Poetry commentary on 'success is counted sweetest' by Emily Dickinson

"Success Is Counted Sweetest" by Emily Dickinson basically sends the message that success, like any other possession tangible or intangible, is only appreciated by those whom it is not always readily available. Dickinson both clearly states this message and implies it throughout the poem, and uses rhyme, imagery, and irony to incorporate the theme that the one who holds success dearest to them is the one who never succeeds. The rhythmic pattern makes the poem …

…those who have reached success have not felt what it is like without success. Emily's theme is not atypical; she sends the message that one never fully appreciates what one has until it is no more, because an abundance is usually taken for granted. In this case, the possession that is not appreciated by those who have it is success, because not being victorious is surely a greater loss than being victorious is a gain.