1. Emily Dickinson

2. Life Born December 10, 1830 in Amherst, Massachusetts Extremely close to family; especially brother Austin and sister Lavinia Attended Mt. Holyoke Female Seminary in 1846 ▫Returned home after one year due to homesickness ▫This was the longest she was away from home In later years, she became a recluse and seldom left home or entertained visitors ▫By 1860’s she lived in near total isolation except for some correspondences Died May 15 th, 1886

3. Works Not publically recognized during her lifetime ▫Poems were found by her family after her death and published ▫There were nearly 1800 poems in all Work was greatly influenced by the Metaphysical poets of 17 th century England, the Book of Revelation, and her Puritan upbringing Majority of her poetry reflects a loneliness, but many show inspirational moments suggesting happiness Most well-known for her unusual use of dashes

4. Tell All The Truth But Tell It Slant Tell all the Truth but tell it slant – Success in Circuit lies Too bright for our infirm Delight The Truth’s superb surprise As Lightning to the Children eased With explanation kind The Truth must dazzle gradually Or every man be blind –

5. Walt Whitman “Nothing is better than simplicity…nothing can make up for excess or for the lack of definiteness”

6. Life Born May 31, 1819 Learned to be a printer at age 12 and became a teacher in 1836 at 17. ▫Taught until 1841 when be decided to become a journalist Founded the newspaper Long-Islander ▫Worked for several newspapers throughout his life Copyrights first edition of Leaves of Grass in 1855 ▫Consisted of 12 untitled poems ▫Continued to edit and republish this work ▫Sent a copy to Emerson who praised his work Visited and helped in war hospitals in Washington D.C. during the Civil War Died March 26, 1892

7. Works Whitman was part of the transition between Transcendentalism and realism ▫Poetic works were filled with a love of nature ▫Identified with regeneration in nature Was called the “father of free verse” though he did not invent the writing form ▫Incorporated natural speech rhythms into his poetry ▫Poems were written to be spoken

8. A Noiseless, Patient Spider A noiseless, patient spider, I mark'd, where, on a little promontory, it stood, isolated; Mark'd how, to explore the vacant, vast surrounding, It launch'd forth filament, filament, filament, out of itself; Ever unreeling them--ever tirelessly speeding them. And you, O my Soul, where you stand, Surrounded, surrounded, in measureless oceans of space, Ceaselessly musing, venturing, throwing,--seeking the spheres, to connect them; Till the bridge you will need, be form'd--till the ductile anchor hold; Till the gossamer thread you fling, catch somewhere, O my Soul