As a prolific and enigmatic poet of the 19th century, Emily Dickinson delved into many subjects in her works – ranging from nature, spirituality, and religion to the inescapable aspect of death. Her richly emotional poems are appreciated for their evocative language, vivid imagery and characteristic style. 

Join Rock&Art to explore some of Emily Dickinson’s most profound literary offerings, where she explores themes of love, mortality, and immortality. As mentioned, we will embark on a thought-stimulating and wise journey into her world of nuanced views and pieces. In the process, we will discover how they still resonate deeply with readers even to this day. 

The Life and Times of Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson was an American poet born in Amherst, Massachusetts, 1830. Her poetry is known for its unique style, which often includes unconventional punctuation and syntax. Dickinson lived most of her life in seclusion, only leaving her family’s home for short periods. She was a prolific writer, producing almost 1,800 poems during her lifetime, although only a few were published while she lived. 

Her poetry explores themes of love, death, and immortality, and she often uses nature as a metaphor to express her ideas. Dickinson was also interested in science and botany, and her passion for these subjects is reflected in her poetry. Despite her reclusive nature, Dickinson had a close relationship with her family and corresponded with many friends through letters. She died at 55, leaving behind a legacy of poetry that continues to inspire. Today, she is considered one of the most influential American poets of the 19th century, and her work continues to be studied and celebrated.

Love and Death: Dickinson’s Perspectives

In her poems, Dickison portrays love as a powerful force that can overcome the inevitability of death. She sees love as an eternal connection transcending time and space and often writes about how love can endure even after death. 

In one of her most famous poems, “Because I Could Not Stop for Death,” Dickinson personifies death as a gentleman who takes her on a carriage ride through life, eventually leading her to her eternal resting place. In this poem, she suggests that death is not to be feared but is a natural part of life. 

I felt a Funeral, in my Brain,
And Mourners to and fro
Kept treading – treading – till it seemed
That Sense was breaking through –
And when they all were seated,
A Service, like a Drum – 
Kept beating – beating – till I thought
My Mind was going numb – 

Emily Dickinson- Writer

Dickinson’s perspectives on love and death are closely intertwined. She suggests that love gives life meaning and purpose in many of her poems. Love is what makes life worth living, and it is what makes death less frightening.

Emily Dickinson’s perspectives on love and death are complex and nuanced. Through her poetry, she challenges traditional views of life and mortality.

Emily Dickinson’s Legacy In Contemporary Poetry

Emily Dickinson is considered one of the greatest American poets of all time, and her legacy is still very much alive in contemporary poetry. Her unique style and subject matter have inspired countless poets and writers, and her influence can be seen in the works of many contemporary poets. 

Dickinson’s exploration of universal themes has resonated with people for generations, and her ability to capture the essence of the human experience in her poetry is still admired today. 

Many contemporary poets have been inspired by Dickinson’s use of language and her ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful imagery. Her influence can be seen in the works of poets such as Mary Oliver, who also writes about nature and the human experience in a way that is both accessible and profound. 

Additionally, some contemporary poets’ minimalist style is reminiscent of Dickinson’s unique style. It’s worth mentioning the poet E.E. Cummings used unconventional capitalisation and punctuation in his poetry, similar to Dickinson’s style. Another poet heavily influenced by Dickinson is Sylvia Plath, who used dashes and fragmented sentences to create a sense of urgency and intensity in her writing.

Dickinson’s influence can also be seen in the work of modern poets like Anne Sexton and Adrienne Rich, who have been inspired by her boldness and willingness to tackle taboo subjects such as death and mental illness. 

Emily Dickinson Must-Read Publications

As previously mentioned, Emily Dickinson was a brilliant writer whose work explored themes such as love, death, and immortality. Despite being a prolific writer throughout her lifetime, she only published a handful of her poems. The first volume of her work wasn’t published until four years after her death. 

But even with these few publications, Dickinson’s work has had a tremendous impact on literature and continues to inspire readers and writers alike. Another notable publication is the poem “I Heard a Fly Buzz When I Died”, which, similarly to “Because I Could Not Stop for Death”, also explores the theme of death. In this poem, the narrator describes their death, with the fly buzzing as a reminder of life’s impermanence. 

Dickinson’s poetry often reflects on the inevitability of death, but it isn’t always grim. Her work is filled with wonder and curiosity; she often finds beauty in the most unexpected places. 

Emily Dickinson may have only published a few poems in her lifetime, but her legacy clearly impacts readers and writers.