Poem Analysis - This Merit Hath The Worst

Introduction: The End of Suffering

Emily Dickinson's "This Merit hath the Worst" is a short but powerful meditation on the nature of suffering and the solace found in reaching its absolute limit. The poem, characterized by Dickinson's signature brevity and slant rhyme, explores the idea that the ultimate depth of pain, paradoxically, holds a unique advantage: the impossibility of further degradation. The tone is initially bleak but shifts towards a quiet sense of resilience and even a cautious optimism as the poem progresses. It examines how endurance can be a form of strength.

Historical and Biographical Considerations

While specific historical events don't directly influence this poem, Dickinson's reclusive life and preoccupation with themes of death, suffering, and the soul provide a relevant context. Dickinson lived a largely introverted life, which is believed to have been shaped by the rigid social expectations placed on women, and also personal tragedies. Her deep reflection on the human condition, and especially suffering, is echoed throughout her work.

Theme: The Limit of Suffering

One central theme is the exploration of the limit of suffering. The poem asserts that "the worst" possesses the "merit" of being unrepeatable—"It cannot be again." This suggests that there is a point at which suffering reaches its maximum intensity, after which no further pain is possible. The first stanza establishes this core idea, presenting Fate as a force that "taunts" and throws "Her furthest Stone," implying a culmination of adversity. The choice of words, such as "taunted" and "furthest," convey a sense of malice, implying an active, aggressive suffering.

Theme: Resilience and Peace

Another theme is the concept of resilience after profound hardship. The second stanza presents imagery of "the Maimed" who may "pause, and breathe, / And glance securely round." This image suggests a state of woundedness but also a newfound sense of safety and peace. The word "securely" is particularly striking, hinting at the unexpected security found after surviving the worst. The "Maimed" can now look about without fear of further immediate harm, finding a measure of tranquility amidst the aftermath of pain. This conveys a sense that surviving intense difficulties can lead to a more peaceful and resilient life.

Theme: Resistance and Survival

The theme of resistance and survival is explored through the metaphor of the deer and the hound. The deer, initially targeted, ceases to be of interest to the hound "Than it resists the Hound." This suggests that resistance to suffering, even if initially painful or exhausting, can ultimately lead to a cessation of torment. There is a strong message about inner strength in being able to resist your attackers. If the "Deer" stops resisting, it will be harmed, but by resisting it is free from being followed or attacked.

Imagery and Symbolism: The Wounded and the Hunter

The imagery of the "Maimed" and the "Hound" are particularly evocative. "Maimed" represents those who have been deeply wounded by life's hardships, carrying the scars of their experiences. The "Hound," on the other hand, symbolizes the relentless forces of suffering and adversity that pursue us. The deer resisting the hound becomes a vivid symbol of how perseverance, even in the face of overwhelming odds, can deter further attacks.

Concluding Insight: A Paradoxical Comfort

In conclusion, "This Merit hath the Worst" offers a paradoxical comfort. By acknowledging the existence of an ultimate limit to suffering, Dickinson suggests that even in the darkest moments, there is a potential for resilience and a cessation of pain. The poem's power lies in its concise and unflinching exploration of suffering, offering a profound message of hope and the possibility of finding peace after enduring life's most challenging trials. The poem encourages reflection on the nature of suffering and strength that can be cultivated in its wake.