'Victory comes late' by Emily Dickinson


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Victory comes late—
And is held low to freezing lips—
Too rapt with frost
To take it—
How sweet it would have tasted—
Just a Drop—
Was God so economical?
His Table's spread too high for Us—
Unless We dine on tiptoe—
Crumbs—fit such little mouths—
Cherries—suit Robbins—
The Eagle's Golden Breakfast strangles—Them—
God keep His Oath to Sparrows—
Who of little Love—know how to starve—

Editor 1 Interpretation

Victory Comes Late: A Critical Interpretation of Emily Dickinson's Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all times, and her works continue to inspire readers and writers alike. Her poems are characterized by their unique style and structure, and the complexity of the themes that they explore. One of her most famous works is the poem, Victory Comes Late, which was published after her death. This poem is a perfect example of her style and her ability to convey deep emotions through her words.

The Poem

Victory Comes Late Victory comes late, And is held low to freezing lips Too rapt with frost To take it. How sweet it would have tasted, Just a drop! Was God so economical? His table's spread too high for us Unless we dine on tip-toe. Crumbs fit such little mouths, Cherries suit robins; The eagle's golden breakfast Strangles them. God keeps his oath to sparrows, Who of little love Know how to starve!

At first glance, the poem seems to be about the concept of victory and the idea that it comes late in life. However, as with most of Emily Dickinson's works, there is much more to it than meets the eye. The poem is a reflection of the deep spiritual beliefs that she held, and it explores the idea of divine justice and the role that it plays in our lives.

The Theme of Victory

The central theme of the poem is victory, and how it is often delayed and held back from us. The opening lines of the poem, "Victory comes late, / And is held low to freezing lips / Too rapt with frost / To take it," creates a vivid image of a person who has been waiting for victory for a long time, and is finally able to taste it. However, the person is so frozen with the cold that they cannot fully enjoy the taste of victory.

This can be seen as a metaphor for the struggles that we all face in life. We may work hard and strive for success, but when it finally comes, we may be too worn out or too numb to fully appreciate it. This is a common experience for many people, and it is something that Emily Dickinson captures perfectly in this poem.

The Role of God

Another important theme in the poem is the role that God plays in our lives. Emily Dickinson was a deeply spiritual person, and her poems often reflect her beliefs. In this poem, she questions the way that God rewards us for our efforts. She writes, "How sweet it would have tasted, / Just a drop! / Was God so economical? / His table's spread too high for us / Unless we dine on tip-toe."

These lines suggest that God may be holding back some of the rewards that we deserve, or that we are not capable of fully enjoying the rewards that he gives us. The idea that his table is spread too high for us unless we dine on tip-toe is an image of the difficulties that we face in reaching God's expectations. We may try to reach for the stars, but we are often limited by our own physical and mental abilities.

Divine Justice

The final theme of the poem is the idea of divine justice. Emily Dickinson writes, "God keeps his oath to sparrows, / Who of little love / Know how to starve!" This line suggests that God is just and fair, and that he rewards those who are faithful and deserving. The reference to sparrows is interesting, as it suggests that even the smallest and most insignificant of creatures can be rewarded by God.

This idea of divine justice is central to many of Emily Dickinson's works. She believed that God was all-powerful and all-knowing, and that he would reward those who were faithful and good. The fact that victory comes late in the poem can be seen as a reflection of this belief. Emily Dickinson may have been suggesting that we should not be too quick to judge God's plan for our lives, and that victory will eventually come to those who are deserving.

Conclusion

Victory Comes Late is a powerful and deeply moving poem that explores some of the most important themes in life. Emily Dickinson's ability to convey complex emotions through her words is truly remarkable, and this poem is a perfect example of her talent. The themes of victory, the role of God, and divine justice are all explored in depth in this poem, and they are as relevant today as they were when the poem was written. Overall, Victory Comes Late is a timeless masterpiece that will continue to inspire readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Victory Comes Late: 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 unique style, unconventional punctuation, and deep philosophical themes. One of her most famous poems is "Victory Comes Late," which explores the idea of perseverance and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem.

The poem begins with the line, "Victory comes late." This statement sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the nature of success and the importance of persistence. Dickinson suggests that true victory is not achieved easily or quickly, but rather through a long and difficult journey. This idea is reinforced in the second line, which reads, "And is held low to freezing lips." Here, the poet uses the image of cold lips to represent the hardships and struggles that one must endure in order to achieve success.

The third line of the poem, "Too rapt with frost to take it," further emphasizes the idea that victory is not easily attained. The word "rapt" suggests a state of intense absorption or focus, while "frost" represents the obstacles and challenges that one must overcome in order to reach their goal. The phrase "to take it" implies that victory is something that must be earned or seized, rather than simply given.

The fourth line of the poem, "When it comes, the landscape listens," introduces a new image that is central to the poem's meaning. Here, Dickinson suggests that victory is not just a personal achievement, but something that has a profound impact on the world around us. The phrase "the landscape listens" implies that victory has a transformative power that can change the way we see and experience the world.

The fifth and sixth lines of the poem, "Shadows hold their breath," and "When it goes, 'tis like the distance," further develop this idea of victory as a transformative force. The image of shadows holding their breath suggests a moment of stillness and anticipation, as if the world is waiting for something momentous to happen. The phrase "when it goes, 'tis like the distance" implies that victory is not a static or permanent state, but something that is constantly moving and evolving.

The final two lines of the poem, "On the look of death," and "But never, chimes the hour," bring the poem to a powerful conclusion. The phrase "on the look of death" suggests that victory is something that is achieved in the face of great adversity or even death itself. The final line, "But never, chimes the hour," implies that victory is not something that can be measured or quantified, but rather a state of being that transcends time and space.

Overall, "Victory Comes Late" is a powerful meditation on the nature of success and the importance of perseverance. Dickinson suggests that true victory is not achieved easily or quickly, but rather through a long and difficult journey. She also emphasizes the transformative power of victory, suggesting that it has the ability to change the way we see and experience the world. Finally, she suggests that victory is not something that can be measured or quantified, but rather a state of being that transcends time and space.

In conclusion, "Victory Comes Late" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of perseverance, transformation, and transcendence are timeless and universal, and its imagery is both vivid and evocative. Whether you are facing a personal challenge or simply seeking inspiration, this poem is sure to provide you with the motivation and encouragement you need to keep going. So take heart, dear reader, and remember that victory may come late, but it is always worth the wait.

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