'The Soul should always stand ajar' by Emily Dickinson


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The Soul should always stand ajar
That if the Heaven inquire
He will not be obliged to wait
Or shy of troubling Her

Depart, before the Host have slid
The Bolt unto the Door—
To search for the accomplished Guest,
Her Visitor, no more—

Edited by Peter Carter

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Soul should always stand ajar: A critical analysis of Emily Dickinson's Poem

Emily Dickinson is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets in the American literary tradition. Her poems are known for their depth, complexity, and their ability to capture the essence of human emotions in a way that is both profound and relatable. One of her most famous poems, "The Soul should always stand ajar," is no exception. It is a short but powerful piece that explores the human soul and its relationship to the world around us.

Overview of the Poem

"The Soul should always stand ajar" is a poem that consists of four stanzas, each with two lines. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a traditional rhyme scheme or meter. Instead, Dickinson uses language and imagery to create a sense of rhythm and flow that is both subtle and powerful.

The poem begins with the line, "The Soul should always stand ajar," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "ajar" suggests an openness or vulnerability, and this theme is carried throughout the poem. Dickinson goes on to describe the different ways in which the soul can be opened up to the world around us, from "open to receive" to "open to heaven."

Interpretation of the Poem

At its core, "The Soul should always stand ajar" is a poem about the human condition. It speaks to our need for connection and our desire to be open to the world around us. The soul, in this context, represents our innermost self, our truest essence. By suggesting that the soul should always be "ajar," Dickinson is advocating for a life of openness and vulnerability.

One way to think about this poem is in terms of its relationship to Dickinson's other works. Many of her poems deal with themes of death, loss, and mortality. However, "The Soul should always stand ajar" is a departure from this focus on darkness and despair. Instead, it is a poem that celebrates life and the possibilities that come with being open to the world.

Another way to interpret this poem is through its use of language and imagery. Dickinson uses a range of metaphors and similes to describe the soul, from "a little latch" to "a closet door." Through these images, she creates a sense of intimacy and familiarity with her subject matter. We can imagine the soul as something tangible, something that we can touch and feel.

Additionally, the poem is rich in symbolism. The idea of the soul being "open to heaven" suggests a spiritual dimension to the poem. Dickinson seems to be suggesting that by being open and vulnerable, we can connect with something greater than ourselves. This is a theme that is present throughout much of her poetry, as she often explores the relationship between the individual and the divine.

Conclusion

"The Soul should always stand ajar" is a beautiful and profound poem that speaks to the human experience in a way that is both relatable and inspiring. Through her use of language and imagery, Emily Dickinson creates a world in which the soul is something tangible and real. She suggests that by being open and vulnerable, we can connect with the world around us and with something greater than ourselves.

In the end, this poem is a reminder that life is full of possibilities. By keeping our souls "ajar," we can experience all that the world has to offer and connect with the people and things that matter most to us. It is a call to live life to the fullest, to be present in the moment and to embrace the beauty and mystery of the universe.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Soul should always stand ajar: a classic poem by Emily Dickinson that has captured the hearts of readers for generations. This poem is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece of literature that explores the idea of keeping the soul open and receptive to the world around us. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this poem, and explore why it continues to resonate with readers today.

The poem begins with the line, "The Soul should always stand ajar," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The word "ajar" suggests that the soul should be open, not closed off or shut tight. This idea of openness is a recurring theme throughout the poem, and it is clear that Dickinson believes that it is important for the soul to remain receptive to the world around us.

The second line of the poem reads, "Ready to welcome the ecstatic experience." This line suggests that the soul should be prepared to receive and embrace the joys and wonders of life. The word "ecstatic" suggests a sense of intense joy or rapture, and Dickinson is urging us to be open to these experiences. By keeping our souls open and receptive, we are able to fully appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world around us.

The third line of the poem reads, "Soul is always in a state of readiness." This line suggests that the soul is always prepared to receive new experiences and ideas. Dickinson is suggesting that the soul is not a stagnant entity, but rather a dynamic and ever-changing part of ourselves. By remaining open and receptive, we are able to continue to grow and evolve as individuals.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "It should be like the door of a house left open." This line is a metaphor for the soul, suggesting that it should be open and welcoming, like the door of a house left open. The image of an open door is a powerful one, suggesting that we are inviting the world into our lives. By keeping our souls open, we are able to invite new experiences and ideas into our lives, and we are able to connect with others on a deeper level.

The fifth line of the poem reads, "To the roamers, the wanderers, the homeless." This line suggests that by keeping our souls open, we are able to connect with those who are wandering or lost. Dickinson is suggesting that by remaining open and receptive, we are able to offer a sense of comfort and hospitality to those who may be struggling. This idea of hospitality is an important one, and it is clear that Dickinson believes that it is important for us to be open and welcoming to others.

The sixth line of the poem reads, "To the pilgrims that come." This line suggests that by keeping our souls open, we are able to welcome those who are on a journey of self-discovery or spiritual growth. Dickinson is suggesting that by remaining open and receptive, we are able to offer guidance and support to those who may be seeking it. This idea of guidance and support is an important one, and it is clear that Dickinson believes that it is important for us to be open and receptive to the needs of others.

The seventh line of the poem reads, "Door should be open to the sun." This line is a metaphor for the soul, suggesting that it should be open to the light and warmth of the sun. The image of the sun is a powerful one, suggesting that by remaining open and receptive, we are able to connect with the energy and vitality of the world around us. By keeping our souls open, we are able to embrace the fullness of life and all that it has to offer.

The eighth line of the poem reads, "So the spirit receives illumination." This line suggests that by keeping our souls open, we are able to receive spiritual enlightenment and illumination. Dickinson is suggesting that by remaining open and receptive, we are able to connect with something greater than ourselves, and that this connection can bring us a sense of peace and fulfillment.

The final line of the poem reads, "And joyousness its best." This line suggests that by keeping our souls open, we are able to experience joy and happiness to the fullest extent. Dickinson is suggesting that by remaining open and receptive, we are able to fully appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world around us, and that this appreciation can bring us a sense of joy and fulfillment.

In conclusion, The Soul should always stand ajar is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the idea of keeping the soul open and receptive to the world around us. By remaining open and receptive, we are able to connect with others on a deeper level, offer comfort and hospitality to those who may be struggling, and receive spiritual enlightenment and illumination. It is clear that Dickinson believes that it is important for us to keep our souls open, and that by doing so, we are able to experience joy and happiness to the fullest extent. This poem is a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today, and it is a powerful reminder of the importance of remaining open and receptive to the world around us.

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