What Was the Cause of Emily Dickinson's Death

Emily Dickinson, one of America’s most renowned poets, lived a reclusive life in Amherst, Massachusetts. Her poetic prowess was not fully recognized until after her death in 1886. Though her works live on, the circumstances surrounding her death remain somewhat shrouded in mystery. What caused Emily Dickinson’s death has been a topic of speculation and debate among scholars and fans alike.

Emily Dickinson was born on December 10, 1830, into a prominent family in Amherst. She spent most of her adult life secluded in her family’s house, rarely leaving its premises and maintaining minimal social interactions. Despite her reclusive lifestyle, Dickinson poured her thoughts, emotions, and observations into her writings, which are characterized by their unconventional style and distinct use of language.

In her later years, Dickinson’s health began to deteriorate. She suffered from various ailments, including severe headaches, eye problems, and chronic constipation. These physical afflictions, coupled with her emotionally strained state, sparked speculation about whether any specific illness may have led to her death.

One prevailing theory is that Emily Dickinson suffered from Bright’s disease, now known as nephritis. This condition affects the kidneys’ ability to filter waste products from the blood, leading to a buildup of toxins and fluids in the body. Symptoms of Bright’s disease include fatigue, swelling, nausea, and high blood pressure. Patients who suffer from this ailment may also experience changes in their mental and emotional state.

Another possible cause of Emily Dickinson’s death was epilepsy. Some experts suggest that the poet may have had epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Dickinson’s epilepsy, if she had it, could have been a contributing factor to her reclusive nature, as individuals with the condition often face significant social stigmatization. Epilepsy can also lead to physical and mental fatigue, which might have impacted her overall health and well-being.

Despite these theories, the true cause of Emily Dickinson’s death remains unknown. Her death certificate states that she died of Bright’s disease, a diagnosis supported by her family physician’s medical records. However, given the limited understanding of medical conditions during that era, the accuracy of such diagnoses is questionable.

Moreover, Dickinson’s refusal to seek medical attention for most of her life adds an additional layer of uncertainty. She had an aversion to doctors and preferred her own unconventional remedies. Dickinson’s unusual habits, like wearing only white clothing and using limited light in her living spaces, further contribute to the mystery surrounding her death.

Some theories suggest that Emily Dickinson may have intentionally hastened her own death as she aged. Her poetry often explored themes of mortality and the afterlife, suggesting a fascination with death and its implications. Despite this speculation, there is no concrete evidence to support the claim that Dickinson purposefully sought her demise.

In the absence of definitive facts, the cause of Emily Dickinson’s death is likely to remain a topic of speculation. Whether her death resulted from a specific illness, self-neglect, or a combination of factors may never be fully known. What we do know is that Emily Dickinson’s poetic legacy continues to captivate readers to this day, allowing her to live on through her extraordinary contributions to the literary world.