This is one of Emily Dickinson’s most powerful poems, exploring themes of power, identity, and purpose. Through the metaphor of a loaded gun, Dickinson contemplates her own potential and the tensions between control and violence.

Why Read This Book

• Dickinson’s powerful use of metaphor and symbolism creates a haunting meditation on identity.
• The poem’s ambiguity invites multiple interpretations, rewarding close reading.
• Offers insight into Dickinson’s distinct voice and profound inner world.

About the Author

Emily Dickinson (1830–1886) was an American poet known for her reclusive lifestyle and unique, innovative poetry. Her work often explores themes of death, immortality, and nature, and her concise, thought-provoking style has made her one of the most celebrated poets in American literature.