To Fight Aloud, Is Very Brave
poem 126
To Fight Aloud, Is Very Brave - meaning Summary
Private Courage Unseen by Nations
The poem contrasts visible, celebrated bravery with a quieter, inward heroism. Dickinson argues that those who battle sorrow and inner suffering—"the Cavalry of Woe"—display a deeper gallantry because their victories and deaths go unnoticed by nations and public acclaim. The final image transforms private sacrifice into celestial recognition: angels march in rank and uniform, suggesting spiritual honor compensates for earthly indifference.
Read Complete AnalysesTo fight aloud, is very brave But gallanter, I know Who charge within the bosom The Cavalry of Woe Who win, and nations do not see Who fall and none observe Whose dying eyes, no Country Regards with patriot love We trust, in plumed procession For such, the Angels go Rank after Rank, with even feet And Uniforms of Snow.
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