Q: Make a critical review on the poem, “The Soul Selects Her Own Society” by Emily Dickinson.
One of the most important poems “The Soul selects her own Society” was written by Emily Dickinson. It was first published posthumously in 1890, long after Dickinson wrote the poem in 1862. She has since
been regarded as one of the most important figures in American poetry. The poem portrays the soul’s decisive and unwavering selection
of a single companion, shutting out the rest of the world with resolute
finality. Dickinson during the mid-19th century, a
period marked by significant social and political changes in America, including the Civil War and the abolitionist movement.
In the poem, the speaker reflects on the
soul’s deliberate and exclusive choice of companionship, emphasizing personal
autonomy and emotional independence. The soul is portrayed as making a decisive
selection, then closing off to the rest of the world, as illustrated by the
lines, “Then — shuts the Door — / To
her divine Majority.” This act of choosing one person or connection over all others
underscores the themes of individualism and self-reliance. The poem captures
the essence of selective intimacy and the resolve to remain steadfast in one’s
personal choices.
In conclusion, Dickinson’s poem “The Soul selects her own
Society”
registers social anxiety. The poem concludes with the idea that the soul, a
deeply personal and intimate part of oneself, chooses its own company and
companionship with careful discernment, preferring select individuals over a
broader social circle. The poem highlights the significance of genuine
connection and the soul’s innate ability to recognize and value authenticity
over superficiality. Marijane Suttor reads, “This poem allows the reader a sense of her inner thoughts about
her own reclusive nature.”
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