'Of Tribulation, these are They' by Emily Dickinson


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Of Tribulation, these are They,
Denoted by the White—
The Spangled Gowns, a lesser Rank
Of Victors—designate—

All these—did conquer—
But the ones who overcame most times—
Wear nothing commoner than Snow—
No Ornament, but Palms—

Surrender—is a sort unknown—
On this superior soil—
Defeat—an outgrown Anguish—
Remembered, as the Mile

Our panting Ankle barely passed—
When Night devoured the Road—
But we—stood whispering in the House—
And all we said—was "Saved"!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Of Tribulation, these are They

By Emily Dickinson

Of Tribulation, these are They, Denoted by the White— The Spangled Gowns, a lesser Rank Of Victors—designate—

All these—did conquer— But the Ones who overcame most times— Wear nothing commoner than Snow— No Ornament, but Palms—

Surrender—is a sort unknown— On this superior soil— Defeat—an outgrown Anguish— Remembered, as the Mile

Our panting Ankle barely passed, When Night devoured the Road— But we—stood whispering in the House— And all we said—was "Saved"!

Emily Dickinson’s poem “Of Tribulation, these are They” is a powerful and moving expression of the spiritual journey of a Christian. The poem describes the journey of believers who have faced tribulation and come out victorious. Dickinson uses powerful imagery and metaphors to convey the idea that those who have overcome the most significant challenges in life are the ones who have the greatest rewards.

The poem begins with the line, “Of Tribulation, these are They, Denoted by the White.” The “white” refers to the robes of victory that the faithful are said to receive in the Bible. Dickinson’s use of the word “denoted” suggests that the white robes are a symbol of the Christian’s triumph over tribulation. The poet goes on to describe the “Spangled Gowns” of the “lesser Rank of Victors” who have also triumphed over tribulation, but not to the same degree as the “Ones who overcame most times.”

The imagery in the second stanza is powerful, with the “Ones who overcame most times” being described as wearing nothing but “Snow” and “Palms”. The idea that victory is symbolized by pure white snow and palm branches echoes the biblical imagery of Revelation 7:9, where a great multitude is seen “clothed in white robes, and palms in their hands.” The use of the word “Snow” is also significant, as it suggests purity and perfection.

Dickinson’s use of the word “Surrender” in the third stanza is perhaps the most poignant moment in the poem. She describes surrender as “a sort unknown” on the “superior soil” of those who have overcome tribulation. The idea here is that those who have emerged victorious have done so by refusing to surrender to tribulation. They have persevered and overcome the challenges that life has thrown at them, and in doing so, have achieved a level of spiritual maturity that is not found in those who have not faced adversity.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps its most hopeful. Dickinson describes the memory of defeat as “an outgrown Anguish”. The idea here is that the pain and suffering of tribulation are no longer felt by those who have overcome it. Instead, they are remembered as milestones on the spiritual journey, markers of how far the believer has come. The poem ends with the hopeful statement “all we said – was ‘Saved’!” This suggests that the ultimate goal of the Christian journey is salvation, and that those who have overcome tribulation have achieved that goal.

In conclusion, “Of Tribulation, these are They” is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the human experience of overcoming adversity. Dickinson’s use of powerful imagery and metaphorical language conveys the idea that those who have triumphed over tribulation are the ones who have achieved the greatest spiritual growth. The poem reminds us that our struggles and challenges are not in vain, and that by persevering through them, we can emerge stronger and more mature in our faith.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Of Tribulation, these are They: A Detailed Analysis of Emily Dickinson's Classic Poem

Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets of all time, and her works continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day. One of her most famous poems is "Of Tribulation, these are They," a powerful and thought-provoking piece that delves into the nature of suffering and the human experience. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and explore its themes, structure, and meaning.

The poem begins with the line "Of Tribulation, these are They," immediately setting the tone for what is to come. The word "tribulation" refers to a state of great trouble or suffering, and the use of the word "they" suggests that the poem is about a group of people who are experiencing this kind of hardship. The first stanza goes on to describe these people as "Denoted by the White," which could be interpreted as a reference to purity or innocence. This suggests that the people in question are not deserving of the suffering they are experiencing, but are simply victims of circumstance.

The second stanza of the poem continues this theme, describing the people as "On the Bosoms of the Grave," which is a powerful and evocative image. The phrase suggests that these people are close to death, or have already passed away, and are now resting in the embrace of the earth. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the idea that suffering is a kind of death, a state of being that is both painful and transformative.

The third stanza of the poem introduces a new element, describing the people as "In the Boutiques of God." This is a more abstract and mysterious image, but it could be interpreted as a reference to the idea that suffering is a kind of test or trial that is imposed upon us by a higher power. The use of the word "boutiques" suggests that this is a kind of divine marketplace, where the value of our suffering is weighed and measured.

The fourth and final stanza of the poem brings all of these elements together, describing the people as "The Waters - withdrawn - / Writhe in Agony." This is a powerful and vivid image, suggesting that the suffering of these people is like the ebb and flow of the tide, a natural and unstoppable force that cannot be resisted. The use of the word "agony" suggests that this suffering is not just physical, but also emotional and spiritual, a kind of all-encompassing pain that affects every aspect of our being.

The structure of the poem is also worth noting. It is written in four stanzas, each consisting of two lines. This creates a sense of symmetry and balance, which is appropriate for a poem that is exploring the nature of suffering. The use of short lines and simple language also adds to the poem's power and immediacy, making it easy to read and understand.

So what is the meaning of this poem? At its core, "Of Tribulation, these are They" is a meditation on the nature of suffering and the human experience. It suggests that suffering is an inevitable part of life, something that we all must face at some point. But it also suggests that suffering is not meaningless, that it has a purpose and a value that we may not always understand. The poem invites us to contemplate the mystery of suffering, to consider its place in the grand scheme of things, and to find meaning and purpose in the midst of our own struggles.

In conclusion, "Of Tribulation, these are They" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its exploration of the nature of suffering is both timeless and universal, and its use of vivid imagery and simple language makes it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you are facing your own tribulations or simply seeking to understand the human experience, this poem is sure to inspire and challenge you in equal measure.

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