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 —

Analysis, meaning and summary of Emily Dickinson's poem The Soul should always stand ajar

2 Comments

  1. marta sarkissian says:

    I read this a little differently from tammy.I thought “the soul” to be an unbeliever,who should, however, keep his/her soul open–in case at time of death—she/he can walk through the door into heaven. Marta Regardless of intent of author, I believe it is helpful to keep our soul ajar for new ideas, music, people, concepts. Marta

  2. Tammy says:

    I think that this poem deserves more attention than if often receives. It really shows Dickinson’s use of sarcasm, in that she seems to be commenting on the fact that people continuously strive to please a supreme being that we aren’t even sure exists. It also embodies a common theme, which is death. This poem really struck me while reading Dickinson’s work; it is different, yet remains within the lines of her non-mainstream romantic ideals.

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