Possible Reasons:
* Personal Expression: Dickinson was known for her introspective nature and her deep observations of the world around her. Poetry offered her a powerful and personal way to explore her thoughts and feelings.
* Escape from Societal Expectations: Dickinson lived in a time when women had limited opportunities for self-expression and intellectual pursuits. Poetry allowed her to create her own world and voice outside of societal constraints.
* Exploration of Existential Themes: Many of Dickinson's poems delve into themes of life, death, faith, and nature. Poetry allowed her to grapple with these complex and universal questions.
* Connection to the World: While Dickinson was reclusive, she was also highly observant and engaged with the world. Poetry provided her with a means to connect with others, even if it was through her writing rather than direct interaction.
* Influence of Others: Dickinson was exposed to literature and poetry from a young age. The works of authors like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne likely influenced her own writing style and themes.
Important Considerations:
* We don't have a definitive answer: Dickinson's life and work remain shrouded in mystery. We can only speculate about her motivations.
* Her poems provide insights: Dickinson's poems themselves offer clues about her inner world and her motivations for writing.
* Her reclusive nature: Her reclusiveness might have been a factor in her choice to focus on poetry as a form of self-expression.
Ultimately, the answer to why Emily Dickinson became a poet is complex and nuanced. We can only speculate based on what we know about her life and her works. Her poems, however, offer a powerful and lasting testament to the power of poetry as a means of personal expression and exploration.