Compensation by Emily Dickinson
The poem explores the idea of compensation for a life of solitude and quiet contemplation. The speaker suggests that their inner world is rich and fulfilling, despite the lack of external validation or material possessions. They propose that their thoughts and emotions are sufficient reward for their isolation.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Lyric · 54 words
First lines
For each ecstatic instant We must an anguish pay In keen and quivering ratio To the ecstasy.
For each beloved hour Sharp pittances of years, Bitter contested farthings And coffers heaped with tears.
What this Textopian page supports
Compensation is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emily Dickinson, dated 1890 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Emily Dickinson
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Lyric, Metaphysical
- Length: 54 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Compensation by Emily Dickinson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Compensation?
- How does this poem by Emily Dickinson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Enough by Emily Dickinson
- Immortal Is An Ample Word by Emily Dickinson
- Lay This Laurel On The One by Emily Dickinson
- The Hill Top by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Triumph by Emily Dickinson
- The Test by Emily Dickinson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing meter and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
- Philosophical — The themes explore existential concepts such as the balance of joy and suffering, reflecting philosophical inquiry.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, typical of lyric poetry.
- Metaphysical — The work delves into abstract ideas and the nature of reality, aligning with metaphysical poetry.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Philosophy · Existentialism · Mortality · Nature · Spirituality · Faith · Doubt · Suffering · Redemption