DFTT “Success is counted sweetest” – Emily Dickinson (443 in
Rhyme
Scheme
textbook)
Stanza 1
Success is counted sweetest
What idea is expressed?
By those who ne’er1 succeed.
To comprehend a nectar2
Requires sorest3 need.
1
ne’er = never
nectar – delicious drink
3
sorest – deepest, greatest
2
Decoding:
Rhyme
Scheme
Stanza 2
Not one of all the purple Host4
What idea is expressed?
Who took the flag today5
Can tell the definition
So clear of Victory
4
purple Host—a reference
possibly to the Royal Army of
Britain, known for their winning
record
5
took the flag—often the winning
side will claim the opponent’s flag
Decoding:
Rhyme
Scheme
Stanza 3
What rhetorical device is used here?
As he defeated—dying—
On whose forbidden ear
The distant strains of triumph
Burst agonized and clear!
Decoding:
What idea is expressed?
Tone: Remember, tone is the author/speaker’s ATTITUDE towards the subject of the poem.
What is the subject of this poem?
Describe the speaker’s attitude towards that subject:
Now EXPLAIN WHY the text supports your choice. Include words and phrases from the poem that
support your adjective/tone word choice.
Theme: Identify the poem’s central theme.
What subject about life is the writer addressing? (should be the same answer you gave for tone)
What is the writer specifically saying about that subject? Write it in a sentence. Don’t ignore the
ending and don’t write advice!