The Day That I Was Crowned
poem 356
The Day That I Was Crowned - meaning Summary
Unexpected Inner Transformation
The poem describes a sudden, inward change of status experienced on an otherwise ordinary day. Dickinson uses a coronation metaphor to show how an internal grace transforms perception: what seemed plain becomes regal as day declines. The comparison of carbon in coal and gem suggests unchanged substance gaining visible distinction. The final lines insist the speaker’s bestowed grace matters more than any outward crown, emphasizing inner worth over external honor.
Read Complete AnalysesThe Day that I was crowned Was like the other Days Until the Coronation came And then ’twas Otherwise As Carbon in the Coal And Carbon in the Gem Are One and yet the former Were dull for Diadem I rose, and all was plain But when the Day declined Myself and It, in Majesty Were equally adorned The Grace that I was chose To Me surpassed the Crown That was the Witness for the Grace ‘Twas even that ’twas Mine
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