Emily Dickinson (1830-1886), the greatest female American poet, lived as a recluse, since she rarely entertained company and was reluctant to leave her home, or even her room. Most of her time was spent only with her thoughts and reflections as company.
She published a handful of poems during her life, but after her death, her family discovered a staggering opus of more than 1.800 poems among her things.
“The woman in white”, as she was called because of her love for white clothes, wrote on subjects such as immortality, death, sorrow, joy, love and loss. Her poems were heavily edited due to the strict rules and morality of the late eighteen-hundreds, and it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that her unabridged works were published.
Dickinson was considered an eccentric by her peers in life, and more so by critics once her poems were published, because of unusual capitalization, use of verse and punctuation.
On Expression
Dickinson valued silence and honesty, and thought that sometimes it was better not to speak and waste words.
Saying nothing…sometimes says the most.”
“Dogs are better than human beings because they know but do not tell.”
Truth is so rare that it is delightful to tell it.”
On Others
Although she was rarely seen in public and sometimes even spoke to her guests through a closed door, Emily valued friendships and relationships deeply. She was also dedicated to helping others in any way possible.
If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain:
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.”
My friends are my estate.”
On God and Religion
Having spent years in a seminary, Emily returned with many questions regarding God. While she did acknowledge the existence of a deity, she often voiced her doubts of his actions.
They say that God is everywhere, and yet we always think of Him as somewhat of a recluse.”
“Parting is all we know of Heaven, and all we need of Hell.”
Vinnie [Dickinson’s sister] rocks her Garden and moans that God won’t help her. I suppose he is too busy getting angry with the Wicked every day.”
Life and Death
The poet loved life, and in spite of often writing about loss and suffering, described it as a journey which can give plenty of joy to those who know where to look for it.
Find ecstasy in life; the mere sense of living is joy enough.”
“Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality.”
To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else.”
The Heart Asks Pleasure
One of Dickinson’s most famous poems describes the living cycle of the heart, or the development of love.
The Heart asks Pleasure — first —
And then — Excuse from Pain —
And then — those little Anodynes
That deaden suffering —And then — to go to sleep —
And then — if it should be
The will of its Inquisitor
The privilege to die”
Have any of your own favorite Emily Dickinson quotes? Please, share with us your thoughts!
Cover photo: www.poetryfoundation.org
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