A Modest Lot, a Fame Petite by Emily Dickinson
This poem explores the tension between humility and ambition, suggesting that true greatness lies in modesty rather than seeking fame. The speaker describes a small, unassuming lot that has achieved a kind of quiet greatness through its simplicity and humility. In contrast, a more famous figure is portrayed as being consumed by their own ego and desire for recognition.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1850 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Reflective · 56 words
First lines
A modest lot, a fame petite, / A brief campaign of sting and sweet / Is plenty! Is enough!
A sailor's business is the shore, / A soldier's -- balls. Who asketh more / Must seek the neighboring life!
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A Modest Lot, a Fame Petite is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emily Dickinson, dated 1850 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Emily Dickinson
- Date: 1850 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Reflective, Literary
- Length: 56 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on meter and rhyme.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions about life and satisfaction.
- Reflective — The content reflects on personal contentment and the nature of ambition.
- Literary — The writing style is rich in metaphor and literary devices.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature Imagery · Mortality · Existentialism · Philosophy · Spirituality · Introspection · Solitude · Love · Loss