Dickinson Poem Flashcards
If the first line of this poem were a DGP sentence, what would the purpose be? Explain how this fact contributes to the meaning of the line.
Imperative because it is a command. The fact makes it a command.
What does Dickinson mean when she says to tell the truth “slant”?
Do not tell the truth straight and all at once.
a) Where does success “lie”?
b) Why is the work “lie” appropriate in this line?
a) Success lies in sugar coating the truth.
b) This poem is commanding us to tell the half truth which is like lying.
a) Lines 3 and 4 are inverted. In the right order, write the lines as 1 sentence. You will have to add a verb to make it a sentence- put the in brackets.
b) What is “too bright?”
c) What does the phrase “infirm Delight” mean?
d) What does “superb surprise” mean?
e) What is the metaphor (what 2 things are compared) in lines 3 and 4?
a) The truth’s suburb surprise is too bright for our infirm delights.
b) The full truth is “too bright.”
c) It means what we handle is weak.
d) A big truth you don’t expect that change your life you must get little by little.
e) The full truth is like a bright surprise light. (truth and light)
What is the simile in lines 5 and 6?
The explanation of the truth is simplified just as lighting is eased. Telling the truth slant is like explaining lightning to little kids.
What explanation is referred to in lines 5 and 6?
lightning to children is explained.
Explain what Dickinson means by saying the truth must “dazzle gradually.”
Tell the truth a little bit at a time.
Explain the last line of this poem. Why is the word “blind” used?
When you lie or not tell the full truth it is like blinding someone.
