One Sister Have I In Our House - Emily Dickinson | Indie Singer-Songwriter | Poetry Redux

This poem is one of Emily Dickinson’s most revealing early works, shedding light on her intense emotional landscape and her relationship with Susan Gilbert (who married Emily's brother, Austin, in 1856). 1. The Nature of "Sisterhood" Dickinson structures the poem around a stark contrast between two types of sisters. The Biological Sister: The "sister... in our house" refers to her biological sister, Lavinia (Vinnie). Dickinson notes that they share a physical home and a "hedge," representing the domestic, traditional family sphere. The Chosen Sister: The sister who lives "a fields away" is Susan, who lived next door at the Evergreens. This sisterhood is not bound by blood but by choice, intellect, and soul. 2. Imagery and Symbolism Dickinson relies on nature imagery to articulate the depth of her bond with Susan: The Sea and the Bird: She writes that she chose Susan from "all the Sea" and notes that Susan holds a unique melody, singing a "foreign bird" song that only Emily truly understands. The "Hedge" and the "Fields": Physical proximity (the shared house and hedge with Vinnie) is contrasted with the vastness of the "fields" separating her from Susan. This implies that while her relationship with Vinnie is secure and structured, her bond with Susan requires crossing open spaces—a metaphor for emotional vulnerability. 3. Tone and Intent The tone is fiercely loyal, reverent, and deeply intimate. Dickinson acknowledges that time and maturity change people ("I spilt the dust from out the jarr"), yet her dedication to Susan remains untouched. By concluding with the assertion that she will keep her sister "till the night be spent," Dickinson elevates their bond to an immortal, lifelong covenant. --- #OneSisterHaveIinOurHouse #emilydickinson #poetry #education