Triumph – may be of several kinds –

Triumph – may be of several kinds –

There’s Triumph in the Room

When that Old Imperator – Death –

By Faith – Her only Throng –

There’s Triumph of the finer mind

When Truth – affronted long –

Advance unmoved – to Her Supreme –

Her God – Her only Throng –

A Triumph – when Temptation’s Bribe

Be slowly handed back –

One eye opon the Heaven renounced –

And One – opon the Rack –

Severer Triumph – by Himself

Experienced – who pass

Acquitted – from that Naked Bar –

Jehovah’s Countenance –

F(680)

As a woman who found comfort in the simple things of life like nature and letter-writing, Dickinson recognized the importance of the small moments. Allowing herself to ponder her beliefs and dwell in the possibilities, she had an outstanding ability to find beauty in the world around her. By combining her appreciation for the simple things with her religious backgrounds, Dickinson explored the triumphs that aren’t usually viewed as such.

Referring to the figurative definition found in the Lexicon, triumph is the chorus that accompanies the entrance of a mortal into heaven. Following along with this theme of recognizing spiritual achievements, the poem comes off as an invocation to celebrate small victories or “triumphs” as the speaker calls them. People often get tunnel vision when it comes to reaching their spiritual pinnacle – all they can see are their faults and failures – and forget to acknowledge progress and the seemingly inconsequential wins of the day to day. The first stanza brings the reader’s focus to a triumph that would typically be considered a loss: death. According to the Bible, those who believe in Jesus have been given victory over sin and death. It is likely that the concept of these first four lines alludes to I Corinthians 15:55 which reads, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” When applied to this poem, it is evident that the speaker does not view death as defeat because “by faith” he who has been lost, has already been saved. The stanza finishes in saying that faith will be Death’s only throng; the Lexicon lists the figurative meaning of throng as a funeral procession or group of mourners. In the context of the poem, this suggests that what “should” be a time of devastation and sorrow for the loved one’s of the deceased is a celebration of life and faith.

As the poem progresses into the second stanza, it continues with a similar theme of spiritual triumphs. This stanza comments on a mind which has finally been solidified in its Truth. Originally described as being affronted – or shy and reserved – the mind is now free to “Advance unmoved – to Her Supreme –” (7). The word choice of this line suggests a gain of power as Dickinson could have chosen to say it “moved forward” or “proceeded,” but the use of a word with such a concrete image provides a greater sense of triumph. Standing alone, “advanced” has strong connections to war-like atmospheres in which armies march toward their enemies; followed up with “unmoved,” Dickinson crafted a mind that is incapable of being deterred from her Truth and her Supreme understanding. As throng can also mean a crowd or gathering of people, its usage in the final line of this stanza demonstrates an enhanced spiritual experience. The mind has reached a point where she no longer needs the validation or company of others; she is fully satisfied with the presence of her God. In line with the overarching theme, this stanza suggests that developing a relationship with God alone is enough to be considered a triumph. Perfection is not necessary.

Throughout the poem, word choice and definition are pivotal to the comprehension of its meaning, and no exception was made in the final stanza as Dickinson drives home the core of the poem. Reading the closing lines of the piece, I was intrigued by the phrase “that Naked Bar” (15). Referring to the Emily Dickinson Lexicon, I discovered that “naked” implies mortality and “bar” is an altar of judgment before God. Paired with the final words of the poem, “Jehovah’s Countenance” – defined as Jehovah’s glory – the phrase alludes to the crucifixion of Christ. In accordance with the belief that Christ rose from the dead, Dickinson is asserting that His overcoming of death is the greatest or “severest” triumph ever experienced.