* Emphasis and Importance: Dickinson capitalizes seemingly random words, often nouns and adjectives, drawing attention to them and highlighting their significance within the poem. This can elevate the importance of seemingly ordinary concepts, creating a sense of wonder and mystery. For example, in "Because I could not stop for Death," the capitalization of "Death" and "Immortality" elevifies their symbolic significance.
* Internal Rhyme and Rhythm: Capitalization acts as a rhythmic device, adding a visual and aural dimension to her poems. The capitalized words stand out, creating a visual rhythm that complements the internal rhymes and meter of her lines. This enhances the musicality and the impact of the poem.
* Ambiguity and Interpretation: Dickinson's capitalization often leaves the reader questioning the intention behind the specific word choice. It introduces a layer of ambiguity, forcing us to ponder the significance of the capitalized word and its relationship to the broader themes of the poem. This opens up the possibility for multiple interpretations, making her poems more engaging and thought-provoking.
* Creation of a Unique Voice: This idiosyncratic capitalization, along with her use of dashes and other unusual punctuation, forms a distinct voice that sets Dickinson apart. It creates a sense of intimacy and personal connection with the reader, as if we are privy to her private thoughts and feelings.
* Modernist Influences: Dickinson's capitalization foreshadows the later developments in modernist poetry. Her use of unconventional capitalization prefigures the innovations of poets like e.e. cummings, who famously experimented with typography and visual poetry.
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson's capitalization is not a mere stylistic quirk but a deliberate literary device that enhances the meaning, rhythm, ambiguity, and unique voice of her poems. It forces us to slow down, pay attention to the individual words, and engage with her poetry on a deeper level.