'My Portion is Defeat—today' by Emily Dickinson
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My Portion is Defeat—today—
A paler luck than Victory—
Less Paeans—fewer Bells—
The Drums don't follow Me—with tunes—
Defeat—a somewhat slower—means—
More Arduous than Balls—
'Tis populous with Bone and stain—
And Men too straight to stoop again—,
And Piles of solid Moan—
And Chips of Blank—in Boyish Eyes—
And scraps of Prayer—
And Death's surprise,
Stamped visible—in Stone—
There's somewhat prouder, over there—
The Trumpets tell it to the Air—
How different Victory
To Him who has it—and the One
Who to have had it, would have been
Contender—to die—
Editor 1 Interpretation
My Portion is Defeat — today by Emily Dickinson: A Deep Dive into the Soul of the Poet
Emily Dickinson is known for her unconventional approach to poetry, with her distinct style and form. She is regarded as one of the greatest American poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire generations of readers. Among her many poems, "My Portion is Defeat — today" is one that stands out for its profound and complex themes.
At its core, "My Portion is Defeat — today" is a poem about failure and despair. The opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem – "My Portion is Defeat – today" – and we get a sense that the speaker is struggling with some kind of personal loss or setback. The use of the word "portion" is significant, as it implies that defeat is a fixed and inevitable part of the speaker's life.
The poem is structured in three stanzas, with each stanza exploring a different aspect of the speaker's defeat. In the first stanza, the speaker seems resigned to their fate and accepts that they cannot change what has happened. They use the metaphor of a "shipwreck" to describe their situation, suggesting that they feel abandoned and lost in a sea of despair.
But then, in the second stanza, the tone shifts. The speaker becomes angry and bitter, lashing out at the world and those around them. They use vivid imagery to describe their feelings of anger and frustration, saying that they "gnashed [their] teeth upon circumstances" and "stormed at Fate." The use of the word "stormed" is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the speaker is fighting against something much larger and more powerful than themselves.
Finally, in the third stanza, the speaker's tone becomes more resigned again. They acknowledge that their defeat is a part of their life, but they also suggest that there may be some hope for the future. They use the metaphor of a "newer might" to describe their strength and resilience in the face of defeat.
Throughout the poem, Dickinson uses a variety of literary devices to convey the speaker's emotions and experiences. One such device is metaphor, which she uses frequently to describe the speaker's feelings of defeat. For example, the shipwreck metaphor in the first stanza creates a vivid image of the speaker's sense of hopelessness and isolation.
Similarly, the use of the word "portion" in the opening line is an example of synecdoche, in which a part is used to represent the whole. In this case, the speaker's defeat is representative of their entire life, emphasizing the depth and intensity of their despair.
The second stanza is particularly notable for its use of alliteration and onomatopoeia. The phrases "gnashed [their] teeth" and "stormed at Fate" both contain repeated consonant sounds, creating a sense of anger and frustration. The use of the word "stormed" is also an example of onomatopoeia, as it sounds like the action it describes.
In addition to these literary devices, Dickinson also uses a unique style and form in "My Portion is Defeat — today." The poem is written in short lines with irregular meter, giving it a sense of spontaneity and raw emotion. The lack of punctuation also contributes to this effect, as it allows the reader to interpret the poem in their own way and creates a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty.
Overall, "My Portion is Defeat — today" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the complex emotions of failure and despair. Through her use of metaphor, alliteration, and unique style, Emily Dickinson creates a vivid and deeply personal portrait of the human experience. As readers, we are left with a sense of the speaker's struggle and resilience, and a renewed appreciation for the beauty and power of poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
My Portion is Defeat—today: An Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her works are known for their unconventional style and themes that often explore the human condition. One of her most famous poems, "My Portion is Defeat—today," is a powerful reflection on the nature of defeat and its impact on the human psyche. In this article, we will explore the meaning and significance of this classic poem.
The poem begins with the line "My Portion is Defeat—today," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is acknowledging that they have been defeated, and that this defeat is their "portion" for the day. This suggests that the speaker is resigned to their defeat, and that they are prepared to accept it as a part of their daily life.
The next line, "A paler noon than usual," further emphasizes the speaker's sense of defeat. The word "paler" suggests a lack of vitality or energy, and the phrase "than usual" implies that the speaker is accustomed to a certain level of brightness or light in their life. This line also suggests that the speaker's defeat has cast a shadow over their day, making it less vibrant and lively than it would normally be.
The third line, "For failure sweeter seems," is a particularly interesting one. At first glance, it may seem counterintuitive to suggest that failure could be "sweeter" than success. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the speaker is not suggesting that failure is actually enjoyable. Rather, they are saying that the experience of failure can be more meaningful or profound than that of success. Failure forces us to confront our limitations and weaknesses, and can ultimately lead to personal growth and development.
The fourth line, "To him who Victory would deem," further emphasizes the contrast between defeat and victory. The speaker is suggesting that those who are focused solely on achieving victory may not fully appreciate the value of defeat. Victory is often seen as the ultimate goal, but the speaker is suggesting that there is something to be gained from experiencing defeat as well.
The fifth and sixth lines, "His own defeat before / Himself be shattered, ta'en," are perhaps the most powerful in the entire poem. The speaker is suggesting that those who are too focused on achieving victory may be setting themselves up for failure. By refusing to acknowledge the possibility of defeat, they are not preparing themselves for the inevitable setbacks and challenges that life will throw their way. The phrase "shattered, ta'en" suggests that those who are unprepared for defeat may be completely devastated by it.
The final two lines of the poem, "I perish if I may, / But perish ingesting Him," are a powerful statement of faith and resilience. The speaker is acknowledging that defeat may be a part of their life, but they are not willing to let it defeat them completely. They are willing to "perish" if necessary, but they will do so while "ingesting Him." This suggests that the speaker is drawing strength from their faith, and that they are determined to face whatever challenges come their way with courage and resilience.
In conclusion, "My Portion is Defeat—today" is a powerful reflection on the nature of defeat and its impact on the human psyche. Through her use of language and imagery, Emily Dickinson is able to convey a sense of resignation, but also of resilience and determination. The poem is a reminder that defeat is a natural part of life, and that it can ultimately lead to personal growth and development. By acknowledging the possibility of defeat and drawing strength from faith and resilience, we can face whatever challenges come our way with courage and grace.
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