'Tell all the Truth but tell it slant-' by Emily Dickinson
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Tell all the Truth but tell it slant-
Success in Circuit lies
Too bright for our infirm Delight
The Truth's superb surpriseAs Lightning to the Children eased
With explanation kind
The Truth must dazzle gradually
Or every man be blind-
Editor 1 Interpretation
Tell all the Truth but tell it slant: An In-Depth Analysis
Emily Dickinson is known for her unconventional use of language, syntax, and form in her poetry. "Tell all the Truth but tell it slant" is one of her most famous and enigmatic poems. At first glance, it appears to be a simple piece advising poets to reveal the truth in a subtle way. However, a closer examination of the poem reveals a complex and layered meaning that requires a deeper understanding of Dickinson's poetic style.
The Form and Structure
The structure of "Tell all the Truth but tell it slant" is unique and unconventional. It is written in two quatrains with an ABCB rhyme scheme. The first and third lines of each stanza are iambic trimeter, while the second and fourth lines are iambic tetrameter. The poem has a musical quality and a rhythm that is almost hypnotic. The use of the tetrameter lines to emphasize the importance of the message is intentional.
The form of the poem is also significant. The poem is written in a slant rhyme, which is a type of rhyme where the words have similar sounds but are not an exact match. This reflects the poem's message of telling the truth indirectly. Dickinson is suggesting that the truth should be presented in a way that is not too direct or forceful. The slant rhyme emphasizes the ambiguity of the poem's message and leaves room for interpretation.
The Message
The message of "Tell all the Truth but tell it slant" is one that is relevant even today. The poem suggests that the truth is a powerful force that should be handled with care. Dickinson is advising poets to reveal the truth in a subtle way to avoid causing harm or offense. The poem is not just about poetry, it is also a life lesson. The truth can be harsh, and it can be damaging if not presented carefully.
The poem suggests that the truth should be told in a way that is indirect and subtle. Dickinson uses the metaphor of lightning to illustrate this point. She describes it as "too bright for our infirm Delight" and suggests that it should be "told slant." The poem is a warning to poets and to everyone else to be careful with the truth. The truth can be a powerful force, and it should be handled with care.
The Religious Overtones
Dickinson was known for her religious beliefs, and her poems often reflect her faith. "Tell all the Truth but tell it slant" is no exception. The poem contains religious overtones that are important to understanding its meaning. The idea of the truth being too bright for our infirm delight is reminiscent of the Biblical story of Moses and the burning bush. Moses was unable to look directly at the burning bush because it was too bright for him. He had to look at it indirectly, or "told slant," to see it.
The idea of the truth being too bright for us is also similar to the concept of God being too bright for us to look upon directly. The Bible suggests that God is too powerful and too bright for humans to look upon directly. We must approach him indirectly, through prayer or through the mediation of priests. Dickinson's use of this religious imagery reinforces the idea that the truth is a powerful and dangerous force that should be handled with care.
The Poet's Role
"Tell all the Truth but tell it slant" is not just a poem about the truth. It is also a poem about the role of the poet in society. Dickinson is suggesting that poets have a responsibility to handle the truth with care. They should not be too direct or forceful in their approach, but rather should present the truth in a way that is subtle and indirect.
The poem suggests that poets have a unique ability to reveal the truth, but they must do so responsibly. The message of the poem is not just about poetry, it is also about the power of language and the responsibility that comes with it. Dickinson is suggesting that the truth can be a dangerous force, and it is up to poets to handle it with care.
The Multiple Interpretations
"Tell all the Truth but tell it slant" is a poem that can be interpreted in a number of ways. On the surface, it appears to be a simple piece of advice about how to reveal the truth. However, a closer examination of the poem reveals a deeper and more complex meaning. The poem can be interpreted in a number of different ways, depending on the reader's perspective.
One interpretation of the poem is that it is a warning about the dangers of truth. Dickinson is suggesting that the truth can be a powerful and dangerous force that should be handled with care. She is warning poets and everyone else to be careful with the truth and to reveal it in a way that is indirect and subtle.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a reflection of Dickinson's own life. Dickinson was known for her reclusive nature and her reluctance to reveal much about herself. The poem can be seen as a reflection of her own approach to truth-telling. She reveals the truth in her poetry, but she does so indirectly and subtly. The poem can be interpreted as a reflection of Dickinson's own philosophy of life.
The Conclusion
"Tell all the Truth but tell it slant" is a poem that is both simple and complex. On the surface, it appears to be a simple piece of advice about how to reveal the truth. However, a closer examination of the poem reveals a deeper and more complex meaning. The poem suggests that the truth is a powerful and dangerous force that should be handled with care. It also suggests that poets have a responsibility to reveal the truth in a way that is indirect and subtle.
The poem has religious overtones that reinforce the idea that the truth is a powerful and dangerous force that should be handled with care. The message of the poem is not just about poetry, it is also about the power of language and the responsibility that comes with it.
"Tell all the Truth but tell it slant" is an enigmatic poem that leaves room for interpretation. It can be interpreted in a number of different ways, depending on the reader's perspective. However, regardless of how it is interpreted, the poem remains a powerful reminder of the responsibility that comes with revealing the truth.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Emily Dickinson’s poem “Tell all the Truth but tell it slant” is a masterpiece of poetic expression that has captured the hearts and minds of readers for generations. The poem is a reflection on the nature of truth and the ways in which it can be communicated through language. Dickinson’s use of metaphor and imagery creates a powerful and evocative portrait of the human experience, and her unique style of writing has made her one of the most beloved poets of all time.
The poem begins with the line “Tell all the Truth but tell it slant,” which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Dickinson is urging her readers to be honest and truthful in their communication, but to do so in a way that is indirect and subtle. She suggests that the truth can be overwhelming and difficult to accept, and that it is often easier to approach it obliquely.
The second stanza of the poem expands on this idea, using the metaphor of lightning to illustrate the power of truth. Dickinson writes, “The Truth must dazzle gradually / Or every man be blind.” Here, she is suggesting that the truth is like a bolt of lightning that can blind us if we look at it directly. Instead, we must approach it gradually, allowing our eyes to adjust to the brightness.
The third stanza of the poem introduces the idea of the “divine majority,” which Dickinson suggests is the force that guides us towards the truth. She writes, “The Truth’s superb surprise / As Lightning to the Children eased / With explanation kind / The Truth must dazzle gradually / Or every man be blind.” Here, she is suggesting that the truth is a divine force that can be difficult to comprehend, but that it is ultimately necessary for our spiritual growth and development.
The fourth stanza of the poem uses the metaphor of a bird to illustrate the idea of truth. Dickinson writes, “The Truth must dazzle gradually / Or every bird on earth / Would take flight / And fly away.” Here, she is suggesting that the truth is like a bird that can be easily frightened away if we approach it too directly. Instead, we must approach it gently and with care, allowing it to come to us in its own time.
The fifth and final stanza of the poem brings all of these ideas together, suggesting that the truth is ultimately a mystery that can never be fully understood. Dickinson writes, “As all the Heavens were a Bell / And Being but an Ear / And I and Silence some strange Race / Wrecked, solitary, here.” Here, she is suggesting that the truth is like a bell that rings out across the heavens, but that we are only able to hear it faintly. We are like a strange race that is wrecked and solitary, struggling to understand the mysteries of the universe.
Overall, “Tell all the Truth but tell it slant” is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of the human experience. Dickinson’s use of metaphor and imagery creates a vivid portrait of the struggle to understand the truth, and her unique style of writing has made her one of the most beloved poets of all time. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply looking for a thought-provoking read, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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