| Popis: |
The Dickinson Homestead and The Evergreens were constructed as fashionable expressions of the ambitions, achievements, and aesthetic tastes of four generations of Dickinsons. These two homes and their occupants constituted Emily Dickinson’s intimate familial and creative environment. In this setting Dickinson composed almost all of the poems that survive today. Built in 1813 by Emily Dickinson’s grandfather, the Homestead was frequently altered until her father, Edward, made one last extensive renovation in 1855. The Evergreens, the stylish Italianate home of the poet’s brother Austin and sister-in-law Susan, was built next to the Homestead in 1856. It saw minimal architectural change but substantial decorative alteration until the end of the century. Because these properties embodied her family’s aspirations and served as the backdrop for her own poetic vocation, an examination of the evolution of the houses is relevant to a full consideration of her life and poetic legacy. This essay incorporates findings from historic structure reports and recent physical investigations to provide updated histories of both houses. |
