The Poets Tool - The Words of Emily Dickinson Essays

The Poets Tool - The Words of Emily Dickinson A poet couched in mystique and controversy--that is Emily Dickinson. But amidst all the disagreement, one idea critics seem to agree upon is the recognition of this remarkable poets love of language. Emily Dickinsons love affair with words fed her desire to master their use whether individually or combined in phrases until they said exactly what she wanted them to say. For Emily Dickinson words were a fascination and, in her hands, they become the poets tool. The Gospel of John opens with the statement, In the beginning was the word (1:1). Donald Thackrey takes this phrase and applies it to Emily Dickinsons fascination with the individual word (1). She is one of†¦show more content†¦In one poem Emily Dickinson wrote specifically about the choice and use of specific words (Thackrey 11). Shall I take thee, the Poet said To the propounded word? Be stationed with the Candidates Till I have finer tried -- The Poet searched Philology And when about to ring For the suspended Candidate There came unsummoned in -- That portion of the Vision The Word applied to fill Not unto nomination The Cherubim reveal -- (#1126) This poem does much to enlighten readers as to Dickinsons careful search for words and suggests the relationship between rational labor and inspiration both of which pervade her poetry (Thackrey 11). She discovered that the most ordinary word, tenderly nurtured int he minds rich soil, could become a signifier of utmost mysteries (Weisbuch 1). Cristanne Miller uses the fullness of word meaning to interpret How many time these low feet staggered -- (#187) where she notes that the word low also means flame in Dickinsons 1841 Websters dictionary (Juhasz 135). The idea of flaming poetic feet in line one helps to explain the soldered mouth of the second line: poetic feet are spoken, and flame solders; poetry burns the reader, or poet, into silence . . . . the poem of death becomes a poem of celebration: death brings the housewife rest, and the staggering poetry removes its reader, or creator,Show MoreRelated Inspiration and Manipulation Essay2655 Words   |  11 PagesInspiration and Manipulation Emily Dickinson is a poet of great interest because she is one of a handful of artists that â€Å"refuse to conform to the Anglo-American literary traditions† (Howe 11). One of the most fascinating aspects of Emily Dickinson’s character is that she willingly shuts her door to the world which ultimately allows her creativity to thrive without criticism. 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