* Personal Expression: Like many writers, Dickinson likely used poetry as a way to process her thoughts, emotions, and experiences. She lived a relatively secluded life, and poetry may have provided an outlet for her to explore the world and her place in it.
* Influence of Family and Culture: Dickinson grew up in a family that valued education and intellectual pursuits. Her father was a lawyer and politician, and her brother was a scholar. This environment likely encouraged her to develop her writing skills.
* The Romantic Movement: Dickinson's poetry often reflects the themes and ideas of the Romantic movement, which emphasized individual expression, emotion, and nature. She likely found inspiration in the work of Romantic poets such as William Wordsworth and John Keats.
* The Legacy of her Education: Dickinson was well-educated, having attended Amherst Academy and Mount Holyoke Female Seminary. This education exposed her to a wide range of literary works, including poetry.
* A Quest for Truth and Meaning: Many of Dickinson's poems explore themes of death, immortality, faith, and the nature of reality. It's possible that poetry became a way for her to grapple with these profound questions.
* A Way to Connect with Others: Despite her seclusion, Dickinson did maintain close friendships through letters. She may have seen poetry as a way to share her thoughts and feelings with those she cared about.
While we cannot definitively state why Dickinson started writing poetry, it's clear that it was a deeply personal and important activity for her. Her poems offer a glimpse into her unique perspective on life, death, and the human condition.