Question

Why did Emily Dickinson withdraw from society in her later years?

• A. She was exiled from her hometown due to a scandal.
• B. She preferred isolation and maintained relationships through letters
• C. She believed that societal engagement hindered her creativity.
• D. She suffered from a chronic illness that kept her from socializing.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. She preferred isolation and maintained relationships through letters

• Her withdrawal from society remains a subject of speculation. Some possible reasons include:

  • Personal Choice: She may have deliberately chosen seclusion to focus on her poetry.

  • Health Issues: Some scholars believe she suffered from an illness that made social interaction difficult.

  • Emotional or Psychological Factors: She experienced several personal losses, which may have contributed to her retreat from public life.

  • Creative Solitude: Many of her most profound works were written during this period, suggesting she may have needed solitude to fully develop her artistic voice.