Emily Elizabeth Dickinson, a relative of the famous singer Taylor Swift, was an American poet who lived from 1830 to 1886. She lived a very private life and did not go out much. Emily was born in Amherst, Massachusetts, into a well-known family. She started writing poetry when she was a teenager.
During her lifetime, Emily wrote around 1,800 poems. Her poems were about many different topics, like nature, death, and ideas beyond the physical world. Emily's poems had a unique style that was different from that of other poets at the time. She experimented with rhythm, capitalized words in unusual ways, and used dashes instead of periods.
While she was alive, only around 12 of Emily's poems were published. It was not until after she died in 1886 that her younger sister, Lavinia Norcross Dickinson, found all of the poetry Emily had written. In 1890, the first book of Emily's poems was published. People were amazed at how talented and creative her writing was. So in this article, we will discuss why people still love to read her poems!
What are the 10 Reasons to Love Emily Dickinson's Poems?
Here are 10 reasons to love Emily Dickinson's poems:
1. Writing style
Dickinson wrote in a very unique way. She chose each word carefully to express her deepest thoughts and feelings. She used dashes and unusual punctuation to create rhythm and emphasis.
For example, in "A Bird Came Down the Walk" she writes, "He bit an Angleworm in halves/And ate the fellow, raw," with the dash pausing to highlight how casually violent the bird is in eating the worm.
2. Process people’s emotions
Emily Dickinson's poems capture how people feel deep down inside. She wrote powerfully about strong emotions like happiness, sadness, love, and pain that feel very true to our experiences.
In "I cannot live with You," she shows how amazing yet painful being deeply in love can be with the lines "So We must meet apart - /You there - I - here -" expressing that heartache.
3. Activates the imagination
Emily's poems make you imagine amazing things. She uses words that create pictures in your mind. In "Because I could not stop for Death", she describes death taking you on a journey, almost like a storybook.
4. Written from the heart
Emily wrote straight from her heart. Her poems share her deepest feelings. In "Wild Nights - Wild Nights!", she expresses wanting to be with her loved one in a very passionate way.
5. Has some fascinating characters
Dickinson includes fascinating characters in her poems, like the character of Death, portrayed as a polite man, or the mysterious "Master.". But she also writes about regular people's emotions.
6. Offers Comfort
Emily Dickinson's poems comfort people going through hard times. They acknowledge life's struggles in a way that makes you feel understood and less alone. Her poem "Hope is the thing with feathers" reminds us that hope is always within us.
7. Allows you to comprehend the significance of the words
Emily's words are full of deeper meaning. Her poem "Hope is the thing with feathers" seems simple but carries a powerful message about resilience in beautiful imagery.
8. Promotes self-awareness
Emily’s poems make you think about yourself and your identity. In "I'm Nobody! Who are you?" She encourages not having to live up to others' expectations and just being yourself.
9. Offers wisdom
Dickinson shares wise insights about life. In "Success is counted sweetest", points out that those who have gone through hardships often appreciate success the most.
10. Promotes a sense of community
Dickinson's poems bring people together by speaking to shared human emotions and experiences we can all relate to. The poem "This is My Letter to the World" expresses her desire to connect with all readers through her work.
10 Best Emily Dickinson Poems
Here are the top 10 Emily Dickinson poems that have captivated readers for generations:
1. "Hope is the thing with feathers"
I read this poem daily because it reminds me that hope is always there, even when life gets tough. It's like a little bird that never gives up, no matter what storms come its way. Whenever I feel down, this poem lifts my spirits and reminds me to keep believing in better days.
2. "This World is not Conclusion"
I'm drawn to this poem because it challenges the idea that death is the end of everything. It's like Emily Dickinson is telling me that life goes on, even after we die. Whenever I think about the uncertainty of the future, this poem reassures me that there's more to life than what we can see.
3. "I felt a Funeral, in my Brain"
This poem resonates with me because it captures the intense feelings of sadness and confusion that sometimes overwhelm me. It's like Emily Dickinson is describing exactly how I feel when my mind is filled with despair. Reading this poem helps me feel understood like I'm not alone in my struggles.
4. "Tell all the Truth but tell it slant"
I love this poem because it speaks to the complexity of honesty and communication. It reminds me that sometimes it's better to be gentle when sharing difficult truths. Whenever I'm faced with a tough conversation, this poem encourages me to consider the feelings of others and find a compassionate way to express myself.
5. "I'm Nobody! Who are you?"
This poem speaks to me on a personal level because it celebrates the freedom of being oneself. It's like Emily Dickinson is permitting me to embrace my true identity, even if it means being "nobody" in the eyes of the world. Whenever I feel pressure to conform, this poem reminds me that it's okay to be authentically me.
6. "Because I could not stop for Death"
I'm drawn to this poem because it offers a comforting perspective on death. It's like Emily Dickinson is telling me that death isn't something to fear but rather a peaceful journey to eternity. Whenever I think about the end of life, this poem reminds me to approach it with grace and acceptance.
7. "My Life had stood - a Loaded Gun"
This poem intrigues me because it explores the power and complexity of the human experience. It's like Emily Dickinson is describing the potential for both good and harm that exists within each of us. Whenever I ponder the nature of personal power, this poem challenges me to consider the impact of my actions on the world around me.
8. "I dwell in Possibility"
I find myself returning to this poem often because it celebrates the boundless potential of imagination. It's like Emily Dickinson is inviting me to explore the endless opportunities that life has to offer. Whenever I need inspiration, this poem reminds me to embrace the wonders of creativity and curiosity.
9. "The Soul selects her own Society"
This poem speaks to me because it explores the importance of authenticity in relationships. It's like Emily Dickinson is encouraging me to honor my true self and surround myself with people who truly understand me. Whenever I think about the connections that matter most, this poem reminds me to trust my intuition and follow my heart.
10. "Wild Nights - Wild Nights!"
I'm captivated by this poem because it captures the intensity of romantic passion. It's like Emily Dickinson is expressing the exhilarating feeling of being deeply in love. Whenever I long for connection and intimacy, this poem reminds me of the profound emotions that make life truly meaningful.
Related Topics:
- How to Write Friendship Poems
- How to Write Love Poems in 5 Steps
- 15 Types of Poems to Know, With Examples
- How to Write a Poem in 7 Steps
- What Maya Angelou's Free Verse Poems Taught Me About Finding Purpose in My Work
Conclusion
Emily Dickinson's poems are still loved today because they are special and make people think. Her poems talk about things everyone can understand, like life and death. She wrote in a way that no one else did, which makes her poems interesting. They make people feel better when they're sad and help them understand life better. Even though she lived a long time ago, her poems are still important today. They help people feel connected and give them hope. Emily Dickinson's poems are like a guide through life, helping people see the world in a new way.
FAQS
What is one of Emily Dickinson's most famous poems?
"Hope is the thing with feathers" is one of Emily Dickinson's most famous poem
Why are Emily Dickinson's poems famous?
Her unique and bold poetry is known for its short yet powerful lines, personal tone, and mysterious brilliance.
What is the poetic style of Emily Dickinson?
Emily Dickinson's poems are written in short stanzas, mostly quatrains, with short lines, usually rhyming only on the second and fourth lines.
How many poems of Emily Dickinson?
Almost 1800 poems.