Dickinson used irony, ambiguity, and paradox to describe her personal experiences and other experiences. Her use of devices such as personification, allusion and symbolism can be found throughout her poems. Emily  used ambiguity as a part of her style. That way, the reader takes part in the poem as well. In addition, her ambiguity allowed readers to come up with their own conclusions about the poem. In her own work she was original and innovative, but she did draw upon her knowledge of the Bible, classical myths, and Shakespeare for allusions and references in her poetry. She also used contemporary popular church hymns, transforming their standard rhythms into free-form hymn meters.