“The Soul selects her own Society” by Emily Dickinson: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Soul selects her own Society” by Emily Dickinson

“The Soul selects her own Society” by Emily Dickinson first appeared in 1890 as part of the posthumous collection Poems, edited by Mabel Loomis Todd and Thomas Wentworth Higginson. This poem, like many of Dickinson’s works, is characterized by its brevity, enigmatic tone, and precise imagery. The poem explores themes of personal choice, isolation, and self-sufficiency, illustrating the soul’s autonomy in choosing companions and shutting out the rest of the world. Dickinson’s use of a tightly structured form and slant rhyme underscores the speaker’s resolute and unwavering decision. The main idea revolves around the soul’s deliberate and selective nature, emphasizing inner strength and the power of individual agency.

Text: “The Soul selects her own Society” by Emily Dickinson

The Soul selects her own Society —
Then — shuts the Door —
To her divine Majority —
Present no more —

Unmoved — she notes the Chariots — pausing —
At her low Gate —
Unmoved — an Emperor be kneeling
Upon her Mat —

I’ve known her — from an ample nation —
Choose One —
Then — close the Valves of her attention —
Like Stone —

Annotations: “The Soul selects her own Society” by Emily Dickinson

Line	Annotation
The Soul selects her own Society	The soul is portrayed as having agency and independence, choosing its own companions or community. This choice is deliberate and personal.
Then — shuts the Door —	Once the soul has made its selection, it closes itself off from all other potential connections, symbolizing exclusion and finality.
To her divine Majority —	The “divine Majority” refers to a higher, perhaps spiritual or moral authority, indicating that the soul’s choice is of utmost importance, possibly aligned with divine will or principles.
Present no more —	The soul becomes inaccessible to others, withdrawing from social interaction or worldly concerns, emphasizing its self-imposed isolation.
Unmoved — she notes the Chariots — pausing —	Despite external displays of power and grandeur (symbolized by chariots), the soul remains indifferent and unresponsive, unmoved by such attempts to engage with her.
At her low Gate —	The “low Gate” suggests humility or simplicity, in contrast to the grandeur of the chariots. It reinforces the soul’s disinterest in outward shows of power or status.
Unmoved — an Emperor be kneeling	Even when an emperor, representing the ultimate authority and power, kneels before the soul, she remains unmoved, highlighting her autonomy and resistance to influence.
Upon her Mat —	The mat symbolizes a domestic, modest space, further emphasizing the soul’s rejection of grandeur and external allure, as well as her ability to reject even the most powerful suitors.
I’ve known her — from an ample nation —	The speaker has witnessed the soul, from a vast array of people (“ample nation”), selecting only one person or connection. This implies the rarity and exclusivity of the soul’s choices.
Choose One —	The soul makes a singular, definitive choice, reinforcing the poem’s theme of selective intimacy and deliberate isolation.
Then — close the Valves of her attention —	The soul shuts itself off completely, metaphorically closing “valves” to control the flow of attention, implying an emotional or psychological boundary.
Like Stone —	The final image of stone conveys the soul’s unyielding, impenetrable nature once it has made its choice, signifying permanence and emotional distance.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “The Soul selects her own Society” by Emily Dickinson

Device	Definition	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.	“Soul selects”	The repetition of the “s” sound creates a rhythmic effect and draws attention to the soul’s action of selecting.
Allusion	A reference to a person, place, event, or another literary work.	“Chariots” and “Emperor”	These refer to symbols of power and authority, alluding to royalty or grand figures without directly naming them.
Anaphora	Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive lines or clauses.	“Unmoved —”	The repetition of “Unmoved” emphasizes the soul’s resistance to external influences.
Assonance	The repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words.	“Chariots — pausing”	The repetition of the “a” sound creates a harmonious effect, contributing to the mood of calm and detachment.
Consonance	The repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words.	“Chariots — pausing”	The repetition of the “s” sound in “Chariots” and “pausing” enhances the musical quality of the poem.
Enjambment	The continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause.	“Unmoved — an Emperor be kneeling / Upon her Mat —”	The thought runs over from one line to the next, mirroring the persistence of the external world, which the soul ignores.
Hyperbole	Exaggeration for emphasis or effect.	“Emperor be kneeling / Upon her Mat”	The exaggerated image of an emperor kneeling at a humble mat highlights the soul’s resistance to even the most powerful figures.
Imagery	Descriptive language that appeals to the senses.	“Chariots — pausing”	The image of chariots pausing at the gate appeals to the reader’s visual sense, helping to create a vivid picture of the soul’s isolation.
Irony	A contrast between expectation and reality.	“Unmoved — an Emperor be kneeling”	It is ironic that a figure of great power, like an emperor, kneels, yet the soul remains indifferent.
Metaphor	A comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”	“The Soul selects her own Society”	The soul is metaphorically compared to a person who actively selects and isolates herself, giving the soul human-like agency and decision-making power.
Personification	Attributing human characteristics to non-human things.	“The Soul selects”	The soul is personified as being able to “select” and “shut the door,” which are human actions, emphasizing autonomy and willpower.
Repetition	Repeating words or phrases for emphasis.	“Unmoved —” repeated twice	Repetition of “Unmoved” underscores the soul’s unyielding nature and indifference to external stimuli.
Rhyme Scheme	The pattern of rhymes in a poem.	No strict rhyme scheme	The irregular rhyme scheme reflects the poem’s theme of independence and deviation from societal norms.
Slant Rhyme	A rhyme where the sounds are similar but not exact.	“Society” and “Majority”	The near-rhyme between these words reflects the theme of incompleteness and selectiveness in human connection.
Symbolism	Using objects or actions to represent larger ideas.	“Chariots” and “Emperor”	These symbols represent external power and authority, which the soul consciously chooses to ignore.
Synecdoche	A figure of speech in which a part is used to represent the whole.	“Valves of her attention”	The “valves” represent the soul’s attention, where a part of the mechanism (valves) is used to signify the entirety of the soul’s attention or focus.
Tone	The attitude of the poet toward the subject.	Detached, firm	The tone throughout the poem is resolute, illustrating the soul’s firm and unwavering decision to isolate itself.
Theme	The central idea or message in a literary work.	Selective isolation and autonomy	The poem revolves around the soul’s selective nature, emphasizing personal autonomy and the conscious rejection of external pressures.
Metonymy	Substituting the name of one thing with something closely associated.	“Chariots” for grand visitors	“Chariots” stand in for powerful, possibly royal, visitors, signifying the larger idea of worldly influence.
Paradox	A statement that seems contradictory but reveals a truth.	“I’ve known her — from an ample nation — / Choose One —”	The paradox lies in the idea that from a large, ample nation, the soul chooses only one person, highlighting the exclusivity of connection and human relations.

Themes: “The Soul selects her own Society” by Emily Dickinson

1. Selective Isolation: The theme of selective isolation is central to the poem, where the soul exercises its autonomy by choosing who to admit into its inner circle and then shutting out the rest. The line “The Soul selects her own Society — / Then — shuts the Door —” symbolizes this deliberate choice to exclude others once a selection is made. The soul, in its self-imposed isolation, rejects further interaction with the world, showing how individuals can assert control over their social connections, preferring solitude or selective companionship.
2. Autonomy and Agency: The poem explores the soul’s autonomy in determining its relationships, emphasizing self-sufficiency and independence. In the lines, “Unmoved — an Emperor be kneeling / Upon her Mat —,” Dickinson highlights the soul’s unyielding power to reject even the most influential figures. The emperor, a symbol of worldly power and authority, holds no sway over the soul’s choices, indicating that true power lies in the soul’s ability to act according to its own will, undeterred by external pressures.
3. Rejection of Worldly Power: A recurring theme in the poem is the rejection of worldly power and grandeur, as seen in the lines, “Unmoved — she notes the Chariots — pausing — / At her low Gate —.” The chariots, a metaphor for external authority or social status, pause at the soul’s gate, but the soul remains indifferent. By illustrating how the soul chooses to remain detached from such displays of power, Dickinson suggests that spiritual or personal fulfillment does not depend on status or wealth, but on internal values and choices.
4. Exclusivity of Connection: The theme of exclusivity is evident in the soul’s choice to select “One” from an “ample nation,” as described in the lines, “I’ve known her — from an ample nation — / Choose One — / Then — close the Valves of her attention — / Like Stone —.” This conveys the idea that human connection, though vast in potential, is limited in practice. The soul deliberately closes itself off after making its selection, likened to “Stone,” which reinforces the finality and permanence of its decision. Dickinson portrays meaningful relationships as rare and carefully chosen, highlighting the value of selective engagement over widespread interaction.

Literary Theories and “The Soul selects her own Society” by Emily Dickinson

Literary Theory	Application to the Poem	References from the Poem
Feminist Criticism	This theory explores the poem as a reflection of the female experience, particularly focusing on women’s autonomy and rejection of patriarchal norms. Dickinson’s portrayal of the soul as choosing its own society can be seen as a metaphor for women’s self-empowerment, as the soul asserts its independence and rejects societal expectations of women’s roles.	“The Soul selects her own Society — / Then — shuts the Door —” This act of shutting the door symbolizes autonomy, a woman choosing who she interacts with, rejecting patriarchal structures.
New Criticism	Focusing on the text itself, this theory would examine the structure, diction, and form of the poem. The tightly controlled meter, slant rhyme, and repetition reflect the theme of the soul’s determined, self-contained nature. The soul’s rejection of external power (e.g., chariots, emperor) showcases the poem’s formal elements aligning with its theme of isolation.	“Unmoved — she notes the Chariots — pausing — / At her low Gate —” The precise structure mirrors the controlled, unyielding nature of the soul as it rejects external stimuli.
Existentialism	This theory focuses on the individual’s search for meaning and the assertion of free will in a seemingly indifferent world. Dickinson’s poem portrays the soul as making a choice in isolation, embodying existential themes of autonomy and individualism. The soul’s decision to shut out the external world reflects an existential quest for self-authenticity.	“Unmoved — an Emperor be kneeling / Upon her Mat —” The soul’s rejection of societal power (the emperor) emphasizes individual freedom and the pursuit of personal meaning, key tenets of existentialism.

Critical Questions about “The Soul selects her own Society” by Emily Dickinson

• How does the poem reflect the theme of personal autonomy, and what is the significance of the soul’s selective process?
• The poem raises important questions about personal autonomy and the soul’s deliberate choices. The line “The Soul selects her own Society — / Then — shuts the Door —” emphasizes the soul’s ability to choose and then close itself off from others. This act suggests a strong sense of independence and a rejection of external influences. What might Dickinson be suggesting about the human need for solitude or the rejection of societal norms in favor of personal conviction? The poem seems to celebrate the soul’s power to decide for itself, but does this self-isolation also carry potential costs, such as alienation from others?
• What is the role of power and status in the poem, and how does the soul’s rejection of worldly authority redefine power dynamics?
• The poem presents a critical view of worldly power and status through its depiction of the soul remaining “Unmoved —” in the face of chariots and an emperor. The soul’s rejection of an “Emperor be kneeling / Upon her Mat” suggests a reevaluation of traditional power dynamics, where inner autonomy and spiritual resolve are valued over external authority. Is Dickinson critiquing societal hierarchies by asserting that true power comes from within? This inversion of power dynamics invites readers to reflect on the importance of inner strength as opposed to the fleeting nature of external power.
• How does the metaphor of the “Valves of her attention” enhance the theme of emotional and psychological boundaries in the poem?
• The metaphor “Then — close the Valves of her attention — / Like Stone —” vividly illustrates the soul’s ability to shut out the world completely, likening the act to closing physical valves. This metaphor raises questions about emotional and psychological boundaries: Is the soul protecting itself from potential harm, or is it shutting itself off from meaningful connections? The comparison to stone suggests permanence and perhaps rigidity, leaving the reader to wonder whether this self-imposed isolation is an act of self-preservation or an unhealthy form of detachment from society.
• In what ways does the poem explore the concept of choice, and how does the finality of the soul’s decision impact the reader’s understanding of human relationships?
• The poem focuses heavily on the theme of choice, particularly in the lines “I’ve known her — from an ample nation — / Choose One —.” This act of selecting one person from many and then closing oneself off raises critical questions about the nature of relationships. Does the poem suggest that human relationships should be exclusive and carefully selected, or does it critique the limitation of one’s social circle? The finality of the soul’s decision to “Choose One” and “close the Valves of her attention” invites readers to consider the implications of such a choice, both in terms of intimacy and isolation.

Literary Works Similar to “The Soul selects her own Society” by Emily Dickinson

1. “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” by William Wordsworth
   Both poems explore themes of solitude and individual contemplation, with the speaker finding peace and fulfillment in isolation.
2. “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley
   Like Dickinson’s poem, “Invictus” focuses on self-determination and inner strength, with the speaker asserting control over their fate and choices.
3. “Ode to Solitude” by Alexander Pope
   This poem, much like Dickinson’s, celebrates solitude and the joys of living in peaceful isolation, away from the distractions of society.
4. “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost
   Both poems emphasize personal choice and the significance of making decisions that lead to individual fulfillment, even when those choices involve separation from others.
5. “The Second Coming” by W.B. Yeats
   Although dealing with larger societal collapse, “The Second Coming” shares a similar tone of finality and the rejection of external powers, as seen in Dickinson’s portrayal of the soul’s rejection of societal influence.

Representative Quotations of “The Soul selects her own Society” by Emily Dickinson

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“The Soul selects her own Society —”	Opening line introducing the soul’s autonomous action of choosing its companions.	Feminist Criticism: Reflects the female soul’s independence, asserting autonomy in a male-dominated society, resisting external control.
“Then — shuts the Door —”	The soul closes itself off from the world after making its choice.	New Criticism: The abrupt, firm closure symbolizes the finality of the soul’s decision and the theme of isolation.
“To her divine Majority —”	The soul’s selection aligns with a higher, possibly spiritual, authority.	Religious Criticism: Suggests the soul’s alignment with divine will, emphasizing a spiritual dimension to personal autonomy and selection.
“Present no more —”	The soul withdraws from society entirely after making its selection.	Existentialism: The soul rejects external existence and the societal presence, embracing isolation as a mode of authentic being.
“Unmoved — she notes the Chariots — pausing —”	The soul remains unaffected by displays of grandeur or external attention.	Marxist Criticism: Reflects resistance to material wealth and societal power, rejecting the influence of social status and class.
“At her low Gate —”	The grand chariots stop at a humble gate, contrasting power with simplicity.	Classical Criticism: This imagery contrasts lowly, modest existence with external grandeur, emphasizing simplicity over materialism.
“Unmoved — an Emperor be kneeling”	Even the emperor, a symbol of absolute authority, cannot sway the soul.	Power Dynamics: Represents the soul’s power over worldly figures, highlighting personal sovereignty over external political or social forces.
“Upon her Mat —”	The emperor kneels at a simple mat, contrasting imperial power with domestic humility.	Postcolonial Criticism: Challenges imperialism by showing that even an emperor’s power is inconsequential to the soul’s personal choice and authority.
“I’ve known her — from an ample nation —”	The speaker has observed the soul selecting just one person from a multitude.	Psychoanalytic Criticism: This could symbolize the soul’s inward search for meaning in relationships, emphasizing exclusivity and deep psychological focus.
“Then — close the Valves of her attention —”	The soul shuts off its attention entirely, symbolizing emotional and mental isolation.	Deconstruction: Examines how the soul’s closure creates a binary between inside and outside, raising questions about the limitations of such boundaries.

Suggested Readings: “The Soul selects her own Society” by Emily Dickinson

1. Erkkila, Betsy. “Emily Dickinson and Class.” American Literary History, vol. 4, no. 1, 1992, pp. 1–27. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/489934. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.
2. Budick, E. Miller. “When the Soul Selects: Emily Dickinson’s Attack on New England Symbolism.” American Literature, vol. 51, no. 3, 1979, pp. 349–63. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/2925390. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.
3. Erkkila, Betsy. “Emily Dickinson on Her Own Terms.” The Wilson Quarterly (1976-), vol. 9, no. 2, 1985, pp. 98–109. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/40468529. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.
4. Knights, L. C. “Defining the Self Poems of Emily Dickinson.” The Sewanee Review, vol. 91, no. 3, 1983, pp. 357–75. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/27544154. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.