The Enigmatic Women in the Poetry of Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson, a prolific American poet of the 19th century, is renowned for her unique style and thought-provoking themes. While her poetry often delves into various aspects of life, her portrayal of women is particularly intriguing. Through her verses, Dickinson brings forth the complexities and nuances of the female experience, challenging societal norms and exploring the depths of her own emotions. In this article, we will explore some of Dickinson's poems that specifically focus on women, showcasing her profound understanding of femininity and the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society.

The Duality of Womanhood

One of the recurring themes in Dickinson's poems about women is the duality of their nature. In "She rose to His Requirement," the poet reflects upon the societal expectations placed upon women, emphasizing the struggle between fulfilling external obligations and maintaining inner autonomy. She writes:

She rose to His Requirement
She rose to His Requirement, dropped
The Playthings of Her Life
To take the honorable Work
Of Woman, and of Wife

If aught She missed in Her new Day,
Of Amplitude, or Awe
Or first Prospective, Or the Gold
In using, wear away,

It lay unmentioned, as the Sea
Develop Pearl, and Weed,
But only to Himself be known
The Fathoms they abide.

In this poem, Dickinson captures the conflict women face when trying to balance societal expectations with their own desires and aspirations. The use of the word "Playthings" to describe the previous life of the woman highlights the loss of personal freedom and individuality that often accompanies traditional gender roles. The final lines suggest that the true depth and complexity of a woman's experiences may remain hidden, known only to herself.

Rebellion and Empowerment

While Dickinson acknowledges the societal constraints placed upon women, she also explores themes of rebellion and empowerment. In "I'm 'wife' – I've finished that," the poet challenges the traditional role of a wife and asserts her independence:

I'm 'wife' – I've finished that –
That other state –
I'm Czar – I'm 'Woman' now –
It's safer so –

How odd the Girl's life looks
Behind this soft Eclipse –
I think that Earth feels so
To folks in Heaven – now –

This being comfort – then
That other kind – was pain –
But why compare?
I'm 'Wife'! Stop there!

In these lines, Dickinson challenges the traditional notion of marriage and the expectation that a woman's identity is defined solely by her role as a wife. By proclaiming herself as a "Czar" and a "Woman," she asserts her authority and autonomy. The poem also suggests that finding comfort and contentment in one's own identity is far more important than conforming to societal norms.

Exploration of Female Emotions

Throughout her poetry, Dickinson delves into the depths of female emotions, providing a nuanced perspective on the inner world of women. In "I felt a Funeral, in my Brain," she vividly portrays the anguish and sorrow experienced by a woman, drawing upon themes of loss and despair:

I felt a Funeral, in my Brain,
And Mourners to and fro
Kept treading – treading – till it seemed
That Sense was breaking through –

And when they all were seated,
A Service, like a Drum –
Kept beating – beating – till I thought
My Mind was going numb –

And then I heard them lift a Box
And creak across my Soul
With those same Boots of Lead, again,
Then Space – began to toll,

As all the Heavens were a Bell,
And Being, but an Ear,
And I, and Silence, some strange Race
Wrecked, solitary, here –

In this haunting poem, Dickinson captures the overwhelming emotional turmoil experienced by a woman, using the metaphor of a funeral to represent the death of her own sense of self. The repeated use of words like "treading" and "beating" creates a sense of relentless agony, further emphasizing the intensity of the emotions described. Through her poignant imagery, Dickinson provides a glimpse into the depths of female suffering and the profound impact it can have on the psyche.

Emily Dickinson's poems about women offer a glimpse into the complexities of the female experience, challenging societal norms and exploring the depths of femininity. Through her unique style and thought-provoking themes, she delves into the duality of womanhood, rebellion and empowerment, and the exploration of female emotions. Her poetry continues to resonate with readers, reminding us of the enduring struggles and triumphs faced by women in a world shaped by patriarchal norms.