English 242ED - Topics in American Literature: 'Emily Dickinson and the Nineteenth Century'

Dickinson is often portrayed as isolated in her New England surroundings. But she was intensely involved with the changing American society around her, as evidenced in her poems and letters. Students in this course will examine several of Dickinson's major themes and genres; her family and friendships; her place in popular culture. We will explore her single year at Mount Holyoke Female Seminary, while comparing Mary Lyon's vision of women's education with the views of Margaret Fuller and others. We will also talk about the impact of the Civil War on Dickinson's work, and her choice of a mentor, Thomas Wentworth Higginson, who led an African-American regiment in the Union Army.

Course limited to sophomores, juniors and seniors; Prereq: ENGL-199.