A Quiet Passion 2017

In this touching depiction of American poet Emily Dickinson’s life, we witness her journey unfolding like a fragile tapestry, intricately woven with the threads of tradition and individuality. From her days as a spirited student to her later years characterized by isolation and introspection, Emily’s existence is deeply influenced by the restrictive norms of her upbringing in Massachusetts.

As a young adult, Emily’s rebellious spirit began to emerge when she boldly confronted Miss Mary Lyon, the stern school mistress of Mount Holyoke Female Seminary. With the swift intervention of her family, including her father (Albert), brother Austin, and sister Vinnie, she was brought back to the safety of their home in Amherst.

Time passed, and Emily’s fervor for poetry bloomed, ignited by her fascination with the opera. Unfortunately, this passion met stern disapproval from her father and Aunt Elizabeth, who deemed it inappropriate for a woman to pursue anything beyond hymns, leading to a strained relationship with her aunt, who viewed her as rebellious.

Despite this opposition, Emily found a way to challenge the status quo by persuading her father to seek the help of Dr. Holland, the editor of the Springfield Republican, to publish her poetry. Although one of her pieces was published, the editor deemed the rest as childish and dismissed women’s contributions to literature, a crushing blow to Emily’s aspirations.

As the Dickinson family grew older, their relationships evolved, highlighted by the friendship that blossomed between Emily and family friend Vryling Buffam. His biting wit captivated her, encouraging Emily to assert her independence by opting out of church services, much to her father’s dismay. The arrival of Austin’s new bride, Susan, imbued warmth in the home, bringing joy to the Dickinson sisters alongside the rare moments when their mother emerged from her seclusion.

With the onset of the Civil War, their father’s actions to financially support Austin’s avoidance of the military stirred conflict, as Austin struggled with questions of honor. A heart-wrenching montage of war experiences showcased the profound losses feeling like an unending shadow over their community.

In the wake of these tribulations, Emily faced profound grief, including the departure of a married pastor with whom she had developed a deep connection. This sorrow only deepened with the impending marriage of Vryling, which drove her further into solitude as she chose not to attend the wedding, believing that marriage symbolized a painful severance from family ties.

Ultimately, the heavy burden of loss bore down on Emily. After her father’s passing, she found herself engulfed by grief and isolation, watching from an upstairs window, steadfastly refusing to participate in the mournful funeral procession, overwhelmed by the weight of her sorrow.

Emily’s retreat to her sanctuary allowed her to express her frustrations toward the editor’s intrusion on her poetic integrity. She lambasted Dr. Holland for what she perceived as a violation of her creative vision. The thought of encountering a potential suitor loomed large over her, not out of disinterest, but from the fear that he may eclipse the quiet, contemplative world she had nurtured around her.

In a moment of profound enlightenment, Emily pleaded with the universe for a partner who would truly understand and cherish her poetry, while maintaining a belief in the eternal power of love. She confided in Vinnie, expressing that for her, romantic passion was an unwavering force, contrasting sharply with the temporary fancies of men who may easily lose interest.

Emily’s health began to decline as she received a diagnosis of “Bright’s Disease,” a chronic kidney condition that worsened her frail state, leading to severe back pain and grand mal seizures. Her family’s heartache deepened with the death of their mother, a tragic consequence of her long-term melancholy.

Amid this chaos, Emily uncovered her brother Austin’s betrayal with a captivating singer, Mrs. Todd, leaving Susan devastated. Initially sympathetic towards her brother’s mistress, Emily’s compassion turned into indignation as she confronted him about his hypocrisy. The steady voice of reason came from Vinnie, who reminded Emily of her own propensity to judge others harshly for their failings.

As her health further deteriorated, Emily took her final breaths surrounded by Austin and Vinnie, their faces imprinted with sorrow and regret.