Ambivalence of the notion of belonging The notion of belonging is incontrovertibly fundamental to human nature; and as a result, has been

a predominant within the history of literature. One perception regarding this key concept consists of the fact that a repudiation of social belonging can provoke the establishment of transcendental and metaphysical relationships. This notion is explored within Dickinsons poetry as well as Gilmans The Yellow Wallpaper through the notions of patriarchy, conscious alienation and the establishment of supernatural relationships; all of which have been represented through the use of carefully chosen literary forms and features. Dickinsons This is my letter to the world is a poem which is irrefutably reflective of female oppression and the resulting transcendental relationships. Dickinsons rebellion against patriarchy is clearly conveyed within the quote the world, that never wrote to me which uses both personification and synecdoche within world to establish the poets sense of disconnection from her patriarchal society. This is further conveyed through Dickinsons constant use of absolutes and powerful declarative statements as reflected through Her message is committed to hands I cannot see which works to portray the insurmountable oppression faced by women. Furthermore, the use of sycophantic language used in sweet countrymen acts as a sarcastic refute of male society. These notions of patriarchal oppression are also conveyed within a range of other poems, one of which consists of I gave myself to him. Within this poem, the poet uses the motif of economic jargon and the conceit of a contract in order to commodify relationships as conveyed through the solemn contract of a life and this great purchaser. In addition to these notions of patriarchy, Dickinson also establishes a notion of a transcendental relationship. This is clearly portrayed within the poets quote: The simple news that nature told. Through personifying nature, the poet attempts to redefine social barriers through restoring equality between humanity and nature. Furthermore, the analogous and somewhat ironic reference to simple news is a reference to idealistic gender equality present within nature. This relationship with nature is a common thread within Dickinsons poetry and is present within I had been hungry all the years through the quote: I had often shared in natures dining room which once again promotes equality between the narrator and nature. As a result, Dickinsons This is my letter to the world irrefutably reflects the impacts of patriarchy upon the establishment of transcendental relationships. Ingratiating

Both Dickinson and Gilman explore the impact of a patriarchal society upon a female protagonist; referring to it as a catalyst for social exclusion. Dickinson

first establishes this notion within This is my letter to the world through the quote: the world that never wrote to me. Through the use of both personification and synecdoche within world, Dickinson establishes a sense of disconnection from her patriarchal society. Furthermore, Dickinsons use of sycophantic language within sweet countrymen acts as a satirical refute of male society. These notions of patriarchy are also conveyed within Dickinsons poem I gave myself to him in which the motif of economic jargon in association with the conciet of a contract; work to highlight the power inbalance present within a relationship. This is clearly conveyed through the quote: The solemn contract of a life was ratified this way which portrays the institutionalised nature of relationships while the use of great purchaser is used to both commodify relationships as well as portrays masculine dominance. Gilman also portrays patriarchal notions within the Yellow Wallpaper as conveyed through the notion that the wallpaper slaps you in the face, knocks you down, and tramples upon you. Its like a bad dream. Through personifying the wallpaper and using it as a metaphor for the patriarchal boundaries present within society; Gilman portrays the oppressive and contricting influence chauvinism. This is further conveyed through the quote that My brother ...[says]...I am absolutely forbidden to work until I am well again. Personally, I disagree which uses the personal pronoun of I in an attempt to repudiate masculine ideology. Hence, both Emily Dickinson and Gilman convey the detrimental impacts of patriarchy.

Both Dickinson and Gilman also represent the notion of conscious isolation. Dickinson conveys this within the poem I died for beauty but was scarce

This is further supported through the poets reference to sweet countrymen in which the use of sycophantic language highlights female submission to