'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 by Emily Dickinson: A Deep Dive into the Poet's Mind
Oh boy, am I excited to write about Emily Dickinson's poem "Success is Counted Sweetest!" This classic piece of poetry delves into the human psyche and explores the concept of success and its true value. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will examine the poem's form, structure, imagery, and themes.
Form and Structure
"Success is Counted Sweetest" is a lyric poem consisting of four quatrains with an ABAB rhyme scheme. Each verse contains eight syllables, which creates a rhythm that flows smoothly and effortlessly. The poem's structure is simple yet effective, as it conveys the message clearly and succinctly.
Imagery
Dickinson's use of imagery in this poem is striking. She employs metaphorical language to convey the idea that success is only truly appreciated by those who have experienced failure. The title itself contains an image of sweetness, which is later contrasted with the bitterness of defeat. In the first stanza, the image of a soldier who has tasted victory and is unable to appreciate it is used to illustrate the poem's central theme. The metaphor of the "purple Host" who has "vanquished" his foes and "lies" in "splendor" is juxtaposed with the image of the "dying man," who has "longed" for victory but has never tasted it.
In the second stanza, the metaphor of the "jeweled crown" and the "throne" is used to symbolize success, while the image of the "pauper" who "rejoices" in the "sweets" of victory is juxtaposed with the image of the "monarch" who cannot appreciate the sweetness of success because it is something that he has always possessed.
The third stanza contains the image of the "desert" and the "oasis," which are used to represent the contrast between success and failure. The metaphor of the "victor's wreath" and the "drooping crest" is used to illustrate the idea that those who have never experienced failure cannot fully appreciate success.
Finally, the fourth stanza contains the image of the "bird" who "sings" in the "storm," which is used to symbolize the person who has experienced failure and has learned to appreciate the sweetness of success. The poem ends with the image of the "soul" who "claps its hands" and "cries" for the "beauty" of success, which is contrasted with the image of the "sinner" who "would give his native land" for a taste of success.
Themes
The central theme of "Success is Counted Sweetest" is the idea that success is only truly appreciated by those who have experienced failure. Dickinson suggests that those who have never tasted defeat cannot fully appreciate the sweetness of success. This theme is conveyed through the use of metaphorical language and imagery, which create a sense of contrast between success and failure.
Another theme that emerges from the poem is the idea that success can be a double-edged sword. While success may bring joy and happiness, it can also breed arrogance and complacency. Dickinson suggests that those who have always been successful may not fully appreciate the value of their achievements because they have never experienced failure.
Interpretation
"Success is Counted Sweetest" is a deeply philosophical poem that explores the human psyche and the nature of success. By using metaphorical language and imagery, Dickinson suggests that success is only truly valued by those who have experienced failure. She also suggests that success can be a double-edged sword, as it may breed complacency and arrogance.
In my interpretation, I believe that Dickinson is advocating for a realistic and grounded approach to success. She suggests that we should not take success for granted and should always remember the value of our achievements. At the same time, she also suggests that we should not become complacent or arrogant in the face of success, as this can lead to our downfall.
Conclusion
"Success is Counted Sweetest" is a classic piece of poetry that explores the human psyche and the nature of success. Through the use of metaphorical language and imagery, Dickinson creates a sense of contrast between success and failure, highlighting the idea that success is only truly valued by those who have experienced failure. This poem is a powerful reminder of the value of hard work, perseverance, and humility, and it is a testament to Dickinson's skill as a poet.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Success is Counted Sweetest: A Poem by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson is one of the most celebrated poets in American literature. Her works are known for their unique style, unconventional punctuation, and profound themes. One of her most famous poems is "Success is Counted Sweetest," which explores the idea of success and its true value. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail.
The poem consists of four stanzas, each with two lines. The rhyme scheme is ABCB, and the meter is iambic trimeter. The poem's structure is simple, but its message is powerful. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem:
Success is counted sweetest By those who ne'er succeed.
The opening lines of the poem suggest that success is most appreciated by those who have never experienced it. The word "sweetest" implies that success is a desirable and coveted goal, but it is only truly appreciated by those who have struggled to achieve it. The use of the word "counted" suggests that success is not something that can be easily obtained, but rather something that must be earned through hard work and perseverance.
The second stanza expands on this idea:
To comprehend a nectar Requires sorest need.
The metaphor of nectar is used to describe success. Nectar is a sweet liquid that is produced by flowers and is often associated with the gods. The use of this metaphor suggests that success is a divine and elusive substance that is difficult to obtain. The word "comprehend" implies that success is not just something that can be achieved, but something that must be understood and appreciated. The phrase "sorest need" suggests that success is only truly appreciated by those who have suffered the most.
The third stanza introduces a new idea:
Not one of all the purple Host Who took the Flag today
Can tell the definition So clear of Victory
The "purple Host" refers to the soldiers who have won a battle and taken the flag. The use of the color purple suggests that these soldiers are of high rank and importance. However, the poem suggests that even these soldiers cannot fully understand the true value of victory. The phrase "definition so clear of Victory" implies that victory is not just a physical achievement, but something that must be understood and appreciated on a deeper level.
The final stanza concludes the poem:
As he defeated – dying – On whose forbidden ear The distant strains of triumph Burst agonized and clear!
The final stanza introduces a new character, a defeated soldier who is dying. The use of the word "forbidden" suggests that this soldier is not supposed to hear the distant strains of triumph. The phrase "burst agonized and clear" suggests that the soldier is in pain, but he can still hear the sounds of victory. The poem suggests that this soldier, who has suffered the most, is the one who can truly appreciate the value of success.
The poem's message is clear: success is not just something that can be achieved, but something that must be understood and appreciated. The poem suggests that success is most appreciated by those who have struggled to achieve it. The use of metaphors and imagery helps to convey this message in a powerful and memorable way.
In conclusion, "Success is Counted Sweetest" is a classic poem by Emily Dickinson that explores the idea of success and its true value. The poem suggests that success is not just something that can be achieved, but something that must be understood and appreciated. The use of metaphors and imagery helps to convey this message in a powerful and memorable way. This poem is a testament to Dickinson's unique style and her ability to convey profound themes in a simple and elegant manner.
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