Joey Saves The Day!: Facts about Emily Dickinson

Learn Interesting Facts about

Emily Dickinson.

I will blog about a famous poet at least once a week, and I have selected 20 poets to write quick facts about. This week’s featured poet is the enigmatic Emily Elizabeth Dickinson. She is one of America’s most unique and intriguing poets, having written nearly 1,800 poems. Surprisingly, only about ten of her poems were published during her lifetime, which adds to the mystery surrounding her. Born in Amherst, Massachusetts, to Edward and Emily Dickinson, she was the middle child among her two siblings, William and Lavinia. Join me as we explore the life and works of this fascinating poet.

Here is a list of some poems/writings by Emily Dickinson:

I'm Nobody! Who are you?
Hope is the thing with feathers
I heard a Fly buzz—when I died
The heart asks Pleasure – first
To Mrs, with a Rose
The May-Wine
The Sleeping
My Sabbath
Sunset

Parents and caregivers, please ensure that the poems you read to your child or children are suitable for their age and level of understanding.

Interesting facts about Emily Dickinson:

1. She was born December 10, 1830, in Amherst, Massachusetts.

2. Emily Dickinson, the renowned American poet, died at the age of 55 on May 15, 1886. Her final resting place is located in the serene Amherst West Cemetery, nestled in her hometown of Amherst, Massachusetts. Dickinson’s grave holds a prominent position at the center of the cemetery, indicating the significance of her life and work. It is encircled by an ornate iron fence, adding a sense of dignity and protection to her final resting place.

Her tombstone is simple yet poignant, etched with her name, "EMILY DICKINSON," along with the dates marking her life: "BORN DEC. 10, 1830, CALLED BACK MAY 15, 1886." This inscription not only commemorates her birth and death but also reflects her deep connection to the passage of time and the transient nature of existence, themes that resonate throughout her poetry.

3. Emily Dickinson’s most famous poem is:

Hope is the Thing with Feathers:

Hope is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul,

And sings the tune without the words,

And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the Gale is heard;

And sore must be the storm

That could abash the little Bird

That kept so many warm.

I’ve heard it in the chillest land,

And on the strangest Sea;

Yet, never, in Extremity,

It asked a crumb of me.

4. Emily Dickinson, the renowned American poet, remained unmarried throughout her life and chose not to have children. This decision reflected her deeply introspective nature and dedication to her craft, as she often found herself immersed in her poetry and solitude. Dickinson lived most of her life in the family home in Amherst, Massachusetts, where her personal relationships and experiences heavily influenced her work. Despite her lack of traditional family ties, her poetry often explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships.

5. Emily Dickinson's last words resonate with a poignant simplicity: “I must go in, the fog is rising.” These words were uttered during a time when she was gravely ill and largely unable to engage in verbal communication, relying instead on the written word to express her thoughts and feelings. The illness that marked the end of her life was recorded on her death certificate as Bright's disease, a historical term that refers to a range of kidney ailments. However, contemporary researchers and medical experts suggest that her passing was more likely a result of severe hypertension, which would reflect the complexities of her health struggles. As she faced the end, Dickinson's poetic spirit lingered, encapsulated in that final, haunting farewell to the world around her.

6. Emily Dickinson, a renowned American poet, has a notable affinity for the color purple, frequently incorporating it into her works. In fact, her poetry references the color purple over 40 times, suggesting a significant presence in her creative expression. Given the recurring mention of purple, researchers and literary scholars have concluded that this color likely held special meaning for Dickinson and may be considered her favorite. The frequent allusions to purple in her poems invite further exploration of the symbolism associated with the color and how it reflects her thoughts and emotional landscape.

7. Did you know that Emily Dickinson was not only an iconic poet but also possessed a remarkable flair for gardening and music? Throughout her life, she created an enchanting garden at her family home in Amherst, Massachusetts, where she nurtured a diverse array of plants, including flowers such as daisies, violets, and irises. Dickinson often drew inspiration from her garden, using the natural world as a backdrop for her vivid imagery and profound themes in poetry.

In addition to her gardening skills, Dickinson was a talented musician. She played the piano with great passion and even ventured into composing her own music. Many of her poems are structured to fit the tunes of popular hymns of her time, showcasing her ability to blend her poetic words with melody. This lesser-known, multi-dimensional aspect of Emily’s creative life adds a rich and fascinating layer to her already intriguing persona, illustrating how her talents intertwined and influenced her writing.

8. Emily Dickinson was a deeply introspective poet who, despite having friends and mentors, exhibited a natural inclination towards solitude. Social interactions were not her preference; instead, she found comfort in her own company. This affinity for isolation allowed her to cultivate her creative spirit, primarily through the written word. One of her favorite forms of expression was letter writing, through which she could communicate her thoughts and feelings in a more intimate and reflective manner.

Among the numerous correspondences she maintained, the most significant was with Susan Gilbert, who was her brother William Austin’s wife. Their relationship was particularly special, as they exchanged an extensive collection of letters and poems that reveal the depth of their bond. For approximately thirty years, Emily lived in close proximity to William and Susan, as their home was situated right next door to hers. This physical closeness enabled a unique connection that blended friendship, familial love, and artistic collaboration. Through her letters to Susan, Dickinson not only shared her poetic works but also explored her inner world, revealing much about her thoughts on life, love, and the complexities of human relationships.

9. Throughout her adult life, she embarked on three significant journeys away from her hometown of Amherst, Massachusetts. Her travels took her first to the bustling political heart of the nation, Washington, D.C., where she likely immersed herself in the rich history and vibrant culture of the capital. Following that, she journeyed to Pennsylvania, where the diverse landscapes and historical significance of places like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh would have offered her new experiences and insights. Finally, she made her way to Boston, Massachusetts, a city renowned for its pivotal role in American history and education, where she could have explored its iconic sites and engaged with its dynamic atmosphere. Each of these trips contributed to her broader understanding of the world beyond Amherst.

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Books about Emily Dickinson:

1. Poetry for Kids Emily Dickinson by Emily Dickinson

2. History for Kids: The Life of Emily Dickinson by Charles River Editors

3. Little Poet Emily Dickinson In Emily’s Garden by Kate Coombs

4. On Wings of Words: The Extraordinary Life of Emily Dickinson by Jennifer Berne

Parents and caregivers, ensure the books you read to your child or children are suitable for them.

"Not knowing when the dawn will come, I open every door." — Emily Dickinson

Hey there! If you're interested, you can find the Famous Poets Workbook available for purchase on Amazon. Just click on the book for more details. Happy reading!