Tell all the Truth but Tell it Slant
Tell all the truth but tell it slant –
Success in Circuit lies
Too bright for our infirm Delight
The Truth’s superb surprise
As Lightning to the Children eased
With explanation kind
The Truth must dazzle gradually
Or every man be blind –
Summary of “Tell all the Truth but Tell it Slant”
- Popularity of the poem This poem, penned by the renowned American poet Emily Dickinson, explores the delicate nature of truth and how we receive it. First published posthumously in 1890 as part of her Complete Poems, it isn’t simply about truth; it’s about how to present it. The poem suggests that direct, unfiltered truth can be overwhelming and even damaging, and that a measured, indirect approach is often more effective.
- Representative of Human Nature Dickinson’s poem delicately portrays the fragility of the human psyche. It begins with a directive – to tell the truth, but not bluntly. The core idea is that individuals aren’t always prepared to immediately accept harsh realities. They need time, a gentle introduction. The phrase “Too bright for our infirm Delight” beautifully captures this human vulnerability. The poem suggests that we shouldn’t bombard people with the full force of truth, but rather present it in digestible pieces. The comparison to lightning illustrates this point: lightning is powerful but frightening, and a softened, explained light is easier for children to accept. Dickinson emphasizes that our inherent limitations require a careful approach to delivering even essential truths.
- Major Themes The central themes of this poem are truth, acceptance, and the inherent limitations of human perception. Dickinson doesn’t advocate for dishonesty, but rather for wisdom in how we share truth. The poem argues that unfiltered truth can be blinding, overwhelming our capacity to process it. The phrase “Or every man be blind” is not literal, but metaphorical, suggesting that overwhelming someone with truth can shut down their understanding. The poem champions a compassionate approach, advocating for gradual revelation as a means of fostering understanding, not inducing shock or disbelief.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in “Tell all the Truth but Tell it Slant”
Literary devices are tools authors use to enhance their writing, adding depth and nuance to their work. Emily Dickinson masterfully employs these devices in this poem to create a rich and thought-provoking piece. Let us explore some of them.
- Assonance: Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within words in close proximity. This creates musicality and emphasizes certain words. For example, note the repetition of the short “i” sound in “Success in Circuit lies,” subtly connecting these words.
- Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. While subtle in this poem, the repetition of the “t” sound in “Tell all the truth but tell it slant” draws attention to the poem’s central theme.
- Anaphora: Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or lines. While not a strict example of traditional anaphora, the repeated emphasis on “The Truth” throughout the poem, as in “The Truth’s superb surprise” and “The Truth must dazzle,” reinforces its importance and creates a sense of mounting tension.
- Enjambment: Enjambment occurs when a sentence or phrase continues from one line of poetry to the next without punctuation. This creates a sense of flow and momentum. Consider the lines “The Truth must dazzle gradually
Or every man be blind.” The thought is not complete at the end of the first line, forcing the reader to continue into the next, mirroring the gradual revelation of truth. - Imagery: Dickinson utilizes vivid imagery to create a sensory experience for the reader. “Too bright for our infirm Delight” evokes a feeling of vulnerability and the potential for being overwhelmed. Similarly, “Or every man be blind” creates a strong visual image, emphasizing the damaging effect of unfiltered truth.
- Metaphor: A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things without using “like” or “as.” The poem’s central metaphor compares truth to lightning: “As lightning to the children eased.” Lightning is powerful and potentially frightening, but when softened and explained (“with explanation kind”), it becomes less threatening.
- Oxymoron: An oxymoron combines contradictory terms. While not a direct example, the phrase “The Truth must dazzle gradually” hints at an oxymoronic quality. Dazzling is usually immediate, while gradual implies slowness. This contradiction emphasizes the need for a measured approach to truth.
- Symbolism: Symbolism is the use of objects or ideas to represent something else. In this poem, “truth” itself functions as a symbol – not simply a factual statement, but a powerful force that can both enlighten and overwhelm.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in “Tell all the Truth but Tell it Slant”
Poetic devices are techniques poets use to enhance the aesthetic and emotional impact of their work. Here’s a look at some of the devices Dickinson utilizes in this poem.
- Quatrain: A quatrain is a four-line stanza. Both stanzas in this poem adhere to this structure, creating a sense of balance and order.
- Stanza: A stanza is a group of lines forming a unit within a poem. This poem consists of two stanzas, each developing the central theme in a concise and focused manner.
- Slant Rhyme (or Near Rhyme): While the poem doesn’t employ perfect rhyme, Dickinson often uses slant rhyme, where sounds are similar but not identical. This creates a subtle musicality and avoids a predictable, singsong rhythm.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines from the poem offer valuable insight and can be used to spark conversation and understanding.
“The Truth must dazzle gradually
Or every man be blind.”
This powerful couplet encapsulates the central message of the poem: that truth, while essential, must be delivered with sensitivity and care to avoid overwhelming and alienating the recipient.