Poem Analysis - Of Tribulation These Are They

A Song of Survival

Emily Dickinson's "Of Tribulation, These Are They" is a powerful testament to resilience and the varying degrees of struggle one endures to achieve victory. The poem initially presents a hierarchy of triumph, distinguished by outward signs, but ultimately pivots to a deeper, more profound understanding of salvation born from immense hardship. The tone shifts from observation to reverence, highlighting the quiet, unadorned strength of those who have truly overcome. It evokes a sense of awe at the enduring human spirit, capable of finding solace and gratitude even after immense suffering.

Tiers of Triumph: Outer Show vs. Inner Strength

One of the main themes explored is the nature of victory and the outward signs used to denote it. The poem begins by describing two groups: those "Denoted by the White—/The Spangled Gowns" and those who "Wear nothing commoner than Snow." The "Spangled Gowns" suggest a celebrated, perhaps even public, form of victory, marked by visible indicators of success. In contrast, those clothed in "Snow" represent a more profound, internal triumph, devoid of ornamentation. This stark contrast highlights the idea that true victory, often achieved through greater suffering, may not always be outwardly apparent.

Suffering and Salvation

The poem profoundly explores the relationship between suffering and salvation. The second half of the poem speaks of "Defeat an outgrown Anguish," suggesting a past filled with tribulation. The image of the "panting Ankle" and the "Night" devouring the road evokes a harrowing journey filled with exhaustion and fear. However, this intense suffering is not the end. Instead, it leads to a moment of profound relief and gratitude, expressed in the whispered word "Saved!" This suggests that salvation is not the absence of suffering, but rather the ability to persevere through it and find solace in the aftermath.

Remembered Trauma and the Path Forward

The theme of memory and its impact on moving forward is also present. The speaker remembers the "Mile / Our panting Ankle barely passed," a painful memory that contrasts with the relief found in the "House." The mile, once a source of pain, is now "Remembered, as the Mile," indicating a distance placed between the speaker and the past trauma. It is an obstacle overcome, a testament to endurance. The image suggests that while the memory of suffering may linger, it no longer holds the same power. This highlights the transformative potential of overcoming adversity.

The Symbolism of White and Snow

The colors white and snow are powerful symbols within the poem. The "White" associated with the "Spangled Gowns" can be interpreted as purity, but also as a perhaps less profound victory. In contrast, the "Snow" worn by those who overcame most times suggests a different kind of purity – one earned through hardship and resilience. Snow can also represent the cleansing and transformative power of nature, indicating that the sufferers have been purified and renewed by their experiences.

A Final Whisper of Hope

In conclusion, "Of Tribulation, These Are They" is a meditation on the multifaceted nature of victory and the enduring power of the human spirit. Dickinson masterfully uses imagery and contrasting symbols to explore the relationship between suffering, salvation, and the outward manifestations of triumph. The poem’s ultimate message is one of hope and resilience, reminding us that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, the whisper of "Saved!" can echo through the quietest corners of the heart.