Introduction: “No Coward Soul is Mine” by Emily Bronte
“No Coward Soul is Mine” by Emily Bronte first appeared in 1846 in the collection Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell, which Bronte co-authored with her sisters Charlotte and Anne. The poem reflects Bronte’s deep spiritual conviction and unwavering faith in the face of mortality. Its central theme revolves around the speaker’s defiance of fear and death, showcasing a resolute belief in the eternal power of the soul and a connection to the divine. The language is bold and unyielding, capturing the qualities of strength, fearlessness, and transcendence that Bronte often expressed in her works, embodying a rejection of weakness or despair. The poem’s message is one of inner fortitude, suggesting that the soul, aligned with a higher power, is indomitable.
Text: “No Coward Soul is Mine” by Emily Bronte
No Coward Soul is Mine
No trembler in the world’s storm-troubled sphere
I see Heaven’s glories shine
And Faith shines equal arming me from Fear
O God within my breast
Almighty ever-present Deity
Life, that in me hast rest,
As I Undying Life, have power in Thee
Vain are the thousand creeds
That move men’s hearts, unutterably vain,
Worthless as withered weeds
Or idlest froth amid the boundless main
To waken doubt in one
Holding so fast by thy infinity,
So surely anchored on
The steadfast rock of Immortality.
With wide-embracing love
Thy spirit animates eternal years
Pervades and broods above,
Changes, sustains, dissolves, creates and rears
Though earth and moon were gone
And suns and universes ceased to be
And Thou wert left alone
Every Existence would exist in thee
There is not room for Death
Nor atom that his might could render void
Since thou art Being and Breath
And what thou art may never be destroyed.
Annotations: “No Coward Soul is Mine” by Emily Bronte
| Stanza | Text | Main Idea | Tone | Literary Devices |
| Stanza 1 | “No Coward Soul is Mine No trembler in the world’s storm-troubled sphere I see Heaven’s glories shine And Faith shines equal arming me from Fear” | The speaker declares their courage and spiritual confidence, stating that they are unshaken by the troubles of the world because their faith serves as a protective shield. | Defiant, confident, resilient | – Metaphor: “storm-troubled sphere” represents the world’s chaos and challenges. – Personification: Faith is personified as something that “arms” the speaker. – Alliteration: “Faith shines” and “arming me from Fear” emphasize faith’s strength. |
| Stanza 2 | “O God within my breast Almighty ever-present Deity Life, that in me hast rest, As I Undying Life, have power in Thee” | The speaker expresses a profound connection with God, seeing God as an internal force that grants them undying life and power. | Reverent, intimate, spiritually profound | – Metaphor: “God within my breast” symbolizes an intimate internal relationship with God. – Repetition: “ever-present” emphasizes God’s constancy. – Paradox: The speaker describes God’s rest within them while giving them undying life, symbolizing the unity of divine and human. |
| Stanza 3 | “Vain are the thousand creeds That move men’s hearts, unutterably vain, Worthless as withered weeds Or idlest froth amid the boundless main” | The speaker dismisses the importance of human-made religious doctrines, viewing them as empty and devoid of true spiritual meaning. | Critical, dismissive, disdainful | – Simile: “Worthless as withered weeds” compares human creeds to things lacking value. – Simile: “Idlest froth amid the boundless main” likens the creeds to meaningless things in nature, emphasizing their insignificance. |
| Stanza 4 | “To waken doubt in one Holding so fast by thy infinity, So surely anchored on The steadfast rock of Immortality” | The speaker emphasizes their unshakeable belief in God’s infinite power and immortality, stating that doubt has no place in their faith. | Resolute, unwavering | – Metaphor: “Steadfast rock of Immortality” represents the speaker’s unmovable belief in eternal life. – Alliteration: “Surely anchored” emphasizes the strength of their faith. |
| Stanza 5 | “With wide-embracing love Thy spirit animates eternal years Pervades and broods above, Changes, sustains, dissolves, creates and rears” | The speaker praises God’s omnipresent spirit that encompasses and sustains all existence through love, constantly creating and dissolving life. | Admiring, reverential | – Personification: God’s spirit is described as “brooding above” and creating, dissolving, and rearing, attributing human actions to divine power. – Polysyndeton: The repeated conjunctions in “changes, sustains, dissolves, creates, and rears” add emphasis to God’s ceaseless activity. |
| Stanza 6 | “Though earth and moon were gone And suns and universes ceased to be And Thou wert left alone Every Existence would exist in thee” | The speaker reflects on God’s eternal nature, stating that even if all physical existence vanished, God would remain, and all existence would still reside within God. | Contemplative, eternal | – Hyperbole: The disappearance of the universe emphasizes the enduring nature of God. – Paradox: “Every Existence would exist in thee” shows that all creation is eternally contained within God. |
| Stanza 7 | “There is not room for Death Nor atom that his might could render void Since thou art Being and Breath And what thou art may never be destroyed” | The speaker affirms that death has no power over God or creation, as God embodies both being and life itself, making divine existence indestructible. | Triumphant, transcendent | – Personification: Death is personified as having “might” but is rendered powerless by God. – Metaphor: “Thou art Being and Breath” equates God with existence itself, implying that life cannot be voided. |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “No Coward Soul is Mine” by Emily Bronte
| Device | Definition | Example | Explanation |
| Hyperbole | Deliberate exaggeration for emphasis or effect. | “Though earth and moon were gone / And suns and universes ceased to be” (Stanza 6) | The speaker imagines the end of the universe to emphasize God’s eternal presence. |
| Metaphor | A comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.” | “Steadfast rock of Immortality” (Stanza 4) | Immortality is compared to a rock, symbolizing its unshakeable and permanent nature. |
| Paradox | A statement that seems contradictory but reveals a deeper truth. | “As I Undying Life, have power in Thee” (Stanza 2) | The speaker describes their life as “undying,” suggesting a deeper spiritual truth about eternal life through God. |
| Personification | Giving human qualities to non-human things or abstract ideas. | “Faith shines equal arming me from Fear” (Stanza 1) | Faith is personified as a force that “arms” the speaker, making it seem active and protective. |
| Repetition | Repeating a word or phrase to emphasize an idea. | “Almighty ever-present Deity” (Stanza 2) | The word “ever-present” is repeated to stress the constant presence of God. |
| Simile | A comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as.” | “Worthless as withered weeds” (Stanza 3) | The speaker compares human creeds to withered weeds to show their lack of value. |
| Tone | The attitude or feeling the author conveys in the writing. | Defiant, confident, triumphant | Throughout the poem, the speaker’s tone reflects their unwavering faith and spiritual courage, even in the face of death. |
Themes: “No Coward Soul is Mine” by Emily Bronte
- Spiritual Strength and Defiance: A central theme in the poem is the speaker’s resolute spiritual strength and defiance in the face of fear and adversity. From the opening line, “No Coward Soul is Mine,” Brontë’s speaker asserts their fearless spirit. The speaker is unwavering in the face of worldly challenges, depicted as a “storm-troubled sphere,” but they remain fortified by their faith, which “shines equal arming me from Fear.” This defiance is not just against external dangers but also against doubt, as the speaker is “surely anchored on the steadfast rock of Immortality.”
- Faith in Immortality and Eternal Life: The theme of faith in immortality runs throughout the poem, as the speaker’s belief in eternal life shields them from fear of death. In stanza four, Brontë writes, “So surely anchored on the steadfast rock of Immortality,” symbolizing the speaker’s firm belief in a life beyond death. They describe their connection with God, who gives them “Undying Life,” and assert that death has no power: “There is not room for Death… Since thou art Being and Breath,” indicating their conviction that divine existence transcends mortality.
- Rejection of Organized Religion and Human Creeds: Brontë critiques the emptiness of human religious institutions and creeds in contrast to the speaker’s personal, profound faith. In stanza three, the speaker declares that “Vain are the thousand creeds / That move men’s hearts, unutterably vain,” comparing them to “withered weeds” and “idlest froth.” This conveys the speaker’s rejection of dogma and human-imposed religious systems, which they view as shallow and meaningless compared to their direct connection to divine power.
- The Omnipresence and Eternity of God: Another theme is the omnipresence and eternal nature of God, as expressed in the speaker’s view of God as an all-encompassing, ever-present force. In stanza five, Brontë writes, “Thy spirit animates eternal years / Pervades and broods above,” reflecting the belief that God’s presence is not confined to time or space but transcends all existence. The speaker further states that even if “earth and moon were gone / And suns and universes ceased to be,” God would remain, and “Every Existence would exist in thee,” underscoring the eternal and boundless nature of God.
Literary Theories and “No Coward Soul is Mine” by Emily Bronte
| Literary Theory | Explanation of Theory | Application to “No Coward Soul is Mine” | References from the Poem |
| Feminist Literary Theory | Focuses on the representation of gender, power dynamics, and the portrayal of women’s experiences. Feminist theory often examines how female authors challenge patriarchal norms. | Brontë’s speaker embodies a defiant, independent female voice that rejects societal expectations of women as passive or fearful. By boldly declaring “No Coward Soul is Mine,” the speaker challenges traditional depictions of women as weak or submissive. The poem’s strong, assertive tone reflects female empowerment, resisting the idea that women should fear death or be bound by human-made creeds. | “No Coward Soul is Mine” (Stanza 1); “Vain are the thousand creeds / That move men’s hearts, unutterably vain” (Stanza 3) |
| Romanticism | A literary movement that emphasizes individual emotion, the sublime in nature, spirituality, and the rejection of industrialization or organized religion. Romantic literature often glorifies nature and the divine, alongside personal experience. | Brontë’s poem aligns with Romanticism through its emphasis on the speaker’s deep, personal spirituality and the rejection of institutionalized religion. The speaker asserts the value of their own experience and faith over “the thousand creeds” that “move men’s hearts.” The poem also reflects Romanticism’s focus on the sublime, portraying God as an omnipresent, eternal force. | “With wide-embracing love / Thy spirit animates eternal years” (Stanza 5); “Vain are the thousand creeds / That move men’s hearts” (Stanza 3) |
| Existentialism | A philosophical and literary theory that explores themes of individual freedom, choice, and the search for meaning in a world that may seem meaningless or absurd. Existentialism emphasizes personal responsibility and the creation of meaning through individual experience. | The speaker in Brontë’s poem asserts personal freedom from the fear of death and from the constraints of organized religion. By claiming “No Coward Soul is Mine,” the speaker embraces their own responsibility for creating meaning and finding faith in the face of mortality. The rejection of “thousand creeds” and focus on the internal, personal relationship with God reflects existentialist themes of autonomy and individual purpose. | “Holding so fast by thy infinity, / So surely anchored on / The steadfast rock of Immortality” (Stanza 4); “Since thou art Being and Breath / And what thou art may never be destroyed” (Stanza 7) |
Critical Questions about “No Coward Soul is Mine” by Emily Bronte
- How does Brontë’s speaker define faith, and what is its role in the face of adversity?
- Brontë’s speaker presents faith as a powerful, unwavering force that shields them from fear and doubt in the face of worldly challenges. In the first stanza, the speaker declares, “No Coward Soul is Mine” and asserts that “Faith shines equal arming me from Fear.” Here, faith is not merely a belief system but a protective force that actively empowers the speaker, helping them navigate the “world’s storm-troubled sphere” without succumbing to fear. This presentation of faith suggests that it is internal, deeply personal, and a source of strength in adversity. The speaker’s faith also transcends doubt, as they hold “fast by thy infinity” (Stanza 4), suggesting that their belief in the divine is unshakeable and the cornerstone of their courage.
- How does the speaker challenge the value of organized religion and human-made doctrines?
- The speaker in Brontë’s poem takes a critical stance on organized religion and human-created creeds, viewing them as empty and insignificant compared to their personal faith. In the third stanza, they state that “Vain are the thousand creeds / That move men’s hearts, unutterably vain,” dismissing these creeds as “worthless as withered weeds.” This rejection reflects a broader critique of the value placed on formal religious doctrines, which the speaker deems inadequate for addressing deeper spiritual truths. The speaker’s personal relationship with God is presented as far more meaningful and enduring than the “withered weeds” of human religious systems, highlighting a theme of spiritual independence from organized religion.
- What role does the concept of immortality play in the speaker’s outlook on life and death?
- Immortality is a key concept that shapes the speaker’s perspective on both life and death, providing them with a sense of security and peace in the face of mortality. In the fourth stanza, the speaker describes their faith as “surely anchored on / The steadfast rock of Immortality,” suggesting that their belief in eternal life allows them to confront death without fear. This idea is reinforced in the final stanza, where the speaker asserts, “There is not room for Death / Nor atom that his might could render void,” emphasizing that death holds no power over them because of their belief in God’s eternal presence. Immortality is thus presented as a source of personal strength and freedom, allowing the speaker to transcend the limitations of physical existence.
Literary Works Similar to “No Coward Soul is Mine” by Emily Bronte
- “Because I Could Not Stop for Death” by Emily Dickinson
Similar to Brontë’s poem, Dickinson’s work reflects on death and immortality, offering a serene and contemplative view of the afterlife. - “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley
This poem shares the theme of inner strength and defiance in the face of adversity, with Henley’s speaker declaring their unbreakable spirit, much like Brontë’s fearless speaker. - “The World Is Too Much with Us” by William Wordsworth
Like Brontë, Wordsworth critiques materialism and human detachment from the spiritual world, highlighting a deeper connection to the divine and nature. - “A Psalm of Life” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Longfellow’s poem, like Brontë’s, encourages resilience and faith in life’s purpose, urging readers to live with courage and strength in the face of uncertainty. - “Holy Sonnet 10: Death, Be Not Proud” by John Donne
Donne’s poem, similar to Brontë’s, challenges the power of death, asserting that faith and immortality render death powerless over the soul.
Representative Quotations of “No Coward Soul is Mine” by Emily Bronte
| Quotation | Context | Theoretical Perspective |
| “No Coward Soul is Mine” | The opening line of the poem, where the speaker asserts their spiritual courage and strength in the face of adversity. | Existentialism: The speaker defines their identity through personal strength and choice, rejecting fear. |
| “No trembler in the world’s storm-troubled sphere” | The speaker rejects fear and uncertainty, describing the world as chaotic yet remaining unshaken by it. | Romanticism: Emphasizes the individual’s resilience and emotional response to the natural world’s turmoil. |
| “I see Heaven’s glories shine / And Faith shines equal arming me from Fear” | The speaker finds spiritual empowerment in faith, which protects them from fear. | Theological Perspective: Faith is portrayed as a powerful, divine force that arms the speaker. |
| “O God within my breast” | The speaker describes an intimate, internal connection with God, seeing the divine as a part of their being. | Feminist Literary Theory: The internal relationship with God reflects personal autonomy and spiritual independence. |
| “Vain are the thousand creeds / That move men’s hearts, unutterably vain” | The speaker dismisses organized religion and human-made doctrines as empty and meaningless. | Romanticism: Critiques institutional religion in favor of personal, emotional spirituality. |
| “Worthless as withered weeds / Or idlest froth amid the boundless main” | The speaker compares human creeds to natural elements that are insignificant, emphasizing their lack of value. | Existentialism: Highlights the rejection of external belief systems in favor of personal meaning. |
| “So surely anchored on / The steadfast rock of Immortality” | The speaker’s faith in eternal life is described as unshakable, giving them peace and confidence. | Theological Perspective: Immortality and divine presence are foundational to the speaker’s worldview. |
| “With wide-embracing love / Thy spirit animates eternal years” | The speaker celebrates the omnipresence and eternal nature of God’s love, which sustains all existence. | Romanticism: Reflects on the sublime, eternal forces of nature and the divine, evoking awe. |
| “Though earth and moon were gone / And suns and universes ceased to be” | The speaker contemplates the potential destruction of the universe but asserts that God would remain. | Existentialism: Even in the absence of physical reality, God’s presence gives meaning to existence. |
| “There is not room for Death / Nor atom that his might could render void” | The speaker triumphs over death, claiming that death has no power because of God’s eternal nature. | Theological Perspective: Death is rendered powerless by the eternal life promised through divine connection. |
Suggested Readings: “No Coward Soul is Mine” by Emily Bronte
- STARZYK, LAWRENCE J. “Emily Brontë: Poetry in a Mingled Tone.” Criticism, vol. 14, no. 2, 1972, pp. 119–36. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/23099035. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.
- Starzyk, Lawrence J. “The Faith of Emily Bronte’s Immortality Creed.” Victorian Poetry, vol. 11, no. 4, 1973, pp. 295–305. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/40001666. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.
- Brontë, Emily, and Ronald Stevenson. “No Coward Soul Is Mine.” The Musical Times, vol. 110, no. 1512, 1969, pp. 1–8. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/952853. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.
- Mason, Emma. “‘Some God of Wild Enthusiast’s Dreams’: Emily Brontë’s Religious Enthusiasm.” Victorian Literature and Culture, vol. 31, no. 1, 2003, pp. 263–77. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/25058623. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.