There's a certain Slant of light, - A poem by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson - There's a certain Slant of light,

There's a certain Slant of light,
Winter Afternoons --
That oppresses, like the Heft
Of Cathedral Tunes --

Heavenly Hurt, it gives us --
We can find no scar,
But internal difference,
Where the Meanings, are --

None may teach it -- Any --
'Tis the Seal Despair --
An imperial affliction
Sent us of the Air --

When it comes, the Landscape listens --
Shadows -- hold their breath --
When it goes, 'tis like the Distance
On the look of Death --

Added: on February 25th, 2008 at 6:48 AM | Viewed: 18683 times | Comments and analysis of There's a certain Slant of light, by Emily Dickinson Comments (37)

There's a certain Slant of light, - Comments and Information
Poet: Emily Dickinson Poem: 258. There's a certain Slant of light, Volume: Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson Year: Published/Written in 1955 Poem of the Day: Aug 4 2002 Comment 37 of 37, added on February 27th, 2008 at 3:37 AM. In the poem "There's a certain Slant of light", Emily Dickinson shows her powerfulness in a poem about hope in one's life. Dickinson uses the metaphor of 'Light on winter afternoons' to show how in the cold depths of winter, there are still the hopes of spring. Just as Emily Dickinson must have some deep personal hope within herself at trying times. This poem leaves me with the impression that Dickinson is, on the surface a very negative person, yet her problems reach deep inside. Dickinson seems to find a little bit of hope in the simplest of forms. Emily Dickinson also seems to be very interested th the thought of death, she needs to find it within herself to accept the truth of death that everybody must face. Sarah Reese from United States Comment 36 of 37, added on February 25th, 2008 at 10:42 PM. It's ironic that she would associate oppression with "Cathedral Tunes". She portrays religious images in a negative light (no pun intended). It's not just hurt, it's "Heavenly Hurt". Diction? I think so. Unlike some of you have said, the last stanza, I do not believe she is talking about death. The "it" is still about the "Slant of light" Now if you think the light is death, substitude death for "it". It would read: "When death goes, 'tis like the Distance On the look of Death-" It makes no sense. Others have also said that the light signifies hope. I don't believe that either. It would be very strange to descrive hope as oppressive. Anna from United States Comment 35 of 37, added on February 25th, 2008 at 6:48 AM. In her life Dickinson explains metaphorically that like seasons come and go, there are times when our lives are at joy, or sadness. Depending on how we cope with these indifferences, is how far the light slants. Meaning that however deep the problem is, the more depressed we get about the situation. Once the problem is fixed though, you get a perfectly straight, well light ray of light. This represents hope for us all. Mark Kimata from United States More Comments >> Are you looking for more information on this poem? Perhaps you are trying to analyze it? The poem, There's a certain Slant of light,, has received 37 comments. Click here to read them, and perhaps post a comment of your own. Of course you can also always discuss poems by Emily Dickinson with others on the American Poems poetry forum!

Poem Info
Poet: Emily Dickinson Poem: 258. There's a certain Slant of light, Volume: Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson Year: Published/Written in 1955 Last read: May 18 2008, 1:45PM Poem of the Day: Aug 4 2002 Viewed 18683 times. Added on February 25th, 2008 at 6:48 AM.

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