Exploring the Text

1. What aspects of the human being does the Soul represent in this poem? Of what importance is it that the Soul is referred to as a “she” in this poem?

   Question

   Exploring the Text: - What aspects of the human being does the Soul represent in this poem? Of what importance is it that the Soul is referred to as a “she” in this poem?
2. What is the “divine Majority” (l. 3)? What are the multiple meanings of “majority,” and which ones might apply here?

   Question

   Exploring the Text: - What is the “divine Majority” (l. 3)? What are the multiple meanings of “majority,” and which ones might apply here?
3. In the second stanza, who is “Unmoved”? What is the effect of the words indicating status?

   Question

   Exploring the Text: - In the second stanza, who is “Unmoved”? What is the effect of the words indicating status?
4. In the third stanza, what association do the “Valves” evoke? What does this image suggest?

   Question

   Exploring the Text: - In the third stanza, what association do the “Valves” evoke? What does this image suggest?
5. How is the Soul characterized in this poem? As coldly self-sufficient? Confidently independent? Angry and distant? Proudly self-assured? Explain.

   Question

   Exploring the Text: - How is the Soul characterized in this poem? As coldly self-sufficient? Confidently independent? Angry and distant? Proudly self-assured? Explain.
6. How do the rhythm and rhyme of this poem contribute to its meaning? Consider the paired lines within each stanza. How does the final line create an appropriate effect for the meaning of this poem?

   Question

   Exploring the Text: - How do the rhythm and rhyme of this poem contribute to its meaning? Consider the paired lines within each stanza. How does the final line create an appropriate effect for the meaning of this poem?
7. Following is an analysis of the poem by contemporary critic Camille Paglia:

   This is Emily Dickinson’s declaration of independence, a manifesto of artistic vocation and mission. It is stern, flat, and implacable. Yet its emotions are intense and stretched to the limit… . Tenderness or compassion would compromise her artistic integrity and endanger her enterprise… .[W]ith militant resolve, she negates the entire world to preserve her small, proud kingdom of art.

   Do you agree or disagree with this analysis? Discuss which parts of this interpretation your understanding of the poem supports or challenges or which require qualification.

   Question

   Exploring the Text: - Following is an analysis of the poem by contemporary critic Camille Paglia:This is Emily Dickinson’s declaration of independence, a manifesto of artistic vocation and mission. It is stern, flat, and implacable. Yet its emotions are intense and stretched to the limit… . Tenderness or compassion would compromise her artistic integrity and endanger her enterprise… .[W]ith militant resolve, she negates the entire world to preserve her small, proud kingdom of art.Do you agree or disagree with this analysis? Discuss which parts of this interpretation your understanding of the poem supports or challenges or which require qualification.