Final answer:
The 1844 dictionary provides context that clarifies Emily Dickinson's language and usage in her poems, revealing how her word choice and rhythmical similarities to 19th-century songs reflect her time and challenge contemporary gender roles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Looking in an 1844 dictionary can help clarify lines in Emily Dickinson's poems because her word choice is based on the meanings and usage of her time. Understanding the definitions of words as they were in the 19th century can provide deeper insight into the themes and expressions in her poetry. For example, analyzing the rhythmical similarities between Dickinson's poems and popular nineteenth-century songs can enhance our comprehension of her work, as this was part of the cultural and literary context she was writing in. Similarly, Dickinson's challenging of gender roles reflects her contemporary social issues, and understanding the historical context can elucidate this element of her poetry. The analysis of form, word choice, and technical complexity demonstrates the richness and depth of Dickinson's poetry, revealing both her mastery of the lyric form and her progressive poetic techniques that anticipated Modernism.