What are the distinctive features of the poetic diction of Emily Dickinson?

Answer

What are the distinctive features of the poetic diction of Emily Dickinson? [NU: 2017]   

Emily Dickinson (1830–1886) is one of America’s most famous poets. Her poetry is known for its unique style and diction. She uses simple words in a very special way. Her poems reflect her personal thoughts on life, death, nature, and spirituality. Dickinson’s diction is often sharp, direct, and filled with unexpected meaning. She uses unusual punctuation, slant rhymes, and compact expressions that make her work stand out.         

Use of Short, Precise Language: Emily Dickinson often uses short, precise language to express deep ideas. Her poems may seem simple at first, but they are filled with meaning. In her poem “I Felt a Funeral in My Brain”, Dickinson writes, 

“And when they all were seated,

A Service, like a Drum—”

This short line reflects the rhythm of the funeral, symbolizing the death of reason. The use of simple words like “Service” and “Drum” is powerful and creates a deep, emotional impact.  

Slant Rhymes: One distinctive feature of Dickinson’s poetry is her use of slant rhymes. Her use of the words doesn’t fully rhyme, but sounds similar. This makes her poems feel both familiar and strange. In “Hope is the thing with feathers”, she uses slant rhyme to convey the delicate nature of hope:

“Hope is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul—” 

“Soul” and “feathers” don’t exactly rhyme, but they are connected by their soft, airy sounds. This slant rhyme enhances the feeling of instability and tenderness.

Unusual Punctuation: Dickinson is famous for her unusual punctuation. She often uses dashes to create pauses and interruptions in her poems. This adds to the sense of mystery and openness. In “I Taste a Liquor Never Brewed”, Dickinson writes:

Inebriate of Air—am I—

And Debauchee of Dew—

The dash at the end of the first line leaves the thought hanging, giving the reader a moment to pause and