* Conciseness and Compression: Dickinson's poetry is known for its brevity and use of suggestive language. She packs a great deal of meaning into a few lines, leaving much to the reader's interpretation. This compression allows for a greater density of thought and feeling, something that prose might struggle to achieve.
* Figurative Language: Dickinson masterfully employs metaphors, similes, and other figures of speech. These devices allow her to explore abstract concepts, delve into the subconscious, and evoke powerful imagery. Prose, while capable of figurative language, often relies more on literal description.
* Exploration of the Unseen: Dickinson's poetry delves into the mysteries of life, death, faith, and the human condition. Her poems often grapple with the intangible and the inexplicable. This depth and exploration might be perceived as "more expansive" than the often more concrete and straightforward nature of prose.
* Sound and Rhythm: Dickinson's use of rhyme and meter creates a distinct musicality in her poetry. This rhythm and sound enhance the emotional impact and allow for a deeper engagement with the reader's senses. Prose, while capable of rhythm, lacks the same level of formal musicality.
While it's not fair to claim that poetry is inherently "more expansive" than prose – both forms have their strengths and weaknesses – Dickinson's work demonstrates how poetry can achieve a level of depth, complexity, and emotional resonance that is often difficult to replicate in prose.
It's important to note that this is a matter of interpretation, and others may argue that prose can also achieve the same depth and expansiveness. Ultimately, it comes down to the individual writer's skill and the specific purpose of each form.