Emily Dickinson (1830-86)

Emily Dickinson (1830-86)

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Father was a lawyer who believed to Puritan princicples, mother loved by her, sister took care of all, brother concentrated on the country. She was educated in a female seminar and kept between people without hope.

From her mid-20 she began to close in herself and rarely left home. By 30 total recluse.

She was influenced by Higginson who advised her not to publish her poems (only 7 of 1800 poetry and writing letters).

The themes of her poems are traditional love, nature, religion, and mortality explained in original way. She talks about funerals, volcanoes, storm but also butterflies, birds and sunrays.

She use methaphors, unusual personification, frequent dashes and capital letters.

"Apparently with no surprise" (Parafrasi)

Apparently, with no surprise,

frozen drops of water cuts its head off

to any happy flower

in an accidental way.

The blonde assassin passes on;

The sun, unmoved, proceeds

marking out another day

for an indifferent God.

"The saddest Noise"

Charming poem in ballad form (like others Dickinson's song) that describes the strong impact of nature on the senses and feelings. The voice of birds reminds us of the past, things we now regret so they can break the heart. In fact, the ear (the senses) and are the heart (the inner life) are closely connected.

Trascendentalist movement (middle '800) marked a significant break from the puritan tradition.

It was exalted feelings and intuition over reason. A self realisation through a life lived organically in communion with nature.