Date of Award
2-15-2008
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
English
First Advisor
Karen Dandurand, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
Susan I. Gatti, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Ronald G. Shafer, Ph.D.
Abstract
A gap in the extant criticism of Emily Dickinson requires further discussion of the significance of her poetry. This study utilizes a theory of New Historicism to analyze Emily Dickinson‘s biography and body of work; it draws upon Dickinson‘s own poems and letters as well as critical, historical, social, political, and scientific sources. The study shows that the poet deliberately structured her lifestyle in a triangular configuration: she resided in her father‘s house; she developed her authoritative voice; and she explored her spirituality. This examination further indicates that Dickinson‘s construction of her way of life led her to formulate a new cosmology parallel to that proposed by scholars in many social, political, and scientific disciplines today.
Recommended Citation
McChesney, Sandra L., "A View from Eternity: The Spiritual Journey of Emily Dickinson" (2008). Theses and Dissertations (All). 916.
https://knowledge.library.iup.edu/etd/916