Going to Heaven!: Poet & Context

Sure, let’s explore “Going to Heaven!: Poet & Context” by Emily Dickinson using these guidelines. This particular format will prevent the use of headers; however, I can include important topic areas within the bullet points.

• Emily Dickinson was an American poet known for her unorthodox use of form, syntax, and for her themes of death, immortality, and nature.

• The poem “Going to Heaven!” is characteristic of Dickinson’s work in its unusual metaphysical approach to the concept of heaven.

• Dickinson was born and lived most of her life in Amherst, Massachusetts. This New England background shaped her perspective, and her writing often reflects this rural, close-knit community.

• Despite having received little public acclaim during her lifetime, Dickinson’s poetry was prolific and largely discovered posthumously.

• Emily often explored unconventional ideas about religion and spirituality, many of which can be discerned in “Going to Heaven!”.

• Solo publication: Dickinson’s unique choice to avoid publication during her lifetime meant her work was largely free from contemporary literary influences and critique, allowing her more creative freedom.

• Understanding the biographical context of Dickinson’s life - including her introspective personality, her limited social circle, and her close familiarity with death - can greatly enhance a reading of “Going to Heaven!”.

• Dickinson’s works are often marked with the use of dashes and unconventional capitalization, as seen in “Going to Heaven!”. This could suggest her desire to accentuate certain words and phrases that hold deeper meanings.

• Independence in writing: Dickinson never married and lived much of her life in relative seclusion. This independent lifestyle may have influenced her unique voice and perspective in her writing.