The Test by Emily Dickinson (1891)
This poem explores the idea of a test or trial that one must undergo to prove their worth. The speaker suggests that this test is inevitable and will reveal whether they are worthy or not. They express a sense of resignation and acceptance, but also a hint of defiance in the face of uncertainty.
By Emily Dickinson · First published 1891 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Philosophical · 117 words
First lines
I can wade grief, / Whole pools of it, -- / I 'm used to that.
But the least push of joy / Breaks up my feet, / And I tip -- drunken.
Let no pebble smile, / 'T was the new liquor, -- / That was all!
Power is only pain, / Stranded, through discipline, / Till weights will hang.
What this Textopian page supports
The Test is listed on Textopian as a poem by Emily Dickinson, dated 1891 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: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Philosophical, Metaphysical
- Length: 117 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing line breaks and stanzas typical of poetry.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep concepts such as power, pain, and human resilience.
- Metaphysical — The poem delves into abstract ideas and uses metaphorical language to explore existential themes.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Philosophy · Existentialism · Mortality · Death · Life · Nature · Spirituality · Faith · Doubt