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Who Is Emily Dickinson

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Emily Dickinson: I'm Nobody! Who are you?
I'm Nobody! Who are you? by Emily Dickinson reminds me of the song, "You belong with me" by Taylor Swift. These two works speak of the author being behind the scenes in life. The writers are unnoticed by society and watch life from the back of the room. Content to watch life play out for others, without the inconvenience of social rules and etiquette. Swift sings "She's cheer captain and I'm on the bleachers" (Swift). Dickinson and Swift, in reality, are nothing alike, Swift is a brash famous woman, while Dickenson was a recluse. This work is excitedly unemotional while imparting wisdom. Dickinson's poem playfully speaks of human's social fears through voice, conventional symbols, and stanza.
Dickenson's …show more content…

Dickinson felt it would be wrong to join the church as she had not had a calling, saying, "I am standing alone in my rebellion."("Emily Dickinson") Religion was the main conventional symbol of the day, not conforming made her a rebel. Poetry was the vehicle Dickinson chose to convey her opinion's and wisdom. Thinking it abhorrent to make social calls, she writes "How public—like a Frog--- / To tell your name---the livelong June / To an admiring bog!"(5-7). The frog is a rather obvious symbol for a prince in the making. To make introductions and small talk for, what seems like forever. The bog is the natural home of the frog, but Dickinson's reference is to a group of admirers. Her use of conventional symbols is clever and entertaining. Dickinson was known for her wit and brain among her peers, often being the smartest person in the room. This must have made social calls even more excruciating.
This poem has two, four-line stanzas, written in an iambic trimeter. The words rhyme in a AABC rhythm, with pauses for effect. The poem's rhythm has an upbeat and playful tempo, making it seem childlike. Dickinson uses the stanza formula to separate her thoughts in a fun and appealing way. As if she is making a joke of the entire art of social graces. The pauses seem to emphasize how truly tedious socializing in the 1850's could

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