Emily Dickinson

The Test of Love Is Death

poem 573

The Test of Love Is Death - meaning Summary

Love Measured by Surrender

Dickinson frames love’s ultimate proof as a readiness to die or sacrifice, invoking Christ as the exemplar. She argues that the magnitude of love shows in endurance and courage—‘‘largest’’ love endures greater trials while lesser love falters. The poem compresses moral hierarchy into brief images of patience, nerve, and the Cross, urging readers to accept even small acts of devotion and to heed the demanding, sacrificial request of love.

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The Test of Love is Death Our Lord so loved it saith What Largest Lover hath Another doth If smaller Patience be Through less Infinity If Bravo, sometimes swerve Through fainter Nerve Accept its Most And overlook the Dust Last Least The Cross’ Request

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