"Success is counted sweetest" is a lyric poem by Emily Dickinson written in 1859 and published anonymously in 1864. In Emily Dickinson's poignant poem titled "Success is Counted," she delves into the intricate nature of success and the profound impact it holds for those who have not experienced it firsthand. With eloquent simplicity, Dickinson explores the paradoxical relationship between success and its true essence.
The poem opens by asserting that success is most deeply appreciated by those who have not achieved it themselves. It suggests that those who strive for success without attaining it have a heightened appreciation for its allure and sweetness. Dickinson implies that experiencing failure and yearning intensify one's understanding of success.
Dickinson employs vivid imagery to convey her message. She compares success to a precious nectar, emphasizing that comprehending its true taste and significance requires a profound longing or desperation. It implies that only through experiencing the absence of success can one truly understand its value.
In the following stanzas, Dickinson introduces the notion that even the triumphant ones who emerge victorious cannot fully grasp the essence of success. The "purple Host" alludes to those who have achieved victory, perhaps in battle or competition. However, despite their accomplishments, they cannot grasp the true meaning of success as deeply as those who have suffered defeat. The poem suggests that true success cannot be easily defined by external markers such as winning or acquiring accolades.
The final stanza takes a poignant turn as Dickinson highlights the plight of the defeated individual. She describes someone who, in their final moments, hears the distant strains of triumph. This individual, on the brink of death, experiences an agonizing burst of clarity regarding success. The poem implies that in the face of failure and imminent demise, the true essence of success becomes painfully evident. It is a moment of profound revelation that contrasts sharply with the distant sounds of victory.
In summary, Emily Dickinson's poem "Success is Counted" presents a thought-provoking exploration of success and its elusive nature. Through her masterful use of imagery and poetic language, Dickinson suggests that true understanding and appreciation of success often come from those who have yearned for it in the face of failure. It is a bittersweet realization that highlights the complex and nuanced relationship between success, failure, and the human experience.
