When Did Emily Dickinson Start Writing? A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated American poets of all time. She was born in Amherst, Massachusetts in 1830 and lived a relatively quiet life there until her death in 1886. She wrote nearly 1,800 poems during her lifetime, although only a handful were published before her death. Her works have since become renowned for their unique style and insight into the human condition. This article explores when Emily Dickinson started writing, how her works developed over time, and the sources of her inspiration.

Exploring Emily Dickinson’s Early Writing Life

Emily Dickinson began writing at a young age. As a child, she was exposed to various forms of literature, from the Bible to Shakespeare. Her family encouraged her interest in poetry, often hosting readings of classic works in their home. These early experiences had a lasting influence on Dickinson’s writing style, as she would later draw on these authors for inspiration.

Her first known poem, “The Tint of Grief,” was written when she was just nine years old. Though it was never published, it showed promise of the great works to come. Throughout her teenage years, Dickinson continued to write poetry and even sent some of her work to family members as gifts. She also kept journals, which contained many of her earliest writings.

A Timeline of Emily Dickinson’s Writing Career

Throughout her adult life, Dickinson continued to write, though she rarely sought publication. In 1858, she sent four poems to The Springfield Republican, but they were rejected. In 1862, she submitted six poems to the Atlantic Monthly, but again, they were not accepted. Despite this, Dickinson continued to write and refine her craft, eventually becoming one of the most famous American poets of all time.

In 1890, four years after her death, her first collection of poems was published. Titled Poems by Emily Dickinson, it included many of her best-known works. This was followed by a second collection, Further Poems by Emily Dickinson, in 1896. The two volumes were widely praised and established Dickinson’s place in the literary canon.

How Emily Dickinson Found Her Voice Through Writing

Dickinson’s writing style was unique and captivating. She used short lines and a conversational tone to create an intimate bond with her readers. She also employed imagery, metaphor, and other poetic devices to explore themes of love, death, and nature. Her works often featured a strong sense of irony, as well as a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature.

Though she wrote in traditional poetic forms, such as sonnets and villanelles, Dickinson often strayed from the conventions of these forms. This gave her work an experimental quality that set it apart from other poets of the time. Her willingness to push the boundaries of poetic form helped her to develop her own distinct voice.

Investigating the Roots of Emily Dickinson’s Poems

Dickinson’s poems often drew on personal experiences and observations. She wrote about topics ranging from love and loss to religion and nature. Many of her poems explored mortality and the mysteries of the afterlife. Others focused on the power of nature and its ability to bring comfort and solace in times of distress.

Many of Dickinson’s poems also featured philosophical musings on the nature of existence. She often used her works to question conventional wisdom and societal norms. Her willingness to challenge existing beliefs made her works both timely and timeless.

Tracing the Development of Emily Dickinson’s Writing Style

Over the course of her career, Dickinson continued to refine her writing style. Her earlier works tended to be more formal and structured, while her later works featured a more experimental approach. She also became increasingly comfortable with exploring unconventional topics, such as death and religion. Her works from the late 1860s and 1870s are often considered her best, as they demonstrate her full mastery of the form.

Examining Emily Dickinson’s Inspiration for Writing

Dickinson drew inspiration from many sources, including literature, music, and nature. She was particularly influenced by the works of Walt Whitman, whose free-verse style she often emulated. She also looked to the Bible, Shakespeare, and other classic authors for inspiration. Her love of music can also be seen in her works, as many of her poems feature musical elements or references to songs.

Uncovering the Hidden Gems of Emily Dickinson’s Literary Beginnings

Though much of her work was not published during her lifetime, Dickinson wrote thousands of poems and letters. Many of these works remain unpublished or little-known, but they offer valuable insight into the evolution of her writing style. These lesser-known works demonstrate the development of her craft and provide a glimpse into her creative process.

Conclusion

Emily Dickinson started writing at a young age and continued to refine her craft throughout her life. She drew inspiration from literature, music, and nature, and used these influences to develop her own unique style. Her works explored a range of topics, from love and loss to religion and nature. Through her works, Dickinson found her voice and left an indelible mark on the literary world.