18 Comments
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Sheila Lowe's avatar

Dickinson's handwriting is as enigmatic as she was, with oceans of space between the islands of words. It points to her solitude, which became a fear of contact with others.

Joy Ribar's avatar

I love that you shared this, Sheila. This is yet another revelation!

Sheila Lowe's avatar

My late friend Susanne Shapiro wrote about her handwriting quite a bit. I also use it in my classes.

Saralyn Richard's avatar

Quite a profound post, full of insight and wisdom. I think Emily herself would approve of your treatment of her.

Joy Ribar's avatar

Thank you, Saralyn. Going to an author's digs is a real pixie dust experience. I hope she rubbed off on me. Ha.

Saralyn Richard's avatar

She definitely did. One of these days, I'll tell you about my adventures with John Milton.

Sherrill Joseph's avatar

Dickenson was seldom on my radar, but after reading Poetry Slammed and your blog, she is! I put myself in Bay's place when reading your series because I'm a lifelong wannabe college English professor. I could begin anytime, given my home library of the classics.

Joy Ribar's avatar

Nice, Sherrill. You go, woman! The world is waiting for passionate teachers.

Carl Vonderau's avatar

I didn't know all this about Dickinson. She is an inspiring character. I like how you described her as revealing and concealing. As I write fiction, that is what I want my characters to do.

Joy Ribar's avatar

Hi Carl. Thanks for commenting. I agree about the notion that fiction reveals and conceals - especially mysteries.

Joy Ribar's avatar

Thanks, Kathleen.

Tracey S. Phillips's avatar

I love learning that Emily Dickenson was a rebel- Thanks for the inside story, Joy.

Joy Ribar's avatar

I like her rebellious streak, too. Feisty women, woot woot.

Margaret Mizushima's avatar

I love this post, Joy! I appreciate the info about the white dress. What a wonderful person she must've been to express her freedoms while preserving her uniqueness. I'm looking forward to reading your new book!

Joy Ribar's avatar

Thank you, Margaret. Emily seems to have been different things to different people, but then, aren't we all? Part of her legacy is giving women permission to spend time in thought, something she had to fight for in her day. She was certainly brave and I believe we stand on the shoulders of so many brave women in the writing world.

J.P. Choquette's avatar

Love this, I hope to visit the Emily Dickinson Museum someday in the near future. I never realized her white dress(es) had such significance. Very interesting post about my favorite poet, thank you.

Joy Ribar's avatar

Thank you. I'm happy to find more Emily lovers and always happy to engage with others, poems in hand!