Exploring Emily Dickinson's Poems about Susan: A Journey into Intimacy and Identity

Emily Dickinson, one of the most renowned American poets, crafted an extensive body of work that delved into various themes, including love, nature, and death. Among her vast collection, there exists a series of poignant poems centered around a mysterious figure named Susan. Through her evocative verses, Dickinson offers readers a glimpse into an intimate and complex relationship, sparking curiosity and debate among scholars. Let's embark on a journey through some of Dickinson's poems about Susan, unearthing the depths of their connection and exploring the themes of identity and desire.

Unveiling Susan

While the true identity of Susan remains uncertain, many believe her to be Susan Gilbert Dickinson, Emily's sister-in-law. The poems that revolve around Susan present a unique blend of admiration, longing, and a sense of hidden affection. One such poem is "Nobody knows this little Rose". Here, Dickinson describes Susan's beauty, comparing her to a fragile rose, admired by few. Through delicate imagery, Dickinson captures the essence of Susan's allure.

Example: "Nobody knows this little Rose"

Nobody knows this little Rose —
It might a pilgrim be
Did I not take it from the ways
And lift it up to thee.

Only a Bee will miss it —
Only a Butterfly,
Hastening from far journey —
On its breast to lie —

Only a Bird will wonder —
Only a Breeze will sigh —
Ah Little Rose — how easy
For such as thee to die!

Intimacy and Identity

In her poems about Susan, Dickinson explores themes of intimacy and the complexities of personal identity. "Wild nights! Wild nights!" is a passionate and enigmatic poem that hints at a deeper connection between the poet and Susan. This piece carries a sense of longing and desire, suggesting a powerful emotional bond that transcends conventional norms.

Example: "Wild nights! Wild nights!"

Wild nights! Wild nights!
Were I with thee,
Wild nights should be
Our luxury!

Futile the winds
To a heart in port,
Done with the compass,
Done with the chart.

Rowing in Eden!
Ah! the sea!
Might I but moor
To-night in thee!

The Struggle with Identity

Dickinson's poems about Susan also touch upon the complexities of personal identity and the struggle to define oneself within societal constraints. "It was not death, for I stood up" is a powerful exploration of these themes. In this poem, the speaker grapples with their own identity, suggesting that the love between the speaker and Susan—so often concealed and repressed—makes them feel truly alive.

Example: "It was not death, for I stood up"

It was not death, for I stood up,
And all the dead lie down.
It was not night, for all the bells
Put out their tongues, for noon.

It was not frost, for on my flesh
I felt siroccos crawl,
Nor fire, for just my marble feet
Could keep a chancel cool.

And yet it tasted like them all;
The figures I have seen
Set orderly, for burial,
Reminded me of mine,

As if my life were shaven
And fitted to a frame,
And could not breathe without a key;
And 'twas like midnight, some,

When everything that ticked has stopped
And space stares all around,
Or grisly frosts, first autumn morns,
Repeal the beating ground.

But most like chaos,—stopless, cool,—
Without a chance or spar,—
Or even a report of land
To justify despair.

Emily Dickinson's poems about Susan offer readers a glimpse into a captivating relationship that defies societal norms and explores themes of intimacy and identity. Through her masterful use of language, Dickinson creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, leaving interpretations open to the reader. Whether Susan represents a deep friendship, a hidden love, or a complex mix of both, these poems serve as a testament to the power of Dickinson's poetic genius. They invite us to dive into the depths of human connection, where desires, emotions, and identities intertwine in the most profound and enigmatic ways.