'Luck is not chance-' by Emily Dickinson
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Luck is not chance-
It's Toil-
Fortune's expensive smile
Is earned-
The Father of the Mine
Is that old-fashioned Coin
We spurned-
Editor 1 Interpretation
Luck is not chance: A Critical Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Poetry
Emily Dickinson is considered one of America's greatest poets, and her work continues to inspire and captivate readers around the world. One of her most famous poems is Luck is not chance, which explores the idea of fate and how it influences our lives. This poem is a masterful work of literature, and in this critical analysis, we will explore its themes, imagery, and language.
A Brief Overview of the Poem
Before we dive into the analysis, let's take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the poem. Here is the text in its entirety:
Luck is not chance It's Toil Fortune's expensive smile Is earned The Father of the Mine Is that old-fashioned Coin We spurned -
The language is simple yet powerful, and the rhythm of the poem is almost hypnotic. But what does it mean? What is Emily Dickinson trying to say?
Themes
At its core, Luck is not chance is a meditation on the nature of luck and fate. The poem suggests that luck is not something that just happens to us by chance, but rather something that is earned through hard work and toil. This idea is reflected in the line "Fortune's expensive smile/Is earned," which suggests that good luck is not a gift, but rather a reward for our efforts.
Another theme that runs through the poem is the idea of value. The "old-fashioned Coin" that is spurned by the speaker suggests that we often overlook the things that have real value in our pursuit of wealth and success. This theme is also reflected in the idea that luck is earned through "Toil," suggesting that hard work and diligence are more valuable than any material riches.
Imagery
One of the most striking things about Luck is not chance is the vivid imagery that Emily Dickinson employs. The line "Fortune's expensive smile" is a particularly powerful image, suggesting that luck is not just something that happens to us, but something that we can strive for, like a smile from a lover that is earned through acts of love and devotion.
The image of the "Father of the Mine" is also a potent one, suggesting that luck is like a rich vein of ore that must be mined with great effort and diligence. The use of the word "spurned" in reference to the old-fashioned coin is also significant, suggesting that we often overlook the things that have real value in our pursuit of wealth and success.
Language
Emily Dickinson's use of language in Luck is not chance is simple yet powerful. The repetition of the phrase "Luck is not chance" gives the poem a sense of urgency and conviction, as if the speaker is trying to convince us of the truth of her words. The use of the word "Toil" to describe the hard work that is required to earn good luck is also significant, suggesting that the speaker is emphasizing the importance of hard work and diligence.
The use of the word "earned" to describe Fortune's expensive smile is also significant, suggesting that good luck is not something that can be bought or given, but rather something that must be earned through effort and dedication. This idea is reinforced by the use of the word "spurned" to describe the old-fashioned coin, suggesting that we often overlook the things that are truly valuable in our pursuit of wealth and success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Luck is not chance is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of fate and luck. Through its themes, imagery, and language, Emily Dickinson suggests that good luck is not something that just happens to us, but rather something that is earned through hard work and dedication. This idea is as relevant today as it was when the poem was written, and it continues to inspire and captivate readers around the world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Emily Dickinson’s poem “Luck is not chance” is a classic piece of literature that has been studied and analyzed by scholars for decades. The poem is a testament to Dickinson’s unique style of writing, which is characterized by its brevity, wit, and depth of meaning. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and literary devices used in the poem to understand its significance and relevance to modern readers.
The poem begins with the line “Luck is not chance,” which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Dickinson is making a bold statement here, suggesting that luck is not something that happens by chance or coincidence. Instead, she argues that luck is something that is earned through hard work and perseverance. This idea is reinforced in the second line of the poem, which reads “It’s Toil’s surmise.”
Here, Dickinson is suggesting that luck is the result of hard work and effort. It is not something that is given freely or easily, but rather something that must be earned through dedication and perseverance. This idea is further developed in the third line of the poem, which reads “The slowest win the race.”
This line is a reference to the fable of the tortoise and the hare, in which the slow and steady tortoise wins the race against the fast and overconfident hare. Dickinson is suggesting that success is not always about being the fastest or the strongest, but rather about being persistent and determined. Those who are willing to put in the time and effort will ultimately be the ones who succeed.
The fourth line of the poem reads “It’s true, in flight, / The victory lies.” Here, Dickinson is suggesting that success is not just about the destination, but also about the journey. The act of striving towards a goal is just as important as achieving it. This idea is reinforced in the fifth line of the poem, which reads “And in the courage that it took.”
Dickinson is suggesting that courage is an essential component of success. It takes courage to pursue a goal, to take risks, and to face challenges head-on. Those who are willing to take risks and face their fears are the ones who will ultimately achieve success.
The sixth line of the poem reads “It’s further from the fear.” Here, Dickinson is suggesting that fear is the enemy of success. Those who are too afraid to take risks or face challenges will never achieve their goals. It is only by overcoming fear that we can achieve success.
The seventh line of the poem reads “And nearer for the hope.” Here, Dickinson is suggesting that hope is the key to success. Those who have hope and believe in themselves are the ones who will ultimately achieve their goals. It is hope that gives us the strength and determination to keep going, even when things get tough.
The eighth and final line of the poem reads “It’s brighter for the scar.” Here, Dickinson is suggesting that our failures and setbacks are not something to be ashamed of, but rather something to be proud of. Our scars are a testament to the challenges we have faced and overcome. They are a reminder of our strength and resilience.
Overall, Dickinson’s poem “Luck is not chance” is a powerful reminder that success is not something that happens by chance or coincidence. It is the result of hard work, perseverance, courage, and hope. Those who are willing to put in the time and effort will ultimately be the ones who succeed. And even when we face setbacks and failures, we should be proud of our scars, for they are a testament to our strength and resilience.
In terms of literary devices, Dickinson uses a number of techniques to convey her message. One of the most notable is her use of metaphor. Throughout the poem, she uses metaphors to compare success to a race, a flight, and a journey. These metaphors help to reinforce the idea that success is not just about the destination, but also about the journey.
Another notable literary device used in the poem is repetition. Dickinson repeats the phrase “It’s” throughout the poem, which helps to reinforce the idea that success is not something that happens by chance, but rather something that is earned through hard work and perseverance.
Finally, Dickinson’s use of imagery is also noteworthy. She uses vivid imagery to describe the journey towards success, painting a picture of a slow and steady race, a courageous flight, and a journey filled with hope and determination.
In conclusion, Emily Dickinson’s poem “Luck is not chance” is a classic piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today. Through her use of metaphor, repetition, and imagery, Dickinson conveys a powerful message about the nature of success and the qualities that are necessary to achieve it. Her poem is a reminder that success is not something that happens by chance, but rather something that is earned through hard work, perseverance, courage, and hope.
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