Success by Emily Dickinson - Poetry Reading

Summary

In Emily Dickinson's poem 'Success is Counted Sweetest,' the poet explores the elusive nature of success. The poem suggests that victory is most deeply appreciated by those who have not achieved it. Dickinson contrasts the perspective of the victorious, who cannot fully grasp the true value of success, with that of the defeated, who, in their suffering, understand triumph's profound sweetness. The poem evokes the painful yet enlightening realization that success is defined by its absence, highlighting the emotional complexity of victory and defeat.

Takeaways

• 😀 Success is most appreciated by those who have never experienced it.
• 😀 True understanding of victory comes from hardship and defeat.
• 😀 The sweetness of success is experienced most acutely by those who have suffered for it.
• 😀 Achieving victory provides a clear definition of success, one that those who never achieve it can’t fully comprehend.
• 😀 A person who has never tasted success knows the true value of triumph.
• 😀 Those who achieve success often do not fully understand its meaning or significance.
• 😀 The struggle to attain success is essential to appreciating its worth.
• 😀 Victory is something that becomes clear to those who endure pain and loss.
• 😀 The agony of defeat contrasts with the joy of victory, providing depth to the meaning of success.
• 😀 The emotional distance between success and failure highlights the profound nature of triumph.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Emily Dickinson's poem 'Success is counted sweetest'?

The main theme of the poem is that true understanding and appreciation of success come from those who have not experienced it, highlighting the idea that defeat often makes victory more meaningful.

How does Dickinson describe success in the poem?

Dickinson describes success as something that is most deeply understood and appreciated by those who have not succeeded, suggesting that the pain of loss intensifies the sweetness of victory.

What does the phrase 'nectar requires sorest need' imply?

The phrase suggests that the greatest satisfaction or reward (symbolized by nectar) is most appreciated when it is most desperately needed, implying that hardship enhances the value of success.

What is the significance of the 'purple host' in the poem?

The 'purple host' likely refers to a group of victorious individuals, possibly soldiers or competitors, who have won but cannot fully comprehend the depth of triumph because they have never known defeat.

What is meant by 'those who never succeed' in the poem?

In this context, 'those who never succeed' refers to people who experience failure or who are far from achieving their goals. Their lack of success allows them to understand the value of victory more deeply.

What does the 'distant strains of Triumph' refer to?

The 'distant strains of Triumph' symbolize the sound of victory or success that is heard from afar, perhaps by someone who is near defeat or in the process of dying, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of achievement when one is no longer able to attain it.

How does the poem explore the relationship between victory and defeat?

The poem suggests that defeat provides a unique perspective on victory, with those who fail having a clearer, more profound understanding of success than those who are accustomed to winning without struggle.

What role does suffering play in the poem's exploration of success?

Suffering plays a crucial role by intensifying the desire for and understanding of success. The poem implies that only those who have experienced suffering or loss can truly appreciate the sweetness of success.

How does Dickinson use contrast to emphasize the theme of success?

Dickinson contrasts the experiences of those who have succeeded with those who have failed. By doing so, she emphasizes that the real understanding of success is reserved for those who have endured hardship.

What does the phrase 'Whose forbidden ear the distant strains of Triumph break' mean?

This phrase likely refers to someone who is near death or in a hopeless situation, unable to fully partake in or enjoy the fruits of success, but still able to hear the sounds of victory from a distance, making the triumph feel painful and unattainable.