A Dickinsonian School of Poetics: The Task of Being a Woman Poet

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**Project Overview**This project explores what I call the 'Dickinsonian school' of women poets, including myself, who have been profoundly influenced by Emily Dickinson's poetry. I aim to creatively draw from Dickinson's work and examine how her influence transcends borders and impacts women's poetry. While acknowledging Dickinson's significant role in contemporary poetry, there's a pressing need to dissect the exact nature of her influence, especially through the lens of gender. My project is a journey to uncover Dickinsonian traits in poetry, analyze these traits in the works of H.D., Adrienne Rich, and Susan Howe, and explore how Dickinson's influence manifests in my own poetry. Ultimately, this endeavor sheds new light on gendered literary inheritance and the role of influence in contemporary creative practice.**Research Questions**- What defines a poem as 'Dickinsonian'?- How does Dickinson's influence vary across different poets?- How do we distinguish genuine influence from mere imitation?- Are there gender-specific dimensions to poetic influence, and how can we identify them?- How does a focus on poetic foremothers contribute to the development of a womanist poetics, rooted in authentic female experiences?**Context**My project challenges the conventional patriarchal view of literary influence, instead embracing a gynocritical perspective that emphasizes constructing a female framework for analyzing women's literature. I draw inspiration from the pioneering work of Sandra Gilbert, Susan Gubar, Elaine Showalter, and other feminist scholars.**Creative Component**I will create a collection of poems inspired by Dickinson's work and the three modernist poets under study. My aim is to craft a womanist poetics, one that authentically reflects women's experiences. I seek to highlight the inherent poetry in everyday activities of Egyptian women often dismissed as mundane or frivolous, such as household chores, leisure pursuits, and the unique female bodily experiences. This creative endeavor will be deeply rooted in qualitative research, including interviews and archival exploration in Egypt. **Critical Component**My project will involve close readings to identify Dickinsonian patterns, themes, and style in the poetry of H.D., Adrienne Rich, and Susan Howe. I will complement this analysis by delving into their drafts, diaries, and unpublished works to trace the evolution of their writing styles. My focus will be on specific works from each poet, allowing me to dissect how Dickinson's influence manifested in their creative journeys.**Outputs and Timeline**The creative and critical aspects of my project will unfold in tandem. I intend to produce both a publishable book of poetry and critical essays that can find their place in scholarly publications. Over three years, I will dedicate time to research, writing, and retreats, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of this subject. The final semester will be dedicated to refining my poetry, organizing it into chapters, and ensuring the logical sequence of the book.This project is not only a personal exploration but also a significant contribution to our understanding of Emily Dickinson's enduring influence on women poets and the development of a womanist poetics.