The Soul selects her own Society: Plot

Plot
- The poem is a narrative perspective of the soul’s decision-making process.
- Dickinson’s speaker relates that the soul makes its decisions independently, only selecting one society out of an entire empire of opportunities.
- The soul, once it has made a decision, will exclude all other options.
- The speaker affirms the soul’s firmness in its decision, a chariot stopping by the gate, or an emperor kneeling at the door, could not sway the soul’s decision.
Structure & Language Techniques
- Dickinson employs slant rhyme, less obvious rhyme used to create subtle mood or meaning.
- A distinct rhythmic pattern is created using alternating long and short lines.
- The dash creates a pause, used as an intentional device to create flow or emphasize a point.
- Dickinson often plays with the idea of nobody versus somebody; the soul as a ‘nobody’ who decides from many ‘somebodies’.
Themes & Linking Poems
- Themes of individualism, decision-making, and the dominance of the soul are explored.
- This poem can be linked to ‘I’m Nobody! Who are you?’, another Dickinson poem that explores the theme of individuality.
Key Quotes
- “The soul selects her own society” - the opening line presents the soul as an individual with the power of choice.
- “Then – shuts the Door –” suggests finality and closes off all other possibilities.
Poet & Context
- Dickinson (1830-1886) was an American poet known for her unique style and exploration of themes like death, nature, and the soul.
- The poem can be seen as reflective of the poet’s own life; she was known to have lived much of her life in relative seclusion.
- Her unique dash-filled writing style and introspective themes were not fully appreciated until after her death.