Emily Dickinson, American Poet
Women and Adversity: Emily Dickinson, American Poet
To continue the tribute to poets because April is National Poetry Month, I chose Emily Dickinson, the 19th century poet that is required reading in American literature classes.
I like Dickinson because I can understand her poems. “I’m nobody, who are you?” is one that hits home. “Because I could not Stop for Death” is another that has meaning for those who believe in immortality.
Well educated and reclusive, she never married and few of her works were published in her lifetime. After her death in 1886, her sister, Lavinia, discovered about 1,800 of her poems. A volume was published in 1890, but it wasn’t until 1955 that “The Poems of Emily Dickinson” was published.
Dickinson’s works make people think and meditate on her words. They are inspirational and encourage people to consider their goals and ambitions in life.
Nuala O’Connor’s “Miss Emily” is a fictional version of Dickinson’s life based on what is known of the poet.
More about Dickinson is at:
http://www.biography.com/people/emily-dickinson-9274190#early-life-and-education
http://www.publishersweekly.com/9780143126751
