What Soft — Cherubic Creatures

“‘Faith’ is a fine invention” by Emily Dickinson (ca 1860)

In this poem, Dickinson’s speaker comments on blind faith versus science (as symbolized by the “Microscope”). As in “What Soft—Cherubic Creatures,” Dickinson meditates upon themes of religion, spirituality, and human nature.

“The Soul selects her own Society” by Emily Dickinson (ca 1862)

“The Soul selects her own Society” and is independent; she is not concerned with or influenced by privilege or status, unlike the gentlewoman in “What Soft—Cherubic Creatures.” The Soul is not concerned with earthly or luxurious possessions, for she has only a “low Gate” and a bare “Mat” in front of her door.

“the rites for Cousin Vit” by Gwendolyn Brooks (1949)

Gwendolyn Brooks is a 20th-century poet and author who often wrote about independent women who didn’t conform to stereotypes. In her poem, “the rites for Cousin Vit,” Brooks brings to life a woman who departs from the gentlewomen in “What Soft—Cherubic Creatures.” Cousin Vit is neither supercilious nor weak. She embraces the messiness of life through dancing, love, and merriment. Dickinson reproaches the gentlewoman for being afraid of “freckled Human Nature” (Line 7), but Cousin Vit lives boldly as she “[s]lops the bad wine across her shantung” (Line 11), and even death “can’t hold her” (Line 2).