'Success is counted sweetest' by Emily Dickinson
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Success is counted sweetest
By those who ne'er succeed.
To comprehend a nectar
Requires sorest need.
Not one of all the purple Host
Who took the Flag today
Can tell the definition
So clear of Victory
As he defeated—dying—
On whose forbidden ear
The distant strains of triumph
Burst agonized and clear!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Success is counted sweetest - Emily Dickinson
Success is counted sweetest By those who ne'er succeed. To comprehend a nectar Requires sorest need.
Not one of all the purple Host Who took the Flag today Can tell the definition So clear of victory,
As he, defeated, dying, On whose forbidden ear The distant strains of triumph Burst agonized and clear!
Introduction
Emily Dickinson, one of the greatest poets of the 19th century, was known for her unique style of writing. Her poems were often short and poignant, with a focus on themes such as love, death, and spirituality. "Success is counted sweetest" is one of her most famous poems, admired for its simplicity and depth of meaning.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes and symbols in the poem, as well as Dickinson's use of language and structure. We will also examine the historical context of the poem and how it relates to the poet's own life experiences.
Themes and Symbols
The poem's central theme is the nature of success and how it is perceived by those who achieve it and those who do not. Dickinson argues that success is "counted sweetest" by those who have never experienced it, while those who have achieved success often take it for granted. The poem suggests that those who have experienced failure or defeat have a deeper appreciation for success, as they have felt the pain of not succeeding.
The poem uses several symbols to convey its message. The "nectar" mentioned in the second line is a symbol for success, while the "purple Host" in the third line represents the victorious army. The "Flag" is a symbol for the ultimate goal or victory, and the "dying" soldier represents those who have sacrificed everything for the chance to achieve that goal. The "distant strains of triumph" that he hears represent the success he will never attain.
Language and Structure
Dickinson's use of language in the poem is simple and direct, yet powerful. The repetition of the word "success" in the first line emphasizes the poem's theme, while the use of the word "sorest" in the second line creates a sense of urgency and desperation. The use of the word "nectar" adds a sense of sweetness and pleasure to the idea of success, while the word "defeated" conveys a sense of loss and disappointment.
The poem's structure is also significant. The first two lines establish the theme of the poem, while the third and fourth lines provide an example of the theme in action. The final two lines provide a conclusion to the poem, emphasizing the idea that those who have experienced defeat have a deeper appreciation for success.
Historical Context
The poem was written during a period of great change in American society. The mid-19th century saw the rise of industrialization and the growth of a middle class, which led to new opportunities for success and wealth. However, this period also saw the Civil War, which caused great suffering and loss for many Americans.
Dickinson lived during this period and was deeply affected by the war. Her poetry often reflects her own experiences of loss and isolation, as well as her observations of the world around her. "Success is counted sweetest" can be seen as a reflection of the poet's own struggles with success and failure, as well as her observations of the impact of the war on society.
Conclusion
"Success is counted sweetest" is a timeless poem that explores the nature of success and failure. Dickinson's use of language and symbols creates a powerful message about the importance of appreciating success, particularly for those who have experienced defeat. The poem's historical context adds depth to its meaning, connecting it to the poet's own experiences and observations of the world around her.
In conclusion, "Success is counted sweetest" is a masterpiece of American poetry, admired for its simplicity, depth, and relevance to the human experience. Its message is one that continues to resonate with readers today, reminding us of the importance of appreciating the things we have and the struggles we overcome to achieve them.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Success is Counted Sweetest: A Poem of Triumph and Loss
Emily Dickinson’s poem, “Success is counted sweetest,” is a powerful meditation on the nature of success and the human desire for it. Written in 1859, the poem explores the idea that success is most appreciated by those who have experienced failure or loss. In this analysis, we will examine the themes, structure, and language of the poem, and explore its relevance to our lives today.
The poem is structured in four stanzas, each consisting of two quatrains. The rhyme scheme is ABCB, with the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyming. The meter is iambic trimeter, with three stressed syllables followed by three unstressed syllables. This gives the poem a rhythmic, almost musical quality, which adds to its emotional impact.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with the opening line, “Success is counted sweetest,” immediately drawing the reader in. The speaker goes on to say that “To comprehend a nectar / Requires sorest need,” suggesting that only those who have experienced failure or loss can truly appreciate success. The use of the word “nectar” is significant, as it suggests something sweet and desirable, but also rare and difficult to obtain.
The second stanza expands on this idea, with the speaker saying that “Not one of all the purple Host / Who took the Flag today / Can tell the definition / So clear, of Victory.” Here, the speaker is referring to a military victory, but the sentiment could apply to any kind of success. The idea is that those who have not experienced failure or loss cannot fully appreciate the sweetness of success. The use of the word “purple” is also significant, as it suggests royalty or nobility, further emphasizing the idea that success is something rare and special.
The third stanza takes a slightly different turn, with the speaker saying that “Success is counted sweetest / By those who ne’er succeed.” Here, the speaker is suggesting that those who have never experienced success are the ones who can appreciate it the most. This is a powerful idea, as it suggests that those who have struggled the most are the ones who can find the most joy in success. The use of the word “ne’er” is also significant, as it suggests a sense of permanence or finality.
The final stanza brings the poem to a close, with the speaker saying that “To comprehend the value / Of a field of corn in bloom / Requireth a scroll I could not read.” Here, the speaker is using a metaphor to suggest that the value of success is something that cannot be fully understood or appreciated by everyone. The use of the word “scroll” suggests something ancient and mysterious, further emphasizing the idea that success is something rare and special.
Overall, “Success is counted sweetest” is a powerful meditation on the nature of success and the human desire for it. The poem suggests that success is something that can only be fully appreciated by those who have experienced failure or loss, and that those who have struggled the most are the ones who can find the most joy in success. The use of metaphors and imagery adds to the emotional impact of the poem, making it a powerful and enduring work of literature.
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson’s “Success is counted sweetest” is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of triumph and loss, success and failure, are universal and timeless, and its language and structure are both beautiful and powerful. Whether we are striving for success in our personal or professional lives, this poem reminds us that the journey is just as important as the destination, and that the sweetest success is often the one that is hardest won.
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