I recently read Emily Dickinson's poem titled "Success is Counted Sweetest" and analyzed it's rhetoric and Dickinson's use of language within the poem to convey her central message. This message was carried forth in a few different metaphors, in that those who succeed never truly appreciate it, it is only those who fail, or who lack something, that can truly appreciate how wonderful it would be if they did succeed. The dilemma presented by this poem is that it is not just those who strive longer before succeeding that can appreciate it more, it is only those who “ne’er succeed” who can count it “sweetest” to succeed. The poem holds the romantic characteristic of individualism and desires for growth and enlightenment while also proposing female success and achievement even through the trials and tribulations those of her time experienced. Dickinson's reference to "he" along with the alliteration "defeated--dying" encompasses the underlying meaning of woman being triumphent over men. The rhetoric and language the Emily Dickinson manipulated throughout the poem brings hope to the reader to continue striving for success even when failure crushes ones spirit. Hope and victory act as dominant themes in "Success is Counted Sweetest" connecting with many of Charlotte Smith's poems that speak of a greater life and opportunity to those who continue to pursue it.
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!
No comments:
Post a Comment