Emily Dickinson, biography of an enigmatic woman

Emily Dickinson is considered one of the greatest poets of all time, despite the fact that during his life he only published about six poems without much success.

She was a very enigmatic woman, to the point that there are many aspects of her life that are still not fully understood and are the subject of all kinds of conjecture.

One of those mysteries has to do with the at least 300 love poems that he wrote passionately for someone. It is not clear who this great love was, especially because no relationship was ever known and, in fact, Emily Dickinson died single and, most likely, also a virgin.

It is also unclear whether some of his habits were simple eccentricities or perhaps he was prey to some emotional problem. or more serious mental. What is evident is that she was an extraordinary poet, who is currently compared to the greatest, such as Edgar Allan Poe or Walt Whitman.

Emily Dickinson and a happy childhood

Emily Dickinson was born into a family very privileged, who came from New England. She carried with her a strong Protestant and Puritan tradition, which deeply influenced the life and work of the poet. However, she never fully defined herself: at times, she seemed like a classical mystic and at other times, a pagan.

Emily came into the world on December 10, 1830, in Amherst, Massachusetts (United States). His father, like other members of his family, held important positions in the government.

It was precisely her family that was the pioneer in promoting the opening of an educational center for girls, who at that time rarely received education.

The future poet received her first training at that school and there she delved into the knowledge of basic sciences. In addition, she received piano lessons from her aunt and other private gardening classes and horticulture, trades that he loved until the last day of his life. She was also a big fan of astronomy.

A particular young woman

Once she finished her basic education, Emily Dickinson went to study at a youth seminary. There they provided academic training, but the central objective was to educate religious missionaries.

It was proposed to her to dedicate herself to this activity, but after much thought, she decided not to do it. For this reason, she left that center as “not converted.”

In reality, he left the seminary due to a health problem. It’s known that From a very young age she was fond of poetry and loved to invent stories with which she entertained her classmates.. Once out of the seminary, he returned to his father’s house and remained there for the rest of his life.

There were two men who aroused enormous interest in her. One was Benjamin Franklin Newton, an intelligent and savvy man, who entered her life to recommend reading and flatter her intelligence. However, this potential suitor was sick with tuberculosis and, perhaps for this reason, he was kept away from her. Shortly after this, he died, leaving her with great grief.

The other man was Charles Wasdworth, a minister, who was also a renowned pianist. This man was married and it is said that he separated from her so as not to “fall into temptation.”, although this is not entirely proven. She admired him deeply, but he died too.

Eccentricities and genius

Many of his biographers speculate that his love poems were dedicated to these men. However, There is a more plausible version according to which the object of his affection was Susan Gilbert, his brother’s childhood friend and wife. This would explain the reasons why there was so much mystery regarding his affections.

Emily Dickinson refused not only to publish her work, but even to share it with those who were closest to her. For this reason, only six of her more than 1,800 poems saw the light of day while she was alive.

She spent the last 15 years of her life locked up, first in her house and then exclusively in her room.. He also adopted the habit of wearing exclusively white.

During that time, she only went out to her beloved garden and the rest of the time she spent in her voluntary confinement. She died from kidney problems on May 15, 1886.

His younger sister and faithful admirer, Vinnie was the one who found the 40 hand-bound volumes of poetry that Emily was hiding.. Vinne herself made this extraordinary work known to the world.

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