Success is counted sweetest by Emily Dickinson: Poem and Complete Analysis

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 General Introduction 

"Success is counted sweetest" by Emily Dickinson explores the theme of the perception of success, suggesting that those who have never experienced success fully understand its sweetness. The poem contrasts the understanding of success between those who achieve it and those who do not. It emphasizes the idea that the true value of success is best understood by those who have struggled and failed.

The Poem

Success is counted sweetest

BY EMILY DICKINSON

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!

Analysis

"Success is counted sweetest" by Emily Dickinson is a compact yet profound exploration of the nature of success and its perception. Here's a detailed analysis of the poem:

1. Title Significance: The title immediately sets the tone for the poem, suggesting that success is something precious and valuable, akin to something sweet.

2. First Stanza: The poem opens with the assertion that success is most appreciated by those who have never experienced it. This paradoxical statement sets up the central theme of the poem: the irony that those who fail to achieve success often understand its true value better than those who attain it.

3. Second Stanza: Dickinson uses imagery of nectar to depict the sweetness of success. However, she notes that understanding this sweetness requires the greatest level of need or desire. Here, she suggests that those who have struggled and yearned for success are the ones who truly comprehend its value.

4. Third Stanza: The poem takes a turn as Dickinson introduces a metaphor of a battle or competition, where a "purple Host" has taken the flag, symbolizing victory. However, even amidst this triumph, the poem asserts that the victors cannot fully understand the definition of success as clearly as someone who has been defeated.

5. Fourth Stanza: The poem concludes with a powerful image of the defeated individual, who lies dying and unable to hear the victorious strains of triumph. Despite their defeat, they have a clearer understanding of success, as they can perceive the distant sounds of victory with a poignant clarity.

Subject Matters 

- Perception of Success: Dickinson challenges conventional notions of success, suggesting that those who fail to achieve it often have a deeper understanding of its significance.

- Irony: The poem is steeped in irony, highlighting the paradoxical nature of success and the perception thereof.

- Value of Struggle: The poem implies that struggle and failure are necessary components for truly appreciating success.

Imagery and Symbolism:

- Nectar: Symbolizes the sweetness and desirability of success.

- Purple Host: Represents the victorious group, possibly a military or metaphorical army.

- Flag: Symbolizes victory and achievement.

- Dying Individual: Symbolizes someone who has experienced defeat, yet possesses a deeper understanding of success.

"Success is counted sweetest" offers a thought-provoking exploration of success, failure, and the complex nature of human perception. Through its concise yet rich language and imagery, Dickinson invites readers to reconsider their understanding of success and its true value.

Themes

"Success is counted sweetest" by Emily Dickinson explores several themes that resonate throughout the poem. Here are the key themes:

1. Perception of Success: The poem challenges conventional notions of success by suggesting that those who have never achieved it may have a deeper understanding of its sweetness than those who have. This theme highlights the subjective nature of success and the complex ways in which it is perceived.

2. Irony and Paradox: Dickinson employs irony and paradox to underscore the poem's central message. The irony lies in the idea that those who fail to attain success may comprehend its value more fully than those who succeed. This paradoxical concept adds layers of complexity to the poem's exploration of success and failure.

3. Value of Struggle: The poem suggests that the true value of success is best understood by those who have experienced struggle and failure. Through imagery of a dying individual who perceives the distant strains of triumph, Dickinson emphasizes the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.

4. Ephemeral Nature of Victory: Dickinson explores the fleeting nature of victory and the transient quality of success. Despite the temporary triumph of the "purple Host" who takes the flag, the poem suggests that the true essence of victory is elusive and difficult to grasp.

5. Human Empathy and Understanding: The poem encourages empathy and understanding towards those who have not achieved success. By highlighting the perspective of the defeated individual, Dickinson invites readers to consider the experiences of others and to recognize the inherent humanity in both success and failure.

"Success is counted sweetest" delves into the multifaceted nature of success and its perception, challenging readers to reconsider their preconceptions and to contemplate the deeper meanings of achievement and fulfillment.

Literary Devices

"Success is counted sweetest" by Emily Dickinson employs several literary devices to convey its themes and enhance its impact. Here are some of the key literary devices used in the poem:

1. Paradox: The entire premise of the poem is paradoxical — it suggests that those who never succeed understand the sweetness of success better than those who achieve it. This paradox drives the central theme of the poem.

2. Metaphor: The poem uses metaphorical language to depict success and failure. For example, success is compared to "nectar," emphasizing its sweetness and desirability. The "purple Host" and the "Flag" symbolize victorious achievements.

3. Imagery: Dickinson uses vivid imagery throughout the poem to evoke the contrast between success and failure. For instance, the image of a dying individual who can hear the distant strains of triumph conveys a sense of poignancy and contrast.

4. Symbolism: The poem employs symbolic elements such as the "purple Host" and the "Flag" to represent success and victory. These symbols help to deepen the thematic exploration of success and its perception.

5. Personification: The "purple Host" is personified, giving it a sense of agency and significance beyond its literal meaning. This personification adds to the imagery and symbolism of the poem.

6. Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds, such as in "Success is counted sweetest" and "purple Host," adds musicality and rhythm to the poem, enhancing its overall effect.

7. Irony: The poem is characterized by dramatic irony, as it presents the irony that those who fail to achieve success often understand its value better than those who attain it. This irony underscores the complexity of human perception and experience.

these literary devices work together to create a rich and impactful exploration of the nature of success, failure, and human perception in "Success is counted sweetest.”

Language and Diction

Emily Dickinson's "Success is counted sweetest" employs a distinct language and diction that contribute to the poem's depth and impact. Here's an analysis of the language and diction used in the poem:

1. Formal Language: The poem utilizes formal language, with words like "succeed," "comprehend," and "victory," which lend a serious and reflective tone to the poem. This formal language underscores the gravity of the themes being explored.

2. Symbolic Language: Dickinson employs symbolic language to convey abstract concepts such as success and failure. For example, "nectar" symbolizes success and its sweetness, while the "purple Host" symbolizes victorious individuals or groups.

3. Imagery-rich Diction: The poem is replete with imagery-rich diction, with phrases like "purple Host," "Flag," and "dying," which evoke vivid mental images. This imagery serves to heighten the emotional impact of the poem and invites readers to engage with its themes on a visceral level.

4. Poetic Devices: Dickinson makes use of various poetic devices such as metaphors, personification, and alliteration to enrich the language and diction of the poem. For example, the metaphor comparing success to "nectar" and the personification of the "purple Host" add layers of meaning and complexity to the poem.

5. Conciseness and Precision: Dickinson's language is concise and precise, with each word carefully chosen for its impact. This economy of language allows the poem to convey its message with maximum efficiency and intensity.

6. Irony and Paradox: The language and diction of the poem also convey irony and paradox, as the speaker suggests that those who fail to achieve success understand its sweetness better than those who attain it. This irony adds depth and complexity to the poem's exploration of human perception and experience.

the language and diction of "Success is counted sweetest" contribute significantly to its thematic resonance and emotional power, allowing Dickinson to explore complex ideas with clarity and depth.

Tone and Mood

The tone and mood of Emily Dickinson's "Success is counted sweetest" evolve throughout the poem, reflecting the complexities of its themes. Here's an analysis of the tone and mood:

1. Initial Tone: The poem begins with a reflective and contemplative tone. The speaker presents the paradoxical idea that success is most appreciated by those who have never achieved it. This tone sets up the intellectual exploration of the nature of success and its perception.

2. Tone of Irony: As the poem progresses, the tone becomes increasingly ironic. Dickinson highlights the irony that those who fail to attain success may understand its sweetness better than those who achieve it. This irony adds depth and complexity to the poem's thematic exploration.

3. Reflective Mood: The mood of the poem is reflective and introspective. The speaker invites readers to ponder the nature of success and its significance in human experience. This reflective mood encourages readers to consider their own understanding of success and failure.

4. Elegiac Mood: Towards the end of the poem, the mood becomes more elegiac as Dickinson introduces the image of a dying individual who perceives the distant strains of triumph. This image evokes a sense of poignancy and sadness, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of success and the inevitable passage of time.

5. Contemplative Tone: The poem concludes with a contemplative tone as the speaker reflects on the complexities of human perception and experience. There is a sense of philosophical inquiry as the speaker considers the implications of success and failure on individual lives.

the tone and mood of "Success is counted sweetest" oscillate between reflection, irony, and elegy, creating a rich and nuanced exploration of the nature of success and its perception. Through shifts in tone and mood, Dickinson invites readers to engage deeply with the poem's themes and to consider their own perspectives on success and failure.

Context

Emily Dickinson wrote "Success is counted sweetest" in the mid-19th century during a period of significant social and cultural change in America. Here's a brief overview of the context surrounding the poem:

1. Historical Context: Dickinson lived during the antebellum period in America, a time marked by rapid industrialization, westward expansion, and social reform movements such as abolitionism and women's rights. The country was also on the brink of the Civil War, which would deeply divide the nation.

2. Literary Context: Dickinson's poetry emerged during the height of the Romantic movement in American literature. While she shared some thematic concerns with the Romantics, such as an emphasis on individual experience and emotion, her work also defied many conventions of the time with its innovative form, unconventional punctuation, and profound exploration of existential themes.

3. Personal Context: Dickinson led a reclusive life, spending much of her time writing poetry and corresponding with friends and family through letters. Despite her relative seclusion, she was deeply engaged with the intellectual and cultural currents of her time, drawing inspiration from literature, philosophy, and religion.

4. Themes of the Poem: "Success is counted sweetest" reflects some of the prevailing concerns of Dickinson's era, including the pursuit of success, the nature of ambition, and the meaning of victory. The poem can be interpreted as a commentary on the competitive and achievement-oriented ethos of American society, as well as a reflection on the elusive nature of success and the complex interplay between success and failure.

5. Reception and Legacy: Although Dickinson's poetry was not widely recognized during her lifetime, she is now regarded as one of America's greatest poets. Her work has had a profound influence on subsequent generations of poets and continues to be studied and celebrated for its lyricism, depth of thought, and innovative approach to language and form.

Understanding the historical, literary, and personal context surrounding Emily Dickinson's "Success is counted sweetest" provides valuable insights into the poem's themes and meanings, as well as its enduring relevance in contemporary discourse.

Conclusion

"Success is counted sweetest" by Emily Dickinson is a poignant exploration of the nature of success, failure, and human perception. Through its paradoxical premise and rich imagery, the poem invites readers to reconsider their understanding of success and its true value. Dickinson's use of literary devices such as irony, metaphor, and symbolism adds depth and complexity to the poem, while its reflective tone and contemplative mood encourage readers to engage deeply with its themes. Set against the backdrop of the mid-19th century, Dickinson's work remains relevant today, offering timeless insights into the complexities of human experience and the pursuit of success. As readers reflect on the poem's themes and messages, they are reminded of the bittersweet nature of success and the importance of empathy and understanding in navigating life's triumphs and failures.