Here are a few writers Dickinson admired, along with some evidence:
* William Wordsworth: Dickinson was familiar with Wordsworth's work, and she considered him a master of the lyrical and the expressive. In a letter, she referred to him as "the truest poet" and remarked, "His heart is so full of all things fair and true."
* Ralph Waldo Emerson: Though their writing styles differed, Dickinson respected Emerson's intellectual and spiritual depth. She wrote to him requesting a copy of his poem "Brahma" and considered him a fellow "seeker" of truth.
* Nathaniel Hawthorne: Dickinson was familiar with Hawthorne's novels and short stories, and she admired his dark and psychological themes. She also shared his fascination with the human condition and the complexities of the human soul.
* Robert Browning: Dickinson admired Browning's dramatic monologues and his ability to create complex characters. She owned a copy of his poems and wrote to a friend about her appreciation for his work.
Beyond these specific writers, Dickinson also expressed admiration for other authors, including:
* John Keats: She wrote to a friend about her love for Keats's poetry, saying, "I like him very much, but he is not my favorite."
* Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: Dickinson's early poems show the influence of Longfellow's style and themes.
* Alfred, Lord Tennyson: Dickinson admired Tennyson's lyrical poetry, and she found his use of imagery and sound effects to be masterful.
It's important to note that Dickinson was a private individual and rarely spoke openly about her admiration for specific writers. However, through her letters and her own writing, we can piece together a picture of the literary landscape that influenced her own work.