Poetry: There’s A Certain Slant of Light

Question 1

author

certain slant

Answer 1

Emily Dickenson

Question 2

Type of Conflict

certain slant

Answer 2

Internal

Question 3

Message

certain slant

Answer 3

Poem is an exploration of Dickenson’s internal conflict about religion

Question 4

Themes

certain slant

Answer 4

Religion

Question 5

rhyme scheme

Structural Features

certain slant

Answer 5

ABCB rhyme scheme

almost perfect rhymes but not quite — near rhymes relect imperfection she finds in god and her relationship with Him

Question 6

Atmosphere/Tone

certain slant

Answer 6

uncertainty/self doubt
uncomfortable

Question 7

Quote 1

certain slant

Answer 7

“There’s a certain Slant of light”

“there’s”&raquo_space; definitive
“slant”&raquo_space; not perfect
“light”&raquo_space; symbol of divinity

suggests that there is something wrong with/about god/relationship with god

Question 8

Quote 2

certain slant

Answer 8

“Heavenly Hurt”

oxymoron&raquo_space; negative aspects of having faith
» is it a necessary good or a hidden evil??
» does faith cause more harm than good??
aspriant alliteration&raquo_space; breathy quality that sounds weak

Question 9

Quote 3

certain slant

Answer 9

“When it comes, the Landscape listens —”

personification&raquo_space; external pressures
» decision could change the/her world

caesura&raquo_space; uncertainty/self-doubt
» hesitation about validity of her decision
» apprehensive to her decision/faith

Question 10

Quote 4

certain slant

Answer 10

“When it goes, ‘tis like… the look of Death”

simile&raquo_space; decision is a social suicide of sorts - should she be true to self or follow the rest of society?
» stares “death” down snd decides to be true to self