Emily Dickinson, “Poems” (1890)

Poems that influenced the world

Introduction

Emily Dickinson, an American poet, is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative poets of the 19th century. Her collection of poems, often simply referred to as “Poems” (1890), is a testament to her unique and groundbreaking approach to poetry. In this response, I will delve into the various aspects of Emily Dickinson’s “Poems” (1890), including the historical context of the collection, Dickinson’s poetic style and themes, as well as the critical reception and impact of her work.

About the Author

Emily Dickinson was born on December 10, 1830, in Amherst, Massachusetts. She attended Mount Holyoke Female Seminary in South Hadley, but only for one year.

Dickinson’s poetry was heavily influenced by the Metaphysical poets of seventeenth-century England, as well as her reading of the Book of Revelation and her upbringing in a Puritan New England town, which encouraged a Calvinist, orthodox, and conservative approach to Christianity.

Upon her death, Dickinson’s family discovered forty handbound volumes of nearly 1,800 poems, or “fascicles,” as they are sometimes called. Dickinson assembled these booklets by folding and sewing five or six sheets of stationery paper and copying what seemed to be final versions of poems. The poems were initially unbound and published according to the aesthetics of her many early editors, who removed her annotations. Which were then republished with the physical copies annotations.

About the Book

Emily Dickinson’s poetic style is characterized by its brevity, unconventional punctuation, and use of slant rhyme. Her poems often refrain from traditional poetic forms and meter, opting instead for a more free-flowing and unorthodox structure. This departure from established poetic conventions was a radical departure from the prevailing literary norms of her time, and it is one of the reasons why her work was initially met with skepticism.

In terms of themes, Dickinson’s “Poems” (1890) grapples with a wide array of subjects, ranging from the mundane to the metaphysical. Nature features prominently in her poetry, and she often uses natural imagery to explore profound existential questions. Additionally, Dickinson’s exploration of the self and the inner workings of the human mindset her apart from her contemporaries. Her introspective and often enigmatic verses invite readers to ponder the mysteries of life, death, and the human experience.

Legacy

The critical reception of Emily Dickinson’s “Poems” (1890) has evolved significantly since its initial publication. As mentioned earlier, the collection was largely overlooked during Dickinson’s lifetime, and it was only after her death that her work began to receive the attention it deserved. Early critics struggled to categorize and comprehend Dickinson’s unconventional style, and her poetry was often dismissed as eccentric and overly obscure.

However, as literary tastes and scholarly perspectives evolved, Dickinson’s poetry gradually gained recognition for its innovative approach and profound insights. Modern critics and scholars now regard Dickinson as a trailblazer who challenged the boundaries of poetic expression and delved into the depths of the human psyche. Her influence can be seen in the work of countless poets and writers who followed in her footsteps, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations of readers and creators.

In the end, Emily Dickinson’s “Poems” (1890) stands as a testament to her enduring impact on American literature and poetry. By defying literary conventions and delving into the complexities of the human experience, Dickinson crafted a body of work that continues to captivate and provoke readers to this day. Her belated published collection serves as a timeless testament to the power of poetry to transcend time and speak to the universal truths of the human condition.

Works Cited

“Emily Dickinson.” Poets.Org, Academy of American Poets, 22 Sept. 2022, poets.org/poet/emily-dickinson.

Loyola University Chicago Loyola Ecommons, ecommons.luc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1117&context=luc_theses. Accessed 18 Nov. 2023.