"Success is counted sweetest" poem by Emily wingspaninson. I need help with an opening paragraph?

Question

anonymous · Answer

Success - 
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 to‐day
Can tell the definition,
So clear, of victory,

As he, defeated, dying,
On whose forbidden ear
The distant strains of triumph
Break, agonized and clear
‐Emily wingspaninson

I know she's using paradox and multiple metaphors. But any ideas on how I could start of with the first sentence? The first sentence is always the hardest for me.

anonymous · Answer

Some parts of the poem are obvious, like the idea that nectar tastes especially good if you're hungry or starving. Same with the idea that the idea of victory seems sweetest to those who just lost (because there's no way they would take it for granted, right?). But there are some interesting unanswered puzzles in this poem, too. Why would the triumphant strains of victory music be "agonized," for instance? I would recommend starting by pointing out the contrast between what's obvious and what's not. Then, you can develop some of your own theories about the non-obvious parts!

anonymous · Answer

Emily wingspanINSON sorry. Auto correct messed me up.

anonymous · Answer

Man it wont let me put her last name lol