Which line from the poem best illustrates the theme that experiencing unfavorable circumstances make people more appreciative of their achievements?

Stanza 4 of the poem best illustrates the theme that experiencing unfavorable circumstances make people more appreciative of their achievements. The speaker uses the dying soldier as someone who longed for success but could not grasp it. When people truly desire something and cannot retrieve it, their desire for it becomes greater.

Success is Counted Sweetest

BY EMILY DICKINSON

Success is counted sweetest

By those who ne’er succeed.

To comprehend a nectar

Requires sorest need.

Not one of all the purple Host

Who took the Flag today

Can tell the definition

So clear of Victory

As he defeated-dying

On whose forbidden ear

The distant strains of triumph

Burst agonized and clear!

By those who ne'er succeed.

Explanation:

The line that best illustrates the theme that experiencing unfavorable circumstances make people more appreciative of their achievements is "by those who ne'er succeed." In the context of the poem, the first stanza explains that the person who values success more is the person who fails as opposed to someone who has already attained it, therefore cannot appreciate its worth. The speaker compares this idea to a nectar, a symbolism of success or prosperity, which can only be enjoyed or understood by those with "sorest need." Similarly, the speaker also compares this idea to a defeated, dying soldier who understands the meaning of success more than the victorious army.