The Uncelebrated Nonhuman Citizens of Nature in Emily Dickinson's Writings

Abstract

This article argues that Emily Dickinson perceives natural phenomena and uncelebrated nonhuman beings from perspectives counter to exclusively theological, scientific or anthropocentric views. It demonstrates that Dickinson's writing depicts nature as not only a source of inspiration and aesthetic pleasure or a realm of imagination and scientific study, but also an actual living environment for every life-form, each significant in its own right but also profoundly affected by human action. This view of nature reflects an environmental and ecological awareness which challenges the assumption that nature exists for human use and that human beings rank higher than nature. It pays attention to natural beings beyond their usefulness to humans, listens to the voices of nature previously neglected, and encourages respect for nonhuman citizens of nature and an appreciation of their value. Such writing provides a bounty of knowledge and aesthetic pleasure, tuning readers in to the significant messages of uncelebrated beings-as Edward O. Wilson advocates-while changing their perspectives toward nature and nonhuman creatures, an eco-consciousness cited by Christopher Uhl and Lawrence Buell as a key factor in reducing the exploitation and destruction of nature and in dealing with environmental crisis.