This is my letter to the world
How does the poem represent Belonging/ not belonging?
Emily Dickinson's poem, This is my letter to the world encapsulates both Dinckinson's seclusion from the greater world and her love for nature. The poem can either be interpreted as a message to the world, or a letter to the person who is reading the rhetoric. The sniping tone of "That never wrote to me,"creates a sense that Dickinson is conscious of her exclusion and rejection, through the use of ametaphor. The personification of "Nature," reflects her regard for it. The use of the female genderemphasises nature's nurturing qualities and kindness. A Kindness she wants her audience to learn from. The first stanza shows Dickinson's world is dominated by nature and the use of the word "Majesty,"implies nature is the powerful ruler of her life. It appears Dickinson's positive regard for her fellow man has been learned from nature's lessons. Through the first stanza we see how Dickinson, seems to have a particular relationship with nature, but still mainly being one way. It then can be concluded that Dickinson is in some way belonging to nature. In contrast she regards herself isolated from the world, not belonging to humanity or the reader.
The second stanza of the poem reveals the extent to which Dickinson is isolated. She "cannot see" the receiver of the poem. Yet she hopes the link with nature will encourage society to give her a chance. Nature is revered by many so Dickinson hopes "For love of her" the message will be accepted tolerantly. Dickinson is being heavily critical of the outside world, the feminist personification of mother nature and the male generalisation of her "sweet countrymen." The endearing tone portrays Dickinson's seclusion from both parties, which in saying this can be a plea to belong.
I have discovered that in Dickinson's poetry she conveys that she doesn't belong to society, and is conscious of her exclusion and rejection....