Emily Dickinson was born on December 10, 1830, in Amherst, Massachusetts,
the second daughter of Edward and Emily Dickinson. Emily and her siblings, Austin
(older brother) and Lavinia (younger sister) were raised in a quiet family headed by their
father Edward. Throughout Emily's life her mother wasn't quite there for her, which
some believe led to her oddness. Being brought up in the strict Christian beliefs of the
1800's in Massachusetts, they were expected to take up their father's religious beliefs and
morals without question. Later Emily challenges these beliefs and it contributes to the
The Dickinson family was well-know in Amherst. Emilyl's grandfather was the
founder of Amherst Cokllege. Her father was the lawyer and treasurer for the college.
Emily's father was also on the General Court of Massachusetts , the Massachusetts State
Senate, and the United States House of Representatives. Unlike her father, Emily had no
interest in being noticed in Amherst or anywhere else. Emily started to show signs of not
being interested in her father's beliefs. Emily's father began to censor the books she read
because he didn't want her to know of any other than his own beliefs.
Being the duaghter of such a powerful person, Emily had the benefit of good
education and attended the Amherst Academy. After her time at the academy, Emily left
to attend the South Hadley Seminary where she started to become a young women.
Emily had a shy demeanor, but was comforable with her close friends. When around
strangers, her shy, meek attitude returned. Emily did well at college, but after one year,
she left the school and went back to Amherst to begin her life of seclusion.
Emily never married but had relationships with a few men. During this time she
returned from school, she would not see anyone and would not leave town except for a
few visits to Boston, a visit to Phil
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