Emily Dickinson Biography: Emily Dickinson, born in 1830, was an American poet whose enigmatic life and revolutionary work have cemented her as one of the most important figures in American literature.
Emily Elizabeth Dickinson was born on December 10, 1830, in Amherst, Massachusetts, into a family of prominence and affluence.
Emily Dickinson’s family life and relationships were complex and had a significant impact on her writing and reclusive nature.
Father, Edward Dickinson: A prominent lawyer and politician, he was a stern figure but also supportive of his daughter’s education. However, he was not supportive of her publishing her poetry, preferring that she focus on domestic responsibilities.
Emily Dickinson’s literary life was an enigma much like the poet herself. Though she penned nearly 1,800 poems, only a handful were published during her lifetime.
Regardless, her literary existence was intense, punctuated by her keen reading habits, prolific writing, and correspondence with several intellectual figures of her time.
After her death, however, various editors undertook the task of organizing, editing, and publishing her poetry.
The legacy of Emily Dickinson is expansive and enduring, making her one of the most influential figures in American literature.