Poem Analysis - To Fight Aloud Is Very Brave

The Unseen Battle: An Introduction

Emily Dickinson's "To Fight Aloud, Is Very Brave" contrasts public displays of courage with the more profound and often unrecognized battles fought within. The poem begins with a tone of admiration for overt bravery but quickly shifts to a deeper respect for those who suffer silently. This shift highlights the poem's central concern: the valor found in enduring internal struggles. Dickinson uses vivid imagery to elevate the internal battles to a level of epic importance, suggesting that these unseen conflicts are just as significant, if not more so, than those waged on a public stage. The poem concludes with a vision of divine recognition for these silent warriors, offering a sense of solace and validation.

The Theme of Internal Struggle

The central theme of the poem is the profound nature of internal struggle and its superiority, in some ways, to external bravery. Dickinson establishes this immediately by stating that fighting "aloud" is brave, but that an even "gallanter" act exists. The poem then depicts the "Cavalry of Woe" charging within the "bosom," painting a picture of intense, internal conflict. The use of "Cavalry," a military term, elevates the mental and emotional struggle to the level of war, suggesting that these internal battles are just as real and consequential as physical ones. The fact that these warriors "win" and "fall" without anyone noticing further emphasizes the lonely and often unacknowledged nature of their heroism.

Unseen Sacrifice and Recognition

Another significant theme is the idea of unseen sacrifice and the need for recognition, even if it comes only in death or beyond. Dickinson underscores the isolation of those who fight internal battles: "nations do not see," "none observe," and "no Country regards with patriot love." This highlights the poem's critique of a society that often values outward displays of courage while ignoring the silent suffering of individuals. The final stanza offers a contrasting image: a "plumed procession" of angels honoring these unseen warriors. This suggests that while earthly recognition may be absent, divine acknowledgment and reward await those who bravely endure internal torment. The "Uniforms of Snow" symbolize purity and peace, promising solace after the difficult battle.

Symbolism of War and Heavenly Reward

The poem utilizes potent symbolism to convey its message. The "Cavalry of Woe" is a striking image that represents the onslaught of negative emotions, anxieties, and internal conflicts that plague the individual. The "Country" symbolizes societal recognition and validation, which is conspicuously absent for those engaged in internal battles. The "Angels" represent divine compassion and the ultimate reward for enduring suffering. The "Uniforms of Snow," a vivid image, symbolize purity, peace, and the heavenly reward that awaits these unseen heroes. Are the "Uniforms of Snow" also meant to symbolize the anonymity of these struggles, where everyone in this army of sufferers becomes indistinct from the other?

Final Thoughts: Valuing Inner Strength

"To Fight Aloud, Is Very Brave" is a powerful meditation on the nature of courage and suffering. Dickinson challenges the conventional notion of bravery as a public act, elevating the often-overlooked heroism of those who battle internal demons. Through vivid imagery and symbolic language, the poem highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing inner strength. Ultimately, Dickinson suggests that while earthly recognition may be fleeting, the silent battles fought within are just as worthy of admiration, and that a form of divine recognition awaits those who persevere through the "Cavalry of Woe."