Emily Dickinson's "The Soul selects her own Society" was first published posthumously in 1890, long after Dickinson wrote the poem in 1862. In this poem, the speaker celebrates the virtues of an independent and mostly solitary life. The speaker envisions her soul as a queenly figure who chooses her company carefully, without regard for worldly status or prestige. The poem's innovative use of slant rhyme and meter sets it apart from contemporary poetic standards; like the soul it describes, this poem obeys only its own rules.
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1The Soul selects her own Society —
2Then — shuts the Door —
3To her divine Majority —
4Present no more —
5Unmoved — she notes the Chariots — pausing —
6At her low Gate —
7Unmoved — an Emperor be kneeling
8Upon her Mat —
9I've known her — from an ample nation —
10Choose One —
11Then — close the Valves of her attention —
12Like Stone —
1The Soul selects her own Society —
2Then — shuts the Door —
3To her divine Majority —
4Present no more —
5Unmoved — she notes the Chariots — pausing —
6At her low Gate —
7Unmoved — an Emperor be kneeling
8Upon her Mat —
9I've known her — from an ample nation —
10Choose One —
11Then — close the Valves of her attention —
12Like Stone —
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 —
Select any word below to get its definition in the context of the poem. The words are listed in the order in which they appear in the poem.
The Poem Aloud — Listen to a recitation of the poem by reader Julie Harris.
Dickinson's Biography — Read a short overview of Dickinson's life and work.
Emily Dickinson Museum — Visit the website of the Emily Dickinson Museum.
Dickinson at the Brooklyn Museum — Learn about a Dickinson exhibit at a feminist art installation. Here, Dickinson (among other notable women) is commemorated with a place setting at a massive triangular table, representing women's creative power through history.
Emily Dickinson's Letters — Investigate Dickinson's correspondence with her close friend and editor Thomas Higginson.