The poem “Success is counted sweetest” by Emily Dickinson reflects the idea that the true victory in life comes from loss and defeat. Dickinson speaks of this message through the depiction of the battlefield.
The Purple Host is the army who has conquested the other side – they have succeeded in victory in the battle. Yet, <u>Dickinson is sure that the Purple Host and those under its flag can actually appreciate and enjoy the victory full as the ones who nearly have won the battle</u><u>. Only defeat and the nearness of triumph that slipped away bring the full significance of the success.</u>
<u>Therefore, even if the Purple Host has achieved the wanted victory, Dickinson does not think they have achieved success. </u>
