Paradoxes Reflected In Emily Dickinson's Poetry

Emily Dickinson (1830-1860) is a famous American woman poet of the 19th century, her literature status can be compared with Whitman and Allan Poe.Dickinson dwelt in the transitional American literature current from Romanticism to Realism, thus both of the two styles are reflected in her works. Her works are full of imagination and sweet atmosphere; on the other hand, some of her works ponder on many serious subjects rationally, such as religion and God. The paradoxical viewpoint is the reflection of her outlook of the world.In Puritan's heart, nature reminds the devotees of God's existence; and it is translated by the Transcendentalists into "Oversold". Dickinson's poems are deeply influenced by them, yet her idea goes beyond. Whether it is God or Nature, Dickinson resets them. Sometimes, her nature is harmonious, sometimes mysterious and portentous. She wants to set her own religion, for she has her own idea about what the world is. All her life she didn't convert to God, she chose seclusion.Puritanism and Transcendentalism serve as two corner stones to form Dickinson's paradoxical idea. She lived in the transitional period of American traditional religion and new thoughts. Paradox indicates Dickinson is not gullible, for she hates pretense.Dickinson's paradox is the reflection of her age.