Emily Dickinson/Susan Howe and Countering

Dickinson’s poem “My life has stood-a loaded gun” bears many words that carry multiple meanings and references, however to me the most impressive theme prevalent through the entire text was the relevance to nature. The second stanza holds a wealth of information and comparisons to the natural world. The most obvious of these being the identification of being in a wooded area, and by partaking in the act of hunting, but also by using the word “Sovereign” the reference to religion and God’s rule is present. This constant idea of nature brings unity and a sort of common ground into her work, much like religion of her time brought organization to the community.