The Soul should Always Stand Ajar
This poem explores the idea that the soul must remain open to new experiences and emotions, even when faced with adversity or loss. The speaker suggests that a closed-off soul can lead to stagnation and decay, while an open one allows for growth and renewal. The poem also touches on the theme of mortality, suggesting that death is not an end, but rather a transformation into something new.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Spiritual · 71 words
First lines
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 has slid The bolt upon the door, To seek for the accomplished guest, -- Her visitor no more.
What this Textopian page supports
The Soul should Always Stand Ajar is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emily Dickinson, dated 1890 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Emily Dickinson
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Spiritual, Metaphysical
- Length: 71 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Soul should Always Stand Ajar by Emily Dickinson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Soul should Always Stand Ajar?
- How does this poem by Emily Dickinson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- One Dignity Delays For All by Emily Dickinson
- He Touched Me So I Live To Know by Emily Dickinson
- The Farthest Thunder That I Heard by Emily Dickinson
- Who Has Not Found The Heaven Below by Emily Dickinson
- Our Share Of Night To Bear by Emily Dickinson
- To Help Our Bleaker Parts by Emily Dickinson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Philosophical — The themes explore abstract concepts such as the soul and its openness to divine or existential inquiry.
- Spiritual — The content suggests a spiritual or metaphysical reflection on the soul's readiness for divine interaction.
- Metaphysical — The poem delves into metaphysical ideas about the nature of the soul and its relationship with the divine.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Mortality · Spirituality · Existentialism · Philosophy · Nature Imagery · Symbolism · Metaphor · Imagery · Death and Dying