Poem Analysis - I Had The Glory That Will Do

Introduction: Accepting a Different Kind of Fame

Emily Dickinson's "I Had The Glory that Will Do" is a short but potent poem exploring the speaker's choice to forgo conventional fame for a more profound, internal "Glory." The poem begins with a sense of contentment and self-assuredness, but subtly shifts to a more cautionary tone as it warns of the dangers of chasing lesser ambitions. The poem highlights the speaker's rejection of superficial success in favor of something more meaningful. Ultimately, the poem celebrates the power of internal satisfaction and the importance of choosing one's own path, even if it means foregoing external validation.

Theme of Internal versus External Glory

One of the central themes of the poem is the contrast between internal satisfaction and external recognition, or "Glory" versus "lesser Fames." The speaker has already "had the Glory that will do," suggesting a fulfillment that transcends societal definitions of success. This "Glory" seems to be a personal understanding or achievement, one that "Thought can turn her to." The phrase implies that internal reflection and contentment are sources of true and lasting honor. In contrast, the "lesser Fames" are presented as fleeting and ultimately destructive. The poem suggests that chasing these lesser ambitions can lead to a corruption of potential and a loss of time.

The Peril of Fleeting Fame

The poem warns against the allure of "lesser Fames" using vivid imagery. The "lesser Fames" "invite" with "one long Nay," a paradoxical phrase suggesting that their allure is ultimately a rejection of something more profound. This rejection leads to a grim sequence: "Bliss' early shape / Deforming Dwindling Gulfing up / Time's possibility." The image of "Bliss' early shape" being deformed suggests that the pursuit of lesser fame can distort one's initial potential for happiness and fulfillment. The verbs "Dwindling" and "Gulfing up" create a sense of loss and consumption, implying that these lesser pursuits devour one's time and opportunities.

Symbolism of Time's Possibility

The phrase "Time's possibility" is a key symbol in the poem. It represents the potential for growth, achievement, and fulfillment that exists within a person's lifetime. By "Gulfing up" Time's possibility, the "lesser Fames" are portrayed as destructive forces that rob individuals of their potential. The poem subtly suggests that pursuing fleeting recognition can distract from more meaningful pursuits and lead to a sense of wasted time and unrealized potential. Perhaps the "Glory that will do" is connected to making the most of "Time's possibility," while being content with what is already there.

Conclusion: The Power of Choosing Your Own "Glory"

In conclusion, "I Had The Glory that Will Do" is a powerful testament to the importance of internal fulfillment and the dangers of chasing superficial success. The poem uses strong imagery and symbolic language to contrast the lasting satisfaction of personal "Glory" with the fleeting and ultimately destructive nature of "lesser Fames." Ultimately, Dickinson's poem encourages readers to prioritize their own values and choose a path that leads to genuine fulfillment, even if it means forgoing external validation. The poem's enduring significance lies in its timeless message about the importance of self-awareness and the power of choosing one's own definition of success.