JOURNAL ARTICLE

The "Mind dissolved" and "half-wild with loss": Negative Wisdom in Dickinson and Ammons.

  • Published In: Emily Dickinson Journal, 2023, v. 32, n. 2. P. 130 1 of 3

  • Database: Humanities Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Kang, Yanbin 3 of 3

Abstract

This essay explores how shared metaphors in the poetry of Emily Dickinson and A. R. Ammons, including fields, chaos, shades, and the melting of ice, evoke principles that can be associated with a "negative" wisdom characteristic of Daoism and Chan Buddhism. Additionally, the essay examines the bee/butterfly-flower trope used by both poets as an emblem of joyous oblivion, as well as their advocacy of non-action for self-cultivation and an indifference towards service. By situating these poets' figurative language within a literary lineage, the essay points toward a shared ground between Asian and American traditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional Information

  • Source:Emily Dickinson Journal. 2023/07, Vol. 32, Issue 2, p130
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Literature and Writing
  • Publication Date:2023
  • ISSN:10596879
  • DOI:10.1353/edj.2023.a924673
  • Accession Number:176628381
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Emily Dickinson Journal is the property of Johns Hopkins University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Looking to go deeper into this topic? Look for more articles on EBSCOhost.