Emily Dickinson

The Soul Unto Itself

The Soul Unto Itself - meaning Summary

Self as Sovereign and Spy

Dickinson’s short poem explores the paradoxical nature of the self as both solitary ruler and potential persecutor. The soul is presented as an "imperial friend" when self-reliant, yet can become an "agonizing Spy" that betrays and torments. The final lines assert the soul’s sovereignty and urge a humble stance: secure in autonomy, the self nonetheless must stand in awe of its own power and responsibility.

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The Soul unto itself Is an imperial friend Or the most agonizing Spy An Enemy could send Secure against its own No treason it can fear Itself its Sovereign of itself The Soul should stand in Awe

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