Poem Analysis - Smiling Back From Coronation

Overview: A Reflection on Social Stratification

Emily Dickinson's "Smiling Back From Coronation" is a contemplative poem that explores the complex relationship between those who achieve success and those who remain in more humble circumstances. The tone is initially observational, bordering on detached, but it subtly shifts to one of concern and social commentary. The poem's concise language and powerful imagery create a stark contrast between the "coronation" of the successful and the "peasantry" of those left behind. Dickinson’s poem grapples with the moral implications of success and the potential for it to amplify the suffering of others.

The Spectacle of Success and its Origins

The poem opens with the image of individuals "Smiling back from Coronation," suggesting a position of power and triumph. Dickinson questions if this opulent display is merely "Luxury / On the Heads that started with us / Being's Peasantry." This contrast is immediately established, highlighting that those who now sit in positions of power were once on equal footing with the common people. The phrase "Being's Peasantry" emphasizes a shared origin, a reminder that the roots of success often lie in humble beginnings. This introduces the theme of social stratification and the potential alienation that can accompany upward mobility.

Memory, Recognition, and the Weight of the Past

The second stanza introduces the act of "Recognizing in Procession / Ones We former knew / When Ourselves were also dusty / Centuries ago." This evokes a sense of memory and shared history. The "dusty" imagery suggests a distant past, perhaps implying that the ascent to power has created a significant divide, almost as if centuries have passed since their shared origins. The poem suggests a moral imperative to remember where one comes from, even amidst the trappings of success. It’s a reflection on how success changes relationships and perceptions.

Triumph's Shadow: Misery and Social Contrast

The final stanza delves into the ethical implications of triumph: "Had the Triumph no Conviction / Of how many be / Stimulated by the Contrast / Unto Misery?" This is the emotional core of the poem, directly addressing whether the successful are aware of the pain their success may inflict on those who are less fortunate. The "Contrast" between the "Coronation" and the "Peasantry" is not merely a matter of circumstance but a source of potential "Misery." This raises a profound question about the responsibilities of those in power and the social cost of inequality.

Symbolism of Coronation and Dust: Decoding Dickinson's Imagery

The poem hinges on the symbolism of two key images: the "Coronation" and the "dust." The "Coronation" represents not just royal ascension but any form of significant achievement or elevated social status. It symbolizes power, wealth, and public recognition. The "dust," on the other hand, signifies humility, commonality, and the shared experience of ordinary life. The juxtaposition of these images underscores the fundamental disparity between those who have "risen" and those who remain grounded. The poem invites us to consider whether the glitter of the "Coronation" can ever truly mask the underlying "dust" from which we all originate.

Concluding Thoughts: The Enduring Questions of Social Justice

In conclusion, "Smiling Back From Coronation" is a powerful meditation on the complexities of social mobility and the potential for success to create division and suffering. Through vivid imagery and pointed questions, Dickinson challenges us to consider the ethical responsibilities that accompany achievement. The poem's enduring significance lies in its exploration of how success can illuminate both the best and worst aspects of human nature, prompting reflection on our shared humanity and the persistent problem of social inequality.