Despair What and Why thread

Question 1

WHAT

Answer 1

Throughout her opus, Dickinson possesses a characteristic ambivalence towards the human experience of emotions, presenting both a nihilistic interpretation of mortality, reflected in Blank and funeral, while opposingly also rejoices in humanity and nature’s beauty, as seen in Blazing.

Question 2

WHY

Answer 2

Yet despite this sombre portrayal, Dickinson’s opus presents an ambivalent understanding of the human psyche, elucidating that despite sadness, humanities innate need for connection reflected in Blank and funeral, can provide both comfort and hope in the midst of shared suffering.