Emily Dickinson: Embracing Solitude Through Poetry

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Emily Dickinson — In Her Solitude

by Rizky Purwa at medium.com 03-11-2024

https://medium.com/@purwarizky123/emily-dickinson-in-her-solitude-005609d0ac83

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In the context of Emily Dickinson's exploration of solitude and poetry during the holiday season, it is evident that she finds solace in her own company and in the act of writing poetry. Dickinson's reference to her cats named after characters from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice highlights her love for literature and how it intertwines with her personal life. The mention of mortality during winter reflects Dickinson's contemplative nature, as she ponders on the transient nature of life. Despite societal expectations to partake in festive gatherings, Dickinson chooses to retreat into her poetic world as a form of sanctuary against intrusion.

Dickinson encourages readers who also find comfort in solitude to embrace their inner selves during the holiday season. She suggests using poetry as a medium for expressing affection and gratitude towards loved ones while maintaining privacy by storing these sentiments away from prying eyes. By emphasizing individual choice in finding one's sanctuary - whether beneath floorboards or amidst relics - Dickinson underscores the importance of personal autonomy in navigating social expectations. Her use of metaphors like "Hope is the thing with feathers" conveys both resilience and vulnerability inherent in human experiences.

The tension between societal norms and personal inclinations is palpable in Dickinson's reflections on familial queries regarding her solitary lifestyle. While she values moments spent alone crafting verses, external pressures from family members like Lavinia disrupt this tranquility by urging participation in social gatherings. This conflict underscores Dickinson’s struggle to balance self-expression through poetry with familial obligations, highlighting the complexities inherent in defining one’s identity within a communal setting. Ultimately, Dickinson seeks refuge within her written words as a means to preserve her inner sanctum amidst external demands for conformity.