from Kate

Option #2

This is my interpretation of the poem of Emily Dickinson “Tell All the Truth, But Tell It Slant”

“Tell all the Truth but tell it slant- “

I think Emily might have meant that while saying the truth, one should not be straightforward while doing that.  It should be said  carefully.

“Success in Circuit lies”

This could mean that telling the truth can go smoothly and successfully through “circuit lies” where they are simply additional stories around the main true story. Those extra words surround the truth to ease the truth into one’s heart. Or the author intended to say that success lies in the “Circuit” Emily capitalized some words which is very unique and seems to me, she wanted to emphasize certain words to make us pay attention to them. Circuit then might represent the course or the path that we take in order to tell the truth to somebody.

“Too bright for our infirm Delight”

When we are having good time, we are happy and delighted; this happy state can be spoiled sometimes by raw truth, the truth that hurts. That’s why I think Emily meant that our happiness is infirm. It is week in a sense that it will always break under some realization of reality. And reality is usually not what we would like it to be. Therefore the truth is” too bright.”

“The Truth’s superb surprise”

In every situation, there is always one truth. No one can change the truth. It is like there is only one version of the story. Therefore the truth is the reality and it is superior and superb. Also it catches by surprise.

“As Lightning to the Children eased”

I believe this verse is a continuation of the previous one. As mentioned before, the truth can be shocking and here it is compared to how lightning can be surprising for kids.

“With explanation kind”

The fact that truth can be shocking is that it can be eased by kind explanation. If there is the truth that could sweep you off your feet, would you wanted it to be said to you bluntly, or would you like it to be delivered to you in a nice and polite way? There are definitely people who think they want the straight truth said right into their faces. I think it depends on the situation. I think Emily talks about the truth that is sad, uncomfortable to be heard or tragic for example. That is why an explanation is like an aid for the listener.

“The Truth must dazzle gradually

Or every man be blind-“

The truth has to be given little by little, cautiously; otherwise it will be overwhelming.

Like it was said before the truth is so “bright”, that if we would be confronted by it suddenly it would “blind” us. It is compared to the moment when we look directly at sunlight. We don’t like to do that so we make a shadow using our hand or we wear sunglasses.

I love this poem. It is beautifully written and it goes swiftly from one verse to the other with a little rhyme at the end. It is in a form of advice. Although Emily uses a word “must”, overall the advice is not given to us in a dominant way. She simply states her opinion and teaches us what precautions should be taken while telling the truth.