" The poet was right in supposing Higginson was “occupied”; hers was a life of contemplation, his one of action. Their friendship was the attraction of opposites, and they represent two poles of possible response to their historical moment, in which the issues of race and liberty were pulling the nation apart. Where Dickinson withdrew into the self, Higginson, a passionate abolitionist, tried to realise his ideals, but both were paradoxical individuals.

— American Literary Friendships, Hers and His: The Economist