Emily Dickinson and Adrienne Rich Essay - 2741 Words

Emily Dickinson and Adrienne Rich The modernist period, stretching from the late 19th century to approximately 1960, is a very distinct phase in the progression of American literature, employing the use of novel literary techniques which stray away from the traditional literary styles observed in the time preceding the period. Modernist writers explore new styles themes, and content in their compositions, encompassing issues ranging from race (Kate Chopin) to gender (H.D.) to sexuality (James Baldwin), as well as many others. The Modernist movement, however novel and unique, did not develop spontaneously. A few writers leading up to the movement exhibit obvious modernist views in their writing. These include male writers Ralph†¦show more content†¦Rich, a writer extremely interested in Emily Dickinson’s life and poetry, was also deeply influenced by her. Rich composed poems, essays, and criticism about Dickinson, borrowed lines from her poetry, and even drew parallels between her own life and Dick inson’s. Similarities between the two poets also extended to style within their writing, as well as modernist themes that both advocate, especially feminism. To understand the extent that Dickinson’s modernist tendencies shine through in Adrienne Rich’s writings, it is important to first explore the impact Dickinson had on Rich’s life and compositions in general. It is no accident that Rich adapts styles and themes from Dickinson’s poetry; many parallels can be drawn between Dickinson’s and Rich’s life, including how â€Å"she [like Dickinson] set herself apart [from society’s framework] in order to define her own emotional and social territory† (Martin, 171). Also, both writers revered and feared their fathers, even though both chose to pit themselves â€Å"in opposition to [their fathers], to live according to [their] own premises† (Langdell, 166). Although Rich states that she could not have lived her life the way Emily Dickinson does in her essay â€Å"Vesuvius at Home: the Power of Emily Dickinson (1975),† she also admits that she has â€Å"come to understand her necessities [and] could have been a witness in her defense† (Rich, 158). Rich admires Dickinson, even calling some poems of her own mere â€Å"imitations†Show MoreRelatedEssay on A poem and a loaded gun1111 Words   |  5 Pagescivil war era was wrought with sexism and backwards thinking. Emily Dickinson was born in 1830, wrote 1800 poems in her lifetime. She has become known for unfolding the social boundaries surrounding women in this time period. Most of her life was shrouded in seclusion and mystery. 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With these key elements inRead MoreThe Language of Protest in Shakespeare, Blake, Whitman, Dickinson, Frost, and Rich: Exterior vs. Interior Life1073 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿The language of protest in Shakespeare, Blake, Whitman, Dickinson, Frost, and Rich: Exterior versus interior life William Shakespeares Hamlet, on its surface, is a play about a man avenging the death of his father. However, Shakespeare invests the play with a meaning that transcends its plot, despite the fact that it is a performed poetic drama. Even before he learns that his father was murdered, Hamlet is presented to the audience as a man who is depressed and angry at the world. Tis notRead MoreA Cold, Brittle Wind Blew The Front Door Open1431 Words   |  6 Pageswith his characteristic gravity and reserve of manner leaned across the table and said to Ms. Dickinson with no particular grace or polish, â€Å"I do say this will be quite enlightening, your work, as I have yet had the honor or an oratory reading of feminine prose.† â€Å"You stayed so well hidden during your lifetime that this ole curmudgeon of a man never had his heart softened by your verse† he said. Ms. Dickinson with her eyes lovely auburn, soft and warm, her hair laying in rings of the same color allRead Mor eEmily Dickinson - Theme of Love2465 Words   |  10 PagesIntroduction Emily Dickinson’s poetry is classified by editors as poems about nature, love, death, religion and others. Though some critics suggest that Dickinson’s poetry should be read chronologically, her poems can be read according to their themes. Since she was the daughter of a preacher her poems are often about God and Christianity, and in some of her love poems it is not certain if she is expressing her love for an actual lover or her spirituality. However, at one point of her life the