Decoding Dickinson: A Reader's Guide to Analyzing the Classic Poet

Emily Dickinson is generally thought to have lived a very secluded life in Amherst, Massachusetts. But although there is no record of travel, there are many records of correspondence to other writers of her time. She consistently contacted others whose opinions she held in high regard, importunining them to offer advice. The dialog she carried on with them shows she was greatly aware of her audience, despite the fact that her work was for the most part obscure during her lifetime. As a result of her correspondence and diligence to her art, she left us a host of beautifully crafted and deceptively simple poetry to pick apart and analyze.

Dickinson's work is perhaps most recognizable for her very characteristic use of odd grammatical structure in her poetry. Because of her odd style, unaware readers may find her poetry difficult at first. With dashes in unlikely positions and abnormal captilization patterns, her works are not easily deciphered to someone lacking the proper introduction to her style. I hope that this article will be that proper introduction for you and you will grow to love her works.

Dickinson uses metaphorical language often in her poetry. She uses her metaphors to describe a picture to illustrate a deeper principle of a bigger idea. It might even hint at several truths at once, setting the stage for her ultimate message. She often achieves this effect using a tight bundle of words, using minimal verbage to depict a larger concept. Readers capable of utilizing Dickinson's word art and allow the mind to paint a bigger picture will most likely understand Dickinson's form most accurately. This may sound very difficult, but once you pick it up, you will not be able to stop.