Defining True Appreciation Emily Dickinson’s poem, “Success is counted sweetest” claims that people cannot fully appreciate the things that they already have. This reality is unfortunately characteristic of our own human nature. When one is in possession of an object or is gifted with favorable circumstances, people tend to be under appreciative. Likewise, those lacking in something naturally have a better appreciation of that something, because they can better comprehend how valuable it really is. The poem explains that the relationship between possession and appreciation, is paradoxical. The paradox states that the only way to truly appreciate and understand something, is to distance oneself from it. The poem’s extended metaphor gives three
…show more content…
The syntax indicates two things. First, if someone can taste something, they are relatively close to that object as it may only be an arm’s reach away. Second, people are never satisfied with a mere taste of something and always want more. This first example shows the reader that closeness correlates with a low level of appreciation. If one already has something or are close to possessing that something, than they can only appreciate it at a very basic level. In the second example, the poem shows that a deeper appreciation can result from having “sorest need” of something (Dickinson 3-4).The diction indicates a state of desperation, and when someone is in desperate need for something, they are likely at a great distance from that something. The individual is clearly not close enough to taste the nectar, yet the poem states that they can “comprehend” the nectar. This word builds upon the central paradox because it shows that with increased distance comes increased appreciation or in this case, comprehension, contrary to what one would normally …show more content…
The paradox presented is undoubtedly part of human nature, yet it is still a sad reality for all. The poem claims that the idea of not being able to understand the true value of something without being distant from it is disconcerting. The enjambment of lines 1 and 3 force the reader to quickly read into the next lines which describe this sad reality. Similarly, the lack of punctuation for the entire second stanza forces the reader to quickly move into the saddest, and most dismal part of the entire poem. Only here, in the last stanza, does the poem use punctuation, such as the dash, to slow the reader down. By slowing the reader down at certain points, it emphasizes the message of the punctuated line and forces the pondering its meaning. The implementation of rhyme in the poem works to connect all of these depressing lines together. When the reader comes across this rhyme, they naturally want to feel the soothing sensation that a rhyme typically brings, yet the actual meanings of each sentence refuse to let them do so. Instead, they are left pondering the sad reality that the poem creates to show that true appreciation can only happen when one is far removed from whatever object they wish to
The syntax indicates two things. First, if someone can taste something, they are relatively close to that object as it may only be an arm’s reach away. Second, people are never satisfied with a mere taste of something and always want more. This first example shows the reader that closeness correlates with a low level of appreciation. If one already has something or are close to possessing that something, than they can only appreciate it at a very basic level. In the second example, the poem shows that a deeper appreciation can result from having “sorest need” of something (Dickinson 3-4).The diction indicates a state of desperation, and when someone is in desperate need for something, they are likely at a great distance from that something. The individual is clearly not close enough to taste the nectar, yet the poem states that they can “comprehend” the nectar. This word builds upon the central paradox because it shows that with increased distance comes increased appreciation or in this case, comprehension, contrary to what one would normally …show more content…
The paradox presented is undoubtedly part of human nature, yet it is still a sad reality for all. The poem claims that the idea of not being able to understand the true value of something without being distant from it is disconcerting. The enjambment of lines 1 and 3 force the reader to quickly read into the next lines which describe this sad reality. Similarly, the lack of punctuation for the entire second stanza forces the reader to quickly move into the saddest, and most dismal part of the entire poem. Only here, in the last stanza, does the poem use punctuation, such as the dash, to slow the reader down. By slowing the reader down at certain points, it emphasizes the message of the punctuated line and forces the pondering its meaning. The implementation of rhyme in the poem works to connect all of these depressing lines together. When the reader comes across this rhyme, they naturally want to feel the soothing sensation that a rhyme typically brings, yet the actual meanings of each sentence refuse to let them do so. Instead, they are left pondering the sad reality that the poem creates to show that true appreciation can only happen when one is far removed from whatever object they wish to