A sense of belonging can be hindered by barriers These barriers can lead to a sense of alienation or division from a person, place,

group or community A solitary status may be the result of upbringing, personal experiences or choices. This status can lead to positive and negative consequences. The desire to belong is a psychological phenomenon that, according to Maslows 8-stage Hierarchy, is an important factor of a human beings mental and emotional health. A sense of dislocation can lead to a sense of insecurity and low self-esteem. This may have been the case with Emily Dickinson, and this may have led to her pleading to the people of the future through this is my letter to the world to judge tenderly of me! A sense of affinity is required for a sense of belonging. Emily Dickinsons voluntary dislocation to the American society may have been a direct result of her fear of rejection, as explored in A word dropped careless on a page and This is my letter to the world. The desire to belong is a psychological phenomenon that, according to Maslows 8-stage Hierarchy, is an important factor of a human beings mental and emotional health. Simon Weil argues: To be rooted is perhaps the most important and least recognised need of the human soul. In contrast to this idea, post-romantic American poet Emily Dickinson spent most of her life alone, by choice. She believed It might be lonelier / without the loneliness. However, she also wanted her works to be read and respected by future readers. Dickinsons voluntary dislocation to the American society may have been a direct result of her fear of rejection, as explored in in her poems This is my letter to the world and A word dropped careless on a page. This is my letter to the world was her request for literary acceptance, while a word dropped careless on a page was her exploration of the repercussions of a single mistake in her works. Tim Burtons film Edward Scissorhands explores barriers that arise when an outsider wishes to belong to a group when it is clear he cannot. It satirises the social conventions of American Suburbia through the unique character of Edward Scissorhands, the protagonist of the film. Both Emily Dickinson and Tim Burton explore belonging through struggling with opposing pressures, albeit through different ideas, mediums and contexts.

A word dropped careless on a page This is my letter to the world

A Word dropped careless on a Page May stimulate an eye When folded in perpetual seam The Wrinkled Maker lie

Infection in the sentence breeds We may inhale Despair At distances of Centuries From the Malaria

This is my letter to the world, That never wrote to me,-The simple news that Nature told, With tender majesty.

Her message is committed To hands I cannot see; For love of her, sweet countrymen, Judge tenderly of me!