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The Riddle of Emily Dickinson
A biography of Emily Dickinson and her relationship with Kate Anthon.
- GenresNonfiction
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1951
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About the author
Rebecca Elizabeth Patterson
1 book1 followerProfessor of English and English Literature. A noted scholar on the life and works of Emily Dickinson.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
August 23, 2020
"She withdrew into reculsion because she could not live as society demanded and was not permitted to live as her own nature demanded."
While I thoroughly appreciated reading this book, I recognize that only the most interested and devoted of Dickinson readers will agree. Further, Patterson eventually focuses almost entirely on Kate Scott and asserts that for Emily, there really wasn't much of a life to write of. It was at this stage I felt the book began to lag somewhat as the strange passionately romantic yet motherly relationship between Kate and a young woman named Florence is described in detail. Emily herself is not mentioned again until the concluding pages where it is emphasized that the nature of the two women's attachment was profound and lasting for them both.
Nonetheless, it was incredible to read a book published in 1951 blatantly and openly refer to Dickinson as having been in love with women (Sue and Kate)- not men. To claim this at that time was a brave thing to do, not only for the legacy of the poet, but of the very real reputation of the then living author. Throughout the book, Emily's poems are referenced and analyzed as they fit into the events of both Emily and Kate's life illuminating striking patterns of symbolism used to represent someone and something which caused her great grievance for her entire life - who the author convincingly argues is Kate.
While reading I found new appreciation for my already favorite poet and now see certain work through a more understanding perspective. Seemingly simple and innocent poems now present more than images of a bee, or of mountains, but of a tremendously painful love in a time when the love Emily had was simply not permitted or understood by even those experiencing it.
While I thoroughly appreciated reading this book, I recognize that only the most interested and devoted of Dickinson readers will agree. Further, Patterson eventually focuses almost entirely on Kate Scott and asserts that for Emily, there really wasn't much of a life to write of. It was at this stage I felt the book began to lag somewhat as the strange passionately romantic yet motherly relationship between Kate and a young woman named Florence is described in detail. Emily herself is not mentioned again until the concluding pages where it is emphasized that the nature of the two women's attachment was profound and lasting for them both.
Nonetheless, it was incredible to read a book published in 1951 blatantly and openly refer to Dickinson as having been in love with women (Sue and Kate)- not men. To claim this at that time was a brave thing to do, not only for the legacy of the poet, but of the very real reputation of the then living author. Throughout the book, Emily's poems are referenced and analyzed as they fit into the events of both Emily and Kate's life illuminating striking patterns of symbolism used to represent someone and something which caused her great grievance for her entire life - who the author convincingly argues is Kate.
While reading I found new appreciation for my already favorite poet and now see certain work through a more understanding perspective. Seemingly simple and innocent poems now present more than images of a bee, or of mountains, but of a tremendously painful love in a time when the love Emily had was simply not permitted or understood by even those experiencing it.
Displaying 1 of 1 review