Emily Dickinson, #17, But What is God?
Emily Dickinson’s view of God was very strange for a person of her time. Dickinson
questioned God and His power. She did not go to church because she felt she didn’t learn
anything and all her questions were left unanswered. Many of her poems included questions for
God and she expressed that she wouldn’t get answers until her death. Most people in society
during her time believed in God, went to church, and looked highly on the events discussed
during church out of fear of being judges or scrutinized. These people were hesitant to ask
questions, afraid of God, and scared of Dickinson because she started to inquire about things that
only God was capable of answering.
In Dickinson’s poem, “I Shall Know Why-When Time Is Over”, she describes her
feelings toward God. She is angry with Him because she cannot get any answers to her
questions. Emily Dickinson feels, that the answers to these questions will only come with death.
