Emily Dickinson was an American poet who is considered one of the most important figures in American literature.
She is known for her unconventional style and her exploration of complex themes such as death, immortality, and the nature of reality.
Dickinson was born in Amherst, Massachusetts, to a prominent family. She was educated at the Amherst Academy and Mount Holyoke Female Seminary, but she did not graduate from either school.
Dickinson began writing poetry at a young age, and she continued to write throughout her life. However, she only published a handful of her poems during her lifetime. Most of her poems were not published until after her death.
Dickinson's poems are characterized by their brevity, their use of dashes, and their unconventional imagery. They often deal with themes of death, immortality, and the nature of reality. Dickinson's poems have been praised for their originality and their insights into the human condition.
Dickinson lived a relatively secluded life. She rarely left her home, and she had few close friends. She died in 1886 at the age of 55.
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Family Overview
Emily Dickinson came from a loving family and had parents she was close to.
Her father was a well-known politician and lawyer who had a passion for writing. Her mother was not fond of writing but was always loving and supportive.
She had two siblings, each outliving her. Her brother was the only child to marry.
She would often write about her family in her poetry.
Emily never married or had any children. There was a possible romantic interest, but nothing ever came of it.
Family Tree Chart
Parents:
Edward Dickinson (1803 - 1874) - U.S. Congressman. He attended Amherst Academy, graduated from Yale College in 1823, studied law at the law school of Northampton Law School Massachusetts, was admitted to the bar, and proceeded to practice law in Amherst, Massachusetts, in 1826. He was treasurer of Amherst College, a member of the Massachusetts State House of Representatives, served in the Massachusetts State Senate, and a member of the Governor’s Council. In 1853, he was elected as a Whig to the Thirty-third Congress, serving until 1855. Declining to be a candidate for reelection, he practiced law and was again elected a member of the Massachusetts State House of Representatives in 1873 and served until his death at age 71.
Emily Elizabeth Norcross (1804 - 1882) - She did not share the love of writing as her husband and daughter. She had a courtship with her husband for two years, and then they married. They had three children together. She outlived her husband by 8 years.
Spouse: None
Children: None
Siblings:
William Austin Dickinson (1829 - 1895) - He married and had three children, with only one living to an old age. He was the only son in the family.
Lavinia Elizabeth Dickinson (1833 - 1899) - After Emily's death, "Vinnie" found numerous manuscripts hidden in the bureau drawer of Emily's bedroom. "Vinnie" is the catalyst in the publication of Dickinson's poetry and letters. With the help of Thomas Wentworth Higgins (editor) and Mabel Loomis Todd, Emily Dickinson's poetry was published four years after her death in a book called simply Poems. Lavinia never married and lived at her childhood Homestead until her death in 1899.