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Emily Dickinson: Genius or Genius?
pilsner:
Way to raise the level of conversation. Bravo. I doff my hat to you.
On the subject of Dickinson having no need for most human contact, I find that this aspect of her life has been blown far out of proportion and often given significance it may not deserve. During her most productive period, in the early 19860s, Dickinson carried on voluminous correspondences, and maintained relationships with servants and family. She was withdrawn, certainly, but not completely isolated. On the other hand, she liked to portray herself as solitary, but more in the "nobody understands me" sense than the "I live in a cabin in the woods" sense. There's no doubt that her sense of isolation and her emotional reaction to it were powerful themes in her poems. It was not until later in her life that she almost completely withdrew from social contact, leading many to suspect that she was bipolar or clinically depressed. Of course that withdrawal was due in part to the fact that by that point, many of her loved ones had died.
As for Dickinson's possible agnosticism, that's a really interesting angle, thanks for raising it.
Surgoshan:
--- Quote from: Prince of Space on 13 Feb 2010, 23:38 ---It's hard to 'come out' here really. It's not something you can discuss openly without drawing negative(or unwanted) attention a lot of the time. :\
--- End quote ---
Most places, you meet new people and they ask what you do, where you work, do you have kids/a significant other/pets, things like that.
In the south they ask where you go to church, then if you're married. The first question doesn't occur up north, and the second question definitely muted to "seeing someone". It's a different world entirely.
It can be very frustrating, but I've found these guys to be quite the solace. Unfortunately, I'm working evenings this semester; ah, well.
In general, I've found the best policy is don't ask don't tell, and when it comes up, be nice, polite and ready to withdraw at the first sign of hostility.
sandysmilinstrange:
Where on earth do you guys live? I'm in a very small town in heavy bible belt territory myself and I can count on one hand the times I've been asked what church I go to or if I'm married. I haven't even been asked if I'm seeing anyone that often.
Surgoshan:
If you live in a small town, then how often do you meet new people?
sandysmilinstrange:
Pretty frequently. Just because a city is small doesn't mean I know everybody in it. And I often leave it to go to neighboring also-small cities.
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