Emily Dickinson

Exclusion

Summary

The poem explores the theme of individual choice and personal boundaries. It describes the soul as having the power to select its own company or society and then firmly close itself off to others. This selection process is depicted as resolute and unyielding, unaffected by external influences such as power or status. The soul remains indifferent even when an influential presence, such as an emperor, seeks its attention. Ultimately, it suggests that the soul is selective, choosing one from many and then sealing itself away as if with stone, emphasizing the autonomy and determination in choosing connections. This piece highlights the importance of personal agency in relationships and the boundaries one sets to protect inner sanctity.

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THE soul selects her own society,
Then shuts the door;
On her divine majority
Obtrude no more.

Unmoved, she notes the chariot’s pausing
At her low gate;
Unmoved, an emperor is kneeling
Upon her mat.

I’ve known her from an ample nation
Choose one;
Then close the valves to her attention
Like stone.

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