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Introduction
I.
In poem #275 that specifically mentions the region in which she lives, Emily Dickinson’s speaker objectively looks outside of the landscape in order to view her subjective position within it:
The Robin’s my Criterion for Tune—
Because I grow—where Robins do—
But were I Cuckoo born—
I’d swear by him—
The ode familiar—rules the Noon—
The Buttercup’s, my Whim for Bloom—
Because, we’re Orchard sprung—
But were I Britain born,
I’d Daisies spurn—
None but the Nut—October fit—
Because, though dropping it,
The Seasons flit—I’m taught—
Without the Snow’s Tableau
Because I grow—where Robins do—
But were I Cuckoo born—
I’d swear by him—
The ode familiar—rules the Noon—
The Buttercup’s, my Whim for Bloom—
Because, we’re Orchard sprung—
But were I Britain born,
I’d Daisies spurn—
None but the Nut—October fit—
Because, though dropping it,
The Seasons flit—I’m taught—
Without the Snow’s Tableau