Dickinson Poem Flashcards

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1
Q

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.

A

Imperative because it is a command. The fact makes it a command.

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2
Q

What does Dickinson mean when she says to tell the truth “slant”?

A

Do not tell the truth straight and all at once.

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3
Q

a) Where does success “lie”?

b) Why is the work “lie” appropriate in this line?

A

a) Success lies in sugar coating the truth.

b) This poem is commanding us to tell the half truth which is like lying.

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4
Q

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

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)

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5
Q

What is the simile in lines 5 and 6?

A

The explanation of the truth is simplified just as lighting is eased. Telling the truth slant is like explaining lightning to little kids.

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6
Q

What explanation is referred to in lines 5 and 6?

A

lightning to children is explained.

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7
Q

Explain what Dickinson means by saying the truth must “dazzle gradually.”

A

Tell the truth a little bit at a time.

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8
Q

Explain the last line of this poem. Why is the word “blind” used?

A

When you lie or not tell the full truth it is like blinding someone.

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