Why did Emily Emily Dickinson wear white?

Answer 1

Emily started wearing all white after her father's death. There are many reasons she might have done this. Some critics saw it as her attempt at religious purity and a way to escape death. Others thought it was because she never married and was mocking the institution of marriage by constantly wearing a wedding dress.

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I seem to recall from English Literature classes that Emily Dickinson began wearing white around the time that Charles Wadsworth moved to San Francisco. It was her way of giving tribute to her love for the married Presbyterian minister. She told him that if he ever returned (which he only did once in 1880) he would know her because she would be wearing white. This is unverified, of course.

However, Dickinson wrote this poem in 1862, the same year Wadsworth left for San Francisco. Sounds pretty angry to me. Like a woman scorned?

[388] Take Your Heaven further on

Take Your Heaven further on --

This -- to Heaven divine Has gone --

Had You earlier blundered in

Possibly, e'en You had seen

An Eternity -- put on --

Now -- to ring a Door beyond ((a doorbell in San Fran, maybe?))

Is the utmost of Your Hand --

To the Skies -- apologize --

Nearer to Your Courtesies

Than this Sufferer polite --

Dressed to meet You --

See -- in White!

Answer 2

Emily Dickinson was known to wear predominantly white attire as a personal choice, possibly symbolizing purity or simplicity. She was a private person who rarely left her home, and her white clothing may have been a reflection of her reclusive nature and desire for simplicity in her daily life.

Answer 3

Emily Dickinson started wearing all white after her father's death.