Professor Martha Nell Smith, a pioneering scholar of Emily Dickinson, recently reflected on how the Apple TV Plus series Dickinson has inspired a new generation to explore the poet's queer identity. Smith's groundbreaking work in the 1980s first highlighted the romantic undertones in Dickinson's letters to her sister-in-law, Susan Dickinson, a perspective that faced significant pushback from traditional academics at the time.
The Scholarly Breakthrough
Smith recounted her initial studies of Dickinson's extensive correspondence, noting the intense focus on Susan Dickinson. "I started to read Dickinson's letters and realised she sure paid a lot of attention to Susan Dickinson," Smith explained. "I started to notice that they had a queer edge – what we would call queer, she wouldn't have used the word." This led to her realization that Dickinson was deeply in love with Susan, as evidenced by passionate letters where Dickinson described Susan as a "jewel" and expressed longing for her presence.
Modern Adaptations and Resistance
The 2018 film Wild Nights with Emily and the subsequent Apple TV series Dickinson, starring Hailee Steinfeld and Ella Hunt, have brought this sapphic narrative to mainstream audiences. However, Smith faced harsh criticism early in her career. She recalled a conversation with Mary Landis Hampson, heir to the Dickinson family home, who warned her about backlash. "You must tell their story, but you be careful, because they will try to destroy you for it," Hampson advised. Despite this, Smith persisted, consulting on the later seasons of the TV show and advocating for an honest portrayal of Dickinson's relationships.
The Importance of Queer Representation
Kirsty Loehr, author of A Short History of Queer Women, emphasized the harm in diminishing such relationships as mere friendships. "Without a visible past, it becomes incredibly difficult for queer people to imagine a present, let alone a future," Loehr stated. Layla McCay, author of The Queer Bookshelf, added that joyful queer stories on screen are vital for countering historical narratives of tragedy and isolation, offering hope and validation to LGBTQ+ individuals.
Impact on Education and Culture
Smith noted that the Dickinson series has directly increased enrollment in her poetry classes, attracting students intrigued by the show's contemporary take. "It brings more readers in and gets them interested in the power of poetry," she said. This media portrayal helps dismantle conservative views of Dickinson as a reclusive, sorrowful figure, instead presenting her as a strong, passionate writer whose work resonates with modern audiences.
From centuries-old letters to modern streaming platforms, the representation of queer stories remains a powerful tool for cultural enrichment and historical accuracy. As McCay concluded, "Queer stories have been here for centuries, for millennia, and goodness, how fascinating it is to read about us through time."
