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Questions and Answers
What does the phrase 'the soul selects her own society' imply about individuality?
What does the phrase 'the soul selects her own society' imply about individuality?
It implies that the soul has the autonomy to choose who or what it associates with, reflecting the importance of personal preference and individuality.
In the first stanza, what significance does the phrase 'shuts the door' hold?
In the first stanza, what significance does the phrase 'shuts the door' hold?
It signifies a deliberate choice to disengage from external influences or distractions after making a selection.
What contrasts are presented in the images of the 'chariot's pausing' and the 'emperor kneeling'?
What contrasts are presented in the images of the 'chariot's pausing' and the 'emperor kneeling'?
These images contrast ordinary life with the presence of power and authority, suggesting that even significant figures are irrelevant to the soul's choices.
How does the phrase 'close the valves of her attention like stone' reflect on the theme of choice?
How does the phrase 'close the valves of her attention like stone' reflect on the theme of choice?
What does the term 'divine majority' suggest about the soul's solidarity in its selections?
What does the term 'divine majority' suggest about the soul's solidarity in its selections?
Flashcards
The soul selects her own society
The soul selects her own society
The soul, acting independently, carefully chooses to remain focused on its own chosen companions, effectively shutting out everyone else.
Then shuts the door
Then shuts the door
The soul, having made its choice, firmly closes off its mind to further external influences. It won't let anything else in.
On her divine majority
On her divine majority
This idea of shutting the door suggests that the soul has complete control over its own destiny, free from external pressures.
Unmoved, she notes the chariot's pausing
At her low gate
Unmoved, she notes the chariot's pausing At her low gate
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Unmoved, an emperor is kneeling
Upon her mat.
Unmoved, an emperor is kneeling Upon her mat.
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Study Notes
"The Soul Selects Her Own Society" - Study Notes
- A soul chooses her own companions, and closes herself off from others.
- The soul closes the door to her company once selected.
- The soul's choice shows a powerful individualistic nature.
- The soul is indifferent to social pressures.
- The soul notices but is unaffected by prominent individuals or events.
- Examples of indifference include a chariot stopping at her gate, or an emperor kneeling before her.
- The soul is described as selecting one person from a large group.
- The soul's attention is likened to valves closing like stone, highlighting the finality of her decision.
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Description
Explore the themes of individuality and selective companionship in Emily Dickinson's poem 'The Soul Selects Her Own Society'. This quiz delves into the significance of the soul's choices and her indifference to societal norms. Analyze how the poem portrays the finality of decisions and their impact on personal connection.
