Literary Influences:
* Ralph Waldo Emerson: Dickinson admired Emerson's transcendentalist ideas, particularly his emphasis on individualism, self-reliance, and the power of the human spirit.
* Henry David Thoreau: Thoreau's writing on nature and self-sufficiency, particularly his book *Walden*, resonated with Dickinson. She, too, retreated from the world, seeking solitude and contemplation in her own home.
* Elizabeth Barrett Browning: Dickinson's poetry reflects a similar use of intense emotion and personal symbolism as found in Browning's works. She may have also been inspired by Browning's unconventional life and defiance of societal expectations.
* The Bible: The Bible profoundly impacted Dickinson's worldview and provided her with many of the recurring themes in her poetry, such as death, immortality, and faith.
Personal Influences:
* Her Family: Her father, a prominent lawyer, instilled in her a love of learning and a strong sense of duty. Her mother, a homemaker, provided a stable and supportive environment for her. Her brother, Austin, had a complex relationship with her, sometimes offering support and sometimes serving as a foil.
* Her Friendships: Though she was reclusive, Dickinson had close relationships with a few women, including Susan Gilbert Dickinson (her sister-in-law), who served as a confidante and intellectual sparring partner.
Other Influences:
* The Civil War: This conflict deeply affected Dickinson and her poetry. She wrote extensively about death, loss, and the complexities of human nature during this tumultuous period.
* Her Own Experiences: Dickinson's personal experiences, including her limited social life, her grief over the death of her father and her own ill health, heavily informed her poetry.
It is important to note that Dickinson was a highly independent and original writer. While she drew inspiration from these figures and forces, she ultimately developed her own distinctive voice and vision. Her unique style, with its use of dashes, unconventional grammar, and exploration of internal experiences, continues to captivate readers today.