Isolation In Emily Dickinson's Poetry

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Of the many things that can affect a person’s writing, the relationships they have with others are some of the most impactful. As well, this is the case with the lack of interpersonal relationships, whether the isolation is self-imposed or enforced by another. Emily Dickinson is one well known poet who lived a fairly solitary life by her own choosing, and her views on this aspect of her life can be explored through her works, which reflect those views as any poet’s work will likely reflect some part of them. Dickinson strongly appears to shy away from the public eye, but forms deep and meaningful connections with a select few that she lets in.
Dickinson’s personal distaste for fame can be seen clearly in one of her more famous poems “I’m Nobody! …show more content…
Fame is described here as something constantly changing with its surroundings, and while the person with it is first an invited guest they are later forced to stay and play host to the fame as its “table”. (3-5) What is left after fame turns sour is something that seems unworthy of attention to the public except to criticise it, as reflected in the image of crows inspecting the “crumbs” that remain, before flying off to something else. (6) This poem ends on a sudden, harsh note, stating “Men eat of it and die.” …show more content…
In particular her poem “The Soul Selects Her Own Society” presents an almost wistful attitude toward the disdain one might show for the company one does not choose for themselves. The subject of the poem is described as “Unmoved” (5-6) in the face of those who seek their attention - even when the seeker is one as seemingly important as an emperor - a word with noble connotations suggesting that Dickinson admires them for such

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