Poem Analysis - Luck Is Not Chance

Introduction: Dickinson's Rejection of Easy Fortune

Emily Dickinson's "Luck is not chance" is a concise and assertive poem that dismantles the notion of luck as a random occurrence. Instead, Dickinson argues for a world where effort and labor are the true determinants of success. The poem adopts a didactic tone, almost lecturing the reader on the realities of achievement. While initially straightforward, the poem's concluding imagery of the "old-fashioned Coin" introduces a layer of complexity and potential regret, hinting at the price of relentless pursuit.

The Primacy of Effort: Debunking the Myth of Chance

The central theme of the poem is the primacy of effort over luck. Dickinson directly refutes the idea that success is accidental: "Luck is not chance/ It’s Toil." This opening statement establishes the poem's core argument: hard work, not random good fortune, is the foundation of achievement. The poem positions "Toil" as the active agent, replacing the passive concept of luck. The subsequent lines, "Fortune’s expensive smile/ Is earned," reinforce this idea, suggesting that even what appears to be a stroke of luck is, in reality, the result of sustained effort and dedication. The poem frames fortune as something that must be actively "earned," further diminishing the role of mere chance.

Economic Underpinnings: The Cost of Success

The poem subtly introduces an economic dimension to the discussion of luck and effort. The phrase "Fortune's expensive smile" implies that success comes at a cost, suggesting sacrifices and investments made along the way. This "expensive smile" isn’t freely given; it’s a reward for something paid for. The final stanza deepens this economic metaphor with the image of the "Father of the Mine" being that "old-fashioned Coin/ We spurned." This suggests that the source of wealth and success—the foundational investment, the initial hard work—is something that was once rejected or undervalued. Perhaps it refers to a simpler, more traditional form of labor or value that has been abandoned in the pursuit of a more modern or immediate kind of fortune.

The "Old-Fashioned Coin": A Symbol of Regret?

The image of the "old-fashioned Coin" is a potent symbol within the poem. It represents something of intrinsic value that has been disregarded or overlooked in the pursuit of more superficial or immediate gains. This image could symbolize a lost value system, a neglected skill, or a relationship sacrificed for ambition. The fact that it is "spurned" introduces a sense of potential regret or loss. Did the speaker (or the collective "we") reject something fundamental in their pursuit of "Fortune's expensive smile"? This ambiguity allows for interpretation; perhaps the "old-fashioned Coin" represents a simpler, more virtuous path that was abandoned in favor of the harder, more demanding road to success.

Conclusion: The Enduring Value of Toil

"Luck is not chance" delivers a powerful message about the importance of hard work and the potential pitfalls of chasing superficial fortune. Dickinson, through concise language and evocative imagery, argues that true success is "earned" through "Toil." The poem’s concluding symbol of the "old-fashioned Coin" adds a layer of complexity, suggesting that the pursuit of fortune may come at the cost of something valuable and potentially irreplaceable. Ultimately, Dickinson's poem serves as a reminder that true wealth lies not in chance encounters but in the unwavering commitment to labor and the values it embodies.