Emily Dickinson Introverts Analysis

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Emily Dickinson is known to be a poet of exclusion; in modern terms, we may refer to this as an introvert. Introverts are people typically "drained by social encounters and energized by solitary, often creative pursuits. Their disposition, frequently misconstrued as shyness, social phobia, even avoidant personality disorder, but many introverts socialize easily; they just strongly prefer not to (Whitbourn).” The psychological studies of exclusive individuals have become familiar in today’s secular world. More and more individuals have become accepting, or understanding of the unique differences that exist among individuals. Emily Dickinson, however, did not live during a time as progressive in mental health studies as ours today. Many have …show more content…

Even in her youth, she was diagnosed by her physician as having a "nervous prostration" (McDermott, 2000). Even in modern society, we struggle to understand the introvert entirely, yet Dickinson has provided the reader with a personal look into the preverbal “window of the soul,” which just so happens to belong to the most introverted poet in our knowable history. What I aim to emphasize in this analysis, is that Emily Dickinson had a higher belief system, a more intimate view of a relationship. Perhaps stemming from the two types of religions existing in Emily Dickinson's life, Puritanism and Transcendentalism, “which had a significant influence on her poetry. Puritanism allowed Dickinson to remain in her faith in God while Transcendentalism released her from limiting notions of humanity empowering her to view herself as an individual with a distinct identity (McIntosh).” Though, beyond this, she exposes the introvert, vividly allowing the reader to see the …show more content…

In each stanza, the first line has more feet and syllables than the following three. The second and fourth lines have fewer feet and syllables. In the last stanza, each line has only two syllables, the second and fourth lines are shorter than in the preceding stanzas. This short line calls attention to itself; these lines sound definite and final, a lasting effect on the idea voiced in these lines. Dickinson solidifies the exactitude, the finality of the soul's choice. The abundant field "ample nation" she has to choose among is juxtaposed with the narrowing of her souls “one” choice. "Introversion is the state of or tendency toward being wholly or predominantly concerned with and interested in one's own mental life (Martian).” Introverts are “typically perceived as more reserved or reflective (Martian).” Some psychologists have categorized introverts as “people whose energy tends to expand through reflection and dwindle during interaction (Helgoe).” When reflecting on Dickinson’s, The Soul Selects Her Own Society, the reader can connect to the devotion a woman has to the feelings of her soul. Even more, they are also allowed to peer into the soul of an individual woman, an introverted person who’s belief and faith holds more sway over her actions than any sect of

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