“The Soul selects her own Society” by Emily Dickinson

Reading Literature Standard 1.2 Determine two or more central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one another to produce a complex account; provide an objective summary of the text. Today we will read Dickinson’s poem and focus on how themes and ideas are developed over the course of the poem.

Quick Chat With your table partners, quickly discuss what you know about themes and central ideas. As a group define theme. Share examples of themes you have encountered in the texts we have read this year or books you’ve read on your own. Of Plymouth Plantation The Crucible “Rip Van Winkle” Franklin’s “Autobiography”

Theme Defined a subject of discourse, discussion, meditation, or composition; topic: The need for world peace was the theme of the meeting. a unifying or dominant idea, motif, etc., as in a work of art.

How to Annotate Poetry Step One: (Independent) Read and annotate “The Soul Selects her own Society” Identify the following elements and make notations: rhyme scheme, figurative language, images, symbols, sound devices (alliteration, consonance, assonance, rhythm, onomatopoeia, off rhyme). Circle any parts of the poem that stand out, confuses you, or you think may be important. Write questions in the margin; highlight unusual words; mark phrases that indicate the poem’s meaning. Determine the poem’s theme and draw arrows to the lines that support the theme.

Step 2 Read the poem again This time listen as I read the poem aloud and continue annotating the poem. Let’s discuss…. What did you notice during the first two readings? What did you mark? What questions did you write in the margins? Is there any unfamiliar vocabulary that we need to clarify?

1 The Soul selects her own Society – Then – shuts the Door – To her divine Majority – Present no more – Unmoved – she notes the Chariots – pausing – At her low Gate – Unmoved – an Emperor kneeling Upon her Mat – I’ve known her – from an ample nation – Choose One – Then – close the Valves of her attention – Like Stone

Much Madness is divinest Sense – To a discerning Eye – Much Sense – the starkest Madness – ‘Tis the Majority In this, as All, prevail - Assent and you are sane – Demur – you’re straightway dangerous – And handled with a Chain -

Step 3 Step 3: TP-CASTT to Analyze a Poem Title: Consider what the title might mean or what the poem might be about before you read. Paraphrase: Translate the poem in your own words. What is the poem about? Rephrase difficult sections word for word Connotation: Look beyond literal meaning of key words and images to their associations. Look for figurative language, imagery, and sound elements as well. Attitude/Tone: What attitude does the speaker take toward the subject? How is the tone achieved? Shifts: Where do the shifts in tone, setting, voice, etc… occur? What is the purpose of each shift? How do they contribute to effect and meaning? Title: Reexamine the title. What do you think it means now in the context of the poem? Theme: Think of the literal and metaphorical layers of the poem. Then determine the overall theme. The theme must be written in a complete sentence. Step 3

Fill out your TWIST graphic organizer. (Independent) Tone: How does the author’s tone convey the author’s meaning? Does the author’s tone shift throughout the piece? If so, why do you think it shifts? How does the shift convey meaning? Diction (Word Choice): How does the author’s choice of words convey his/her intended meaning? Imagery: Observe the images that come to mind from the detail the author gives. Style: Is the author’s style formal? Casual? Satirical? Theme: What are the common themes that run through the piece? Step 4: TWIST! Fill out your TWIST graphic organizer. (Independent)