as it served to break down societal barriers and express forbidden ideas. Her poetry provided insight into her internal thoughts, desires and opinions and allowed the reader to gain an understanding of the repressed emotions and thoughts of women living in an oppressive environment.
The Impact of Religion on Dickinson’s Writing
It should come as no surprise that religion had a major impact on Dickinson’s writing, considering the fact that she lived in a staunchly religious society. Dickinson’s writing is heavily influenced by religious themes, and it often features imagery of salvation, judgement and faith. A great many of her poems also drew inspiration from the bible, referencing bible stories and religious concepts. By combining a traditional religious perspective with her own musings and ideas, Dickinson was able to create a unique brand of poetry that was at once religious and deeply personal.
The Literary Style of Dickinson
Emily Dickinson’s writing style was unique and progressive for her era. She was an innovator of form, choosing to write her poems in an unconventional structure. Her poems often contain broken lines and unconventional syntax, which can be seen as Dickinson’s way of pushing the boundaries of traditional literary conventions. She believed in the power of words and often utilised her writing to make a statement about the world around her. Her words were carefully chosen and even her syntax served to emphasise the impact of her thoughts.
The Literary Reception of Dickinson
During her lifetime, Emily Dickinson’s writing was largely overlooked and she remained relatively unknown in the literary world. She chose to largely stay away from the public eye, preferring to write in relative anonymity. It was only after her death, that her work began to be critically acclaimed. Much of her work was seen as revolutionary, putting her in a league of her own when it comes to 19th-century literature. Today, she is widely recognised as one of the creative geniuses of her time.
Dickinson’s Legacy
Emily Dickinson left behind a timeless legacy. Her unique and experimental writing style changed how people viewed literature and influenced a generation of writers. She created a body of work that remains relevant and powerful to this day. Her status as one of the greatest writers of the 19th century is well founded, and it is quite impressive that she was able to achieve such stellar success without being given the proper recognition during her lifetime.
The Higher Purpose of Dickinson’s Writing
It is not hard to understand that Emily Dickinson wrote poetry as an outlet. Amidst a society that was suppressing her thoughts and opinions, poetry afforded Dickinson the opportunity to truly express her views and ideas without judgement. Her poetry was ultimately about liberation, about freeing oneself from the restraints of a soulless and oppressive system. Her work sought to show the world what it meant to be a woman living in a world controlled by men. Her poetry was a reflection of her inner reality, giving voice to the thoughts and feelings of a repressed society.
Themes in Dickinson’s Poetry
Detection of common themes in Emily Dickinson’s poetry reveals her core beliefs and values. She frequently drew on her interest in religious faith and mortality to craft her work, often focusing on the idea of life and death. Dickinson was unafraid to tackle the questions of existence and did so with a certain grace. This is why she was so successful in her exploration of life – Dickinson was brave enough to approach these deeper themes in her writing and address them with an honesty and sincerity that is rarely seen in literature.
The Visual Nature of Dickinson’s Poetry
Emily Dickinson’s poetry was unique in its visual nature. She was able to convey her emotions, thoughts and personalities through her descriptions of the world. Dickinson’s work frequently features vivid scenes and descriptions, often making use of metaphor and symbolism. Her poetry is like a painting with words, allowing the reader to step into a world full of vibrant colours, sounds and images. Dickinson sought to create a work of art with her words and often used her writing as a way to explore her own emotions.
The Unique Use of Language in Dickinson’s Poetry
As previously demonstrated, Emily Dickinson was an innovator of form. She often incorporated broken lines, unconventional syntax and unusual diction. Dickinson’s language is full of pauses, fragmentations and imagery-driven expressions that allows the reader to capture the emotions and ideas that are being expressed. In an era when traditional language was becoming increasingly prevalent, Dickinson chose to be daring and creative in her choice of language, ultimately creating a unique and unforgettable style of poetry.
